Suggestion please - how to improve curb appeal of my NJ coastal home
Donna Lockhart
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (6)
Donna Lockhart
6 years agoRelated Discussions
Ideas on how to improve curb appeal and exterior of old house?
Comments (24)Congratulations on the house. Wonderful tree. I'd start with a plan that emphasizes the tree and lays out other structure. Since you mentioned a fence... maybe a gate or trellis passage where the walkway dies off? Drop in some stepping stones between there and the road. Just to make the walkway ending like that be more sensible. I've seen it where there is just a bit of fence either side of the entry gate/trellis, but that partial fence relates to fencing on the side or in back. With back/side fence, tree, walkway and gate/trellis as the structure, coax grass along and plan out a few beds. Just a few to start. (We just pick a spot and lay a tarp down untill the grass dies off). Then dig in. Flats of annuals drop steeply in price partway into summer and will last a long time where you are. Snap up perrenials and other plantings when you can - ask friends and family if they need anything dug up and divided. Your tree deserves a wide circle of mulch (less grass to tend and makes the tree happy and healthy.) Our town has free mulch at the 'recycling center' aka the dump. I like someone's earlier idea of continuing the walkway around to the driveway too though.... hmmm. You may find it easier to tackle removing part of that 'walk to nowhere' than trying to work with it. A walk, even gravel, curving by the tree could be very nice....See MoreHouse has weird asymmetrical windows -- how can I improve curb appeal?
Comments (38)There really is nothing farmhouse about your home's style. The roof is Spanish. From the front, the board and batten and casement windows are contemporary. From the side, the house looks like it was a Garrison Colonial with the overhang filled in at one point. The solid wall makes it feel more contemporary. The extra trim around the windows look like they were added on at some point. This is a good example of an authentic, typical farmhouse. If you were to remove the front porch, it would be a typical Colonial with an addition on the back. This shows the overhang of a Garrison Colonial. Here, the entrance is in the middle rather than on the side. If you're curious as to what your house was look like when it was originally built, perhaps you can get a copy of the plans from the office that issues building permits in your county. You would more than likely be able to find elevation drawings that shows how the house was meant to look....See MoreNeed help improving curb appeal for my dark brick home
Comments (8)I agree the brick is fine but the shutters need to go. I actually think the current siding color with the roof and brick is nice. Garage door should be the same color to pull focus away from it. You want more focus at your front door/entry area. At some point you might think about a garage door with windows across the top. That can add interest and help break up the "wall." Larger light fixtures for the garage and front door would be nice. As gardengal suggested, beef up the posts and maybe the same for the window trim once the shutters are gone. Though this is an entirely different house, it gives you an idea of how the sage green gardengal mentioned could work with brown brick (or stone, in this example)....See MoreAny suggestions on how to improve the curb appeal of this house?
Comments (18)I don't see that the main tree needs any pruning. As you walk up to the front door along the path, it's nowhere in your view. It's really easy to make a tree look weirdly unnatural by injudicious pruning, and there's no road back. To me, the amount of bare brick on the side of the garage is not proportional to the rest of the house. It needs to be broken up visually. I seldom like shutters but they would add interest to the brick and I agree they would look good here. We don't know the width of the walkway, or the width of the bed between the walkway and the wall, which would help us make recommendations for what to plant. It goes without saying that you'd need to be sure the plantings do not cover the walkway. A bed on the other side of the walkway would need to be low ground cover, and it's purpose would be to visually beef up the landscaping on that side of the house, in order to make it more proportional to the expanse of brick. I like the idea of another tree or shrub near the driveway. I'd trim down the shrub to the left of the front door, so the window is more visible as you approach the front door. You have a very attractive house, it just need a bit of help to look its best....See MoreDenita
6 years agoDonna Lockhart
6 years agoGN Builders L.L.C
6 years ago
Related Stories
EXTERIORS17 Ways to Increase Your Home's Curb Appeal
The word on the street? Homes with appealing front views can sell faster, lift moods and convey a warm welcome
Full StoryGARDENING AND LANDSCAPINGSpring Checklist: Freshen Up Your Home's Curb Appeal
Step outside and use these tips to show off your home to its best advantage this spring
Full StoryFEEL-GOOD HOME9 Ways to Boost Your Home’s Appeal for Less Than $75
Whether you’re selling your home or just looking to freshen it up, check out these inexpensive ways to transform it
Full StoryGREAT HOME PROJECTSHow to Give Your Driveway and Front Walk More Curb Appeal
Prevent injuries and tire damage while making a great first impression by replacing or repairing front paths
Full StoryGREAT HOME PROJECTSUpgrade Your Front Yard for Curb Appeal and More
New project for a new year: Revamp lackluster landscaping for resale value, water savings and everyday enjoyment
Full StoryMEDITERRANEAN-STYLE DESIGNNail Your Curb Appeal: Mediterranean Style
Earthy hues, low-water landscaping and architectural flourishes are characteristic of these homes
Full StoryEXTERIORSCurb Appeal Feeling a Little Off? Some Questions to Consider
Color, scale, proportion, trim ... 14 things to think about if your exterior is bugging you
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESStaying Put: How to Improve the Home You Have
New book by architect Duo Dickinson shows how to remodel your house to get the home you want
Full StoryGREAT HOME PROJECTSReady to Repaint Your Home’s Exterior? Get Project Details Here
Boost curb appeal and prevent underlying damage by patching and repainting your home’s outer layer
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNHow to Make Your Painted or Stained House Feel at Home in the Landscape
Use color and texture to create a pleasing connection between your house and garden
Full Story
Dig Doug's Designs