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Exterior Smaller Homes Design Dilemma

1950s rambler needs some major cosmetic changes. Need Help, please.

5 years ago

We have a 1950s rambler. Nothing very exciting, actually it’s bland. I would love input on how we can add curb appeal on a budget.

Some stipulations: no major construction/changes to front of house (ie- not turning the rambler into a craftsman).
The landscaping needs to go, so offer your opinions on that as well.

Thanks so much!

Featured Answer

phuninthesun

5 years ago

Dark sage, add some wood elements.

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Comments (22)

phuninthesun
5 years ago
What color is the house? Would you like to paint that as well or mostly landscaping?
chloebud
5 years ago
If it includes painting, I think a light sage green would look nice with your roof color. Soft white for the trim.
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groveraxle
5 years ago
njmomma
5 years ago
Not a Pro.

If you need to change your roof, now would be the time.

Some inspiration:

Rambler to Mod Ranch · More Info
PRO
JudyG Designs
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
More often than not, I find a bright white is a go-to exterior color on single story ranches….then make the front door and landscaping the eye catchers.

With your great green lawn…do the door bright green, as well.

If you need a storm door, paint it the color of the front door so there is no “frame”.
Steph
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you for all the comments! My husband and I are loving the suggestions.
suezbell
5 years ago
Because I'm prejudiced in favor of usable porches...

Would you consider adding a 6' deep front porch w/concrete floor on the right side (2/3 or so) of the home major construction?

You might consider adding a shed roof across the front of the home from a left beginning point halfway between the front door and the living room windows toward the right side of the house to a point within 6' of the right front corner of the home, then, with a hip corner, turning the shed roof to end the porch at (or near) the right front corner of the house.

The kind of posts you use to support the post should reflect your intended style.
PRO
Fairway Style Living
5 years ago
Hi, Steph--

I'll admit, my first thought looking at your house was similar to suezbell's - that you have a great opportunity to add a large porch stretching from the front door to the far end of the front elevation. Since the windows on that portion of the home are also set high, they wouldn't be obscured by a porch railing, and it appears shaded at least part of the time from your mature trees.

Depending on where you're located, and how much you enjoy the idea of a front porch space, it could be a great option to consider as you also think about paint and trim color changes. Cheers!
groveraxle
5 years ago
Covered walkway.
phuninthesun
5 years ago
Steph - Do you see any ideas you like? Any thoughts?
summersrhythm_z6a
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Add on a big front porch, change the front door, 5 small windows to 3 sets of French doors, make it looks like a French country style.
Steph
Original Author
5 years ago
I think I would need to see what a porch would look like on our house. I’m having some difficulty imagining what some of you have suggested.
I love the landscaping and color options we have seen so far, especially the sage with wood trim. My husband and I don’t plan on making this our forever home so we don’t want to put too much structural work into the house. We are open to adding a small porch, we do have plans to add a back porch (which will get used far more than the front porch).

I would like to add window boxes.
phuninthesun
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
With cedar pergola and window boxes.

DIY Window Boxes
Steph
Original Author
5 years ago
Phuninthesun, I love the new ideas! Thanks so much. This really helps.
Denita
5 years ago
Please post a pic with the garage door down so we can see what it looks like in context. Preferably without the vehicle in the driveway so we can get a good idea of what you have now.

Also please post your dilemma in the landscape sub-forum so you can get ideas for new landscaping.

I would concentrate on the landscaping and the back porch if you plan to sell in just a few years. In my area, a back porch is highly desirable if it is sized right for the home. Check with your Realtor to see the added value in your area. I know it varies widely from area to area.
Sidgirl K
5 years ago
I think the sage green is lovely, but personally, IMO your lawn is so green that you don't need more, lol. I'd go with bright white, with a soft gray or charcoal roof, and a bright color trim--maybe bright green there, or red? Or a nice glossy black. You rarely see bright, dramatic colors on houses, and IMO that's a shame because they add so much cheer and personality. Houses where I used to live often had those bright red, green, or black trims, and I loved the way they looked (houses were white or cream-color). I also agree re painting the front door and storm door the same color.

Phuninthesun's cedar trim is beautiful, though.
groveraxle
5 years ago
I'm going to put in another 2 cents and then shut up. This is a mid century home and IMO, the linearity should be emphasized, not broken up. I would add minimal vertical elements to the front--no window boxes, no Italian cypress, as few porch posts as possible, no window muntins--and keep all lines clean and simple.
Steph
Original Author
5 years ago
Groveraxle, I completely agree with you. My style definitely runs more cottage, but I do understand that mid century needs something different. Thanks.
groveraxle
5 years ago
I'm glad you recognize that you don't live in a cottage, Steph. Fighting the bones of a house never turns out well. Go with the flow and you'll end up with a great looking house.
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Clopay
5 years ago
Use Clopay's Door Imagination System https://www.clopaydoor.com/door-imagination-system to upload a photo of your house and try on different garage door styles until you find the design/color you want. There are plenty of options from carriage house to Mid-Century Modern. https://www.clopaydoor.com/residential-garage-doors

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Susan Davis
5 years ago
Your house is quite nice and very basic which is great! I think you should consider a professional landscaper and a redo of entry walkway and driveway. Much like this picture below.....the house is inviting because the landscape is beautiful.....much like a frame enhances a picture you might consider landscape first and then possiby new windows an and a more important door?

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