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Remodeling Exterior

Exterior Ideas to late 70's Spanish Style Home

5 years ago

Any ideas to make this house look more modern and spruced up on the exterior? We just bought it, and the previous owners did a wonderful job remodeling the kitchen and interior paint, but there is still more to be done, but I think the exterior is really lacking at the moment.

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User

5 years ago

I like the arches, but would paint them to match the brick so that they stood out because of their shape, not their color.

I don't like foundation plantings - they're a pet peeve. I'd remove the shrubs and the small tree next to the house, then cut back the lower limbs of the large trees that obscure the roof of the house and the garage.

I'd spend as much I could afford on two or three good-sized trees and place them eight or ten feet back from the sidewalk. Birch, alder, or some other open tree that would define the yard while letting you see the house.

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Comments (11)

Jeff
Original Author
5 years ago
Any ideas?
Anna (6B/7A in MD)
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Sorry, no. But what makes you think it’s a Spanish style? And specify if you mean landscaping or work on the home itself.

Maybe more photos and some inspiration pictures would garner more replies?
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Hi thanks everyone for the ideas. I'm in Arizona where the red brick is a unique feature compared to the typical concrete block walls. Its a distinct feature for the neighborhood and I'm not sure HOA would allow it. That said, I do see stuccoing the the backyard side would create more balance. The railing on the balcony will be replaced and I'm interested in doing wrought iron inserts/railing in between the large painted wood posts. cpaul1 had an interesting idea on stained wood vs painted for the pillars. I'd assume these painted one pillars could be sanded and stained? That might look good in combination with the dark trim paint. Then I'd also consider doing wood slate ceiling on the balcony. Would that look off? I'm searching for some photos of similar homes with the non-painted beams and similar style. As far as the balusters, something like this in a flat black? decoenthusiaste - I'm a big fan of that white home with the dark trim! Wish I had the wooden windows to contrast like they did. I'm not sure how I could do that without the wood windows/door.
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You're just looking for a color recommendation? Well, common belief on this forum is that painted brick is not preferred. Does the roof stay? It's hard to tell what color it is presently. And the house is currently mauve? The (black?) shutters stay? I'm a traditionalist. I believe I would do plain old white to go along with the black shutters. You said it's a heavily treed lot so a very light color is probably best. (Unless you'd rather fade the house into its background. Some people do.) Though you didn't ask, I also think a wider, more defined sidewalk would add a lot, along with cutting back the shrubbery at the steps. And I'm envious of your full redbud and blooming daffodils. It was -6 degrees here this morning! 🥶
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what kind of budget are you talking?? remove the deck, redo siding, paint brick or stucco it, new windows less costly, you could Romabio the brick, they used it on this brick (which used to be red) get diff siding, remove the shutters, paint the garage door. whatever you do decide, the shutters should be removed. RIP. if you have extra money, turn that walkout deck into more sq footage. ignore the color and style, just look at the layout. similar to yours. see how the 'deck overhang' has been enclosed? Is that something you could do? or just remove it? See how they pushed it out and did wood siding? I like this one too or, just remove the wrap around deck and make a more contemporary look like this next pic: this is one of my favorite split remodels. composite wood slat siding is a thing now. bunch of other split ranch redos Two after pics where they kept the deck check out this '68 make over https://www.curbed.com/article/nick-rachel-cope-home-tour-hudson-ny.html https://www.jimenezphoto.com/split-level-house-remodel-before-and-after/
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I really like the color it is, but understand not wanting the pink tones. I’d stay in the brown family, and keep the brick as is. It’s organic and in keeping with the surroundings, which is important with this style architecture. If you haven’t already, do some research on this wonderful style of house … embrace it’s heritage. It’s a really nice one. :) Unfortunately, too many across the country are disappearing under heavy ”updates”. (I don’t mean you’re doing that, just the current trend of trying to remove the ’70’s charm and history of these homes.)
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kazzh
5 years ago
The three arches in the front seem to 'need' something, i'm not sure what exactly. Metal wall art? Espallier plantings? Lighting design? Maybe find some garden styles which appeal and see what elements you could incorporate.
cat_ky
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
It looks very dark, so maybe trim up some of those trees to allow some light to come in. Those niches, definitely need something. Maybe some type of metal art. You definitely need landscaping. A good idea would be to have a nursery draw up a landscaping plan. If you have the budget to do all of it now, that would be great, but, if you dont, then it could be done in phases, as long as you have a total design. Oh, and have someone professionally trim those shrubs that have a bowl shape on the right hand side. They would look much nicer if they were trimmed to a normal shape.
ci_lantro
5 years ago
I would call a mason and see if you can match the brick. If so, I would pull that entire veneer off, install some windows, and re-brick it.
ci_lantro
5 years ago
Get the sewer line mapped before you plant any trees!
Jeff
Original Author
5 years ago
I like the idea of getting rid of the foundation plantings and brick-paint-match the arches. Should I leave bark mulch in front of the house or remove everything all together and go with new grass?
User
5 years ago
It's up to you. Grass right up to the foundation can work, but so can mulch and a low ground cover like creeping juniper.
User
5 years ago
Certainly trim the trees back. Also, it doesn't seem "Spanish" to me. No tile roof, no courtyard entry...
Jeff
Original Author
5 years ago
What style is this?

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