How to make this plain house look interesting?
Michael Largent
5 years ago
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How can I make my house look better?
Comments (17)It looks like the "front" (view) side has vertical siding. Is that the same as the "back" side? So that the horizontal and little bits of diagonal siding are only on the gabled ends? If so, I'd consider swapping out the siding on the garage end (and the far end, possibly, if it matters) to be vertical siding that matches the long sides. The funny bits of white trim can go, and I would also lose the contrasting corner trim (paint it to match the body of the house). If you don't need the light from the two windows above the garage, consider losing those as well. Maybe replace with a simple vent. If you're wanting to reside completely, I think a vertical board-and-batten looks great on a California ranch. Here's a thread from another board that shows a ranch with original B&B siding. If you scroll down you'll see a photoshop where someone has made the garage door B&B as well, so it all blends together. And way toward the bottom you'll see it painted in a dark gray. I think this type of siding works well with darker colors. Here is a link that might be useful: Board and Batten ranch....See MoreHow to make house photo look less like a fortress?
Comments (23)It does look like a fortress, sorry. It's the design and there's not much you can do about it (presumably that facade exists to accommodate some fabulous interior spaces). The nearly two story expanse of siding to the left of the porch overhang and the configuration and size of the windows on the overhang to the left of that are the biggest contributors to the problem. Little pots and throw pillows aren't going to help. If anything, they'll just reemphasize the mass to the left. Over time, you could help the balance problem by possibly extending the porch the full length of the house, or by landscaping to scale (not little shrubs up next to the house - bigger beds, shade trees etc.) but those things don't help in the short term. It is what it is. Keep it clean and uncluttered and focus on the attributes inside....See MoreHow can I make my home's exterior look more mid century modern?
Comments (5)I don't like the dark paint. With your light roof and light stone it looks like someone tied a dark green ribbon around the top of your house. A lighter color would be an improvement. I dislike the planters and would remove them if possible. I would remove the rail if it is not needed for safety. It is probably original but it makes the door seem inaccessible You can buy a full view storm door and paint it and the house door the same color. I love your lamp post. Do you have a porch light? I made an amateurish image of a lighter house with no planters. Do you think the stone is original?...See MoreHow to make house looks transitional without changing reddish floor?
Comments (26)I have...opinions about Benjamin Moore. They're expensive (especially their samples) and their matte is gorgeous but too matte (as in, marks easily, difficult to clean). I've painted a ton and have had just as good results with the higher tier of Behr and Sherwin Williams. Their matte is not as flat, but it still looks great and is easier to care for. If you require really good assistance with color and advice, go to a Sherwin Williams store instead of a hardware store. Choosing paint is really specific to what kind of natural light you have and also how you light it at night. You have a ton of trees, so look around during the day and see if they reflect a green cast into the rooms? Then you might need an off white with an undertone more on the pinkish end of the spectrum (not yellow), such as SW Paper Kraft. A good off white should come off as warm and creamy but not noticeably pink or yellow. When you narrow down to a few favorites, get samples and paint big swatches (you can do this on cardboard if you don't want to paint the walls). Matte is best for walls (I only choose satin for damp spaces like bathrooms). If you don't need to worry about green cast, the sky is your limit. To keep things easy: choose the same white for trim and ceiling (a brighter white than the walls). Satin for the trim and matte for the ceiling....See MoreLady Driver
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