How can we update our exterior?
We are buying a 1960s colonial, and would love to update the exterior. Not a fan of the cream trim and red shutters. We were thinking painting the trim white, shutters black, and boxing in the porch posts with a stained wood, and have matching window boxes on the lower windows? Not sure how that would look or if anyone has other ideas!!
Comments (6)
btydrvn
3 years agoRelated Discussions
How can we update the appearance of our home?
Comments (6)I would go with a sage green and lighten the trim more. I would also flank your entry door with two beautiful sconces. I would also remove the two tall shrubs in front of your house. I also think a light wood door would look beautiful. I personally like your black shutters although I'm sure many will say to remove them....See MoreWe have no idea how to update this exterior!!
Comments (10)Nice front entry. Of course, landscaping is key. But looking at porch what struck me is that it needs a more important / beefier hanging light and one without that gold glass. The porch support pillars would look better beefed up too. I would definitely not lime-wash or otherwise paint the stone! Clean it for sure but leave it as it suits the setting of the house which looks a bit rural or woodsy. After it’s cleaned all the trim does need paint but wait on choosing color until you see the clean colors of stone. You don’t show a good shot of front door but that might be an item to update style & color wise....See MoreHow can we update the front of our house with this dormer?
Comments (26)This might sound odd, but do you see the blank space to the right of the central window on the first floor? In that area, to balance out the door’s awkward location on the left, place a large custom trellis, perhaps out of stained wood or cast aluminum and plant a vine upon it. I think that by placing something to balance the door, even to measuring the exact width and location of the door relative to the dormer above it, you will create symmetry with the dormer. You can create symmetry out of asymmetry by fooling the eye. I suggest a large grid shaped trellis, probably the width of two of your casement windows, and set to the height of the windows, too, that emulates the window patterns. Then, as all here suggest, foundation plantings to fill out your beds and add texture and life to the front of your home. Perhaps, too, symmetrical trees planted in your front yard that would bracket the dormer when viewed from the street. Can anyone create this with photoshop?...See MoreHow to update exterior of our new home?
Comments (16)Thanks so much everyone for the input! You all have such wonderful ideas, I'm very excited! @cat_ky I am not sure whether it's stain or paint - I think paint (we're not in the house yet so I can't just pop out and take a look). @hallettco I think the white windows are vinyl. In terms of vision, I love a light and airy vibe - very indoor/outdoor feel. The interior will probably be some sort of modern farmhouse/coastal look. I would love for the exterior to work with that vision but I am really struggling to see how that would be possible. I think the stone and brown shingle roof are limiting. I was wondering whether we could paint the stone but I am not sure whether that would look weird. @Debbie Downer This is all great advice, thank you! I am not certain but I think the gold is a paint. A stain might look better but I don't know if it's possible to go from paint to stain. I am also not sure what type of wood the exterior is....See MoreJennifer Ellis
3 years ago
PROBeth H. :
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoI don't like the long shutters on the lower windows. they look odd. And the ones on the other window are too small and really shouldn't be on the triple window. I'd remove all of the shutters on the lower level.
You could always remove the shutters and do window trim in the black.
As for the coloring, it will look like this (and doing white siding)
but this black and white looks sharp because this home has a black roof. you don't. so keep that in mind when choosing your colorsporch posts, like this
If you want to change the entry way area:
if you're thinking about painting the brick (Romabio) it could look like this:
Another painted brick and porch redo. Along with a nice walkway and flower bed
This before picture will mimic the colors that you want to do to your home. The after shows what can be done if you want more of a farmhouse style
and this before and after comes from another poster on here who wanted more of a modern look
So, lots of options for you!
Jennifer Ellis thanked Beth H. :houssaon
3 years ago
PROBeverlyFLADeziner
3 years agoAlways best to live in the house for a bit before you make any big decisions. However, you can paint the panels below the 1st floor windows to match the siding
Get rid of the railing on the porch
Trim the overgrown tree away from the house. Trees can cause all types of damage to a house
Patricia Colwell Consulting