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Landscape Design Design Dilemma Exterior

exterior 80's ranch

5 years ago

We are going to be working on the exterior of our new to us brick

80's ranch come spring. We live in eastern Ontario Canada. I would love some front door ideas. I am trying for a bit of a craftsman like feel. The house faces east and we have a 6 foot overhang with no posts. It is fully cantilevered but I am open to adding fake posts to emphasize the front entrance. There is a walkway right against the house itself so window boxes may be out of the question. I am also not a fan of shutters. My initial thoughts were a dark teal, maroon or even a dark chocolate. I want to keep the trim white but really dislike the white above the windows and I have no idea what to do with that area.

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Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

Rainie

Featured Answer

PRO

User

5 years ago

Adding columns sounds like a good idea and will add some interest to the front facade. I would also paint the wood above the windows a color that closely "matches" the brick tone. For a front door I would paint it a deep blue/grey color. I would then focus most of the attention on landscaping, which will give you the most added curb appeal. I would also add a paved walking path straight out from the house the curves towards the driveway.

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Comments (10)

PRO
Norwood Architects
5 years ago
Support columns would not be a bad idea especially with a 6'-0" overhang. LOL, that is a serious overhangs. Adding a gable at the entry might help the very linear natures of the house. Another idea would be using brackets which might reinforce a craftsman style. Landscaping will make a big impact too. It all depends on what your budget is. Good luck!
rainiel
Original Author
5 years ago
I should say structurally the overhang is built correctly....LOL!!!! I like your idea of brackets. I can see that in stained wood on either side of the door and it would be substantial to look like it is supporting the roof. Thank you for the idea. I never thought of brackets.
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I don't see any new colors that I like better than what you already have. Part of the charm of your house is how it rambles and sprawls a bit, and the eye travels to take it all in, so I would be wary of drawing sharp accentuating dark lines on it. Definitely don't cut down those amazing trees, they make the house look modest, unpretentious and tied to nature, which another part of the charm of the house. Don't get shutters if you don't want them but if you ever feel they'd be an asset, functional ones would be the way to go. Yes, they would be irregular (on some of the windows I would only do one shutter on one side) but maybe you'd never, so.... I think the vast expanse of lawn is very nice for your house. I could see bluebells and wildflowers scattered throughout it, and a low key field of something at the right eide of the house, maybe something along the pathway to the garage (does that get any sun?) Ornmentals and foundation plants might compromise the relaxed simplicity of the scene and suburbanize the look You have a house under the trees in a lake of green.... Might be nice to define the driveway-end of the walk to the front door with a very simple lantern/post marker.
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kitasei
5 years ago
You can make the white look like stained wood that will fool the eye to a few feet. Google for instructions how. It involves an undercoat plus a wash applied by dry brush... but I am curious why everyone with a ranch suddenly wants a craftsman style. Waiting for the next wave of mass restoration of mid century modern.
rainiel
Original Author
5 years ago
I feel when you have an undistinguished boring 80's ranch the one modern element that is easy to help transform it is Craftsman elements. I wanted to create a more timeless yet updated home. That is why I have always loved Craftsman style homes. I like your idea of doing the door in a wood grain. If I had a limitless budget I think it would be wood. From far enough away a good rich brown just may achieve that look without having to do the faux wood grain. Thank you for the idea.
rainiel
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you Glo. I like the idea of not having to paint the sidelites so the white still pops. What a difference the column and the walkway makes. Thank you for doing that.
PRO
User
5 years ago
No problem! I would also add columns at the corners. I didn't add them, but assumed you got the gist of it ;)
rainiel
Original Author
5 years ago
Yes Glo I thought of that as well. I guess it has to look like it is holding up the whole roof.
PRO
JudyG Designs
5 years ago

Would be anice touch if a doghouse dormer could be installed over the front door section of the roof.
emmarene9
5 years ago
SW Silken Peacock for the door.

Wood that comes in contact with soil should not touch your house. You will have to pour a footing if you want posts.

A professional landscape design will be more helpful than anything you do to the house. The house is nice already.

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