hey grits - so... even if there is a lot of house behind the front elevation.....so what? you can't see it when you look at the home from the curb so just focus on improving the curb appeal from the front elevation. I think it would be cool to either paint (with a strong accent color like orange as shown in the waldrum residence) or cover the 2nd story peak with a color or galvanized steel that would continue to the first story as a vertical element. That would help break up the strong horizontal lines which currently exist. I think you are on the right track to go edgy and contemporary with your beach home!

Paint the red steps to match the gray concrete porch. If the wrought iron is rusted, paint it with Rustoleum. Remove the shutters, BBQ and dish. Make sure there is nothing wrong that would cause the new renter and you any grief. Put your For Rent sign in the yard. Don't plant anything you don't want to be neglected and to die. Renters don't to much more than mow, and sometimes they don't even do that. Be sure they own a lawnmower and know how to use it.

Hi Jan, Congrats on new house! On my screen all the wood appears to have more of an ashy undertone as opposed to the usual "orangey" tone of most. The bright, white ceiling appears jarring and sharp, creating harsh visual horizontal lines where it meets the walls/beams. Add to that there is very little to no overhead lighting makes me agree with Patricia in that waiting and living in your house for a while makes the most sense. Which direction are your windows facing? How many people will live in this house? Do you have central AC for the hot MN summers? Will you be able to maneuver the "narrow hallways" as you age in this house? Also agree with our European post. Good luck and have fun!

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