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Paint Remodeling Design Dilemma

Need Help w/ Curb Appeal for Boring House!!

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

Hi! I would like to add some character to my house. It was painted recently, so I don't want to change the main color. I would like to add depth. The one note grey is boring. Would window trim get lost behind the knee wall? I am planning to live here for a couple years and then sell, so I am not looking to go crazy lavish. Houses in the area are selling b/w $300,000-$450,000. I am worried that I might do something that doesn't have a good ROI. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Featured Answer

Sammie J

3 years ago

I would re-do your landscaping rather than painting any parts of the home.

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Comments (7)

PRO
JudyG Designs
3 years ago
Your home is not boring; it’s lovely and you have done a great job.

If you are selling in a few years, I would just leave it as is.

But, I know you started your post to get some kind of feed back. The only thought its to apply a darker gray stone to the wall.
partim
3 years ago
It would be helpful to have photos that enlarge when we click on them.
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kj You don't mention budget so I'll just throw some ideas out there w/o budget constraints - I like the idea of a walkway - perhaps a bluestone in a hopscotch pattern - Some new foundation plantings - I like holly, 1 on either side of the portico - set back - train them to stay lean and grow tall . Mix some everygreen low plantings with some nice blooming plantings - I agree the posts to portico could be heftier - the existing ones could be wrapped - The ctr there could also be toned down a bit - perhaps painting the siding a light color you pick up in the existing brick which would help it blend rather than stick out. - Are the shutters wood or vinyl? they appear to be too small in scale for the size of the house, so wider ones painted different color - Posting a larger pic of the house may help, trying to pick up some of the colors in the brick good luck
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Even if you could have shutters would you really want to - I wholeheartedly agree with the above posters, except my order would be: Doorway first - if the existing door is attractive and/or vintage & original to house then just get a better quality storm door that lets us see it. Or think about whole new door. That really is the very most prominent noticeable thing about your house, and your chance to make an architectural statement. I like the awning too, if it was the right style/color to coordinate w/ door and rails so your entryway feels unified/cohesive. Then re-do the garden beds - as a gardener Id be itchin to get in there and not just weed, but totally renovate the bed by digging out everything and getting good quality garden soil. Guess Im assuming that if weeds have taken over that means the soil is probably pretty crappy but that may not be the case. Id put in at least one or two SUBSTANTIAL flowering shrubs, perhaps roses. As a gardener that all sounds like FUN to me - but your mileage may vary. Also concealment of garbage can is a good idea. Whats to the left of your door/stairs, looks like some plants/ shrubberies over there too?.
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Yes. I've saved all the suggestion pictures. My husband and I are going to sit down and try to draw out what we are thinking for the landscaping (location, colors, etc). I'd like to lay it out so that it's ready for the addition of the walkway. We aren't going to be able to replace the front door at the moment. Is paint a terrible idea for a short-term upgrade? If paint is an option, what are your thoughts on paint color for the door? And the shutters....I'm not 100% sold on removing them (we are in south Ga so the shutters keep the southern feel). If we keep shutters, do you have a suggestion on color? I want the front of the house to really pop.
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PRO
HALLETT & Co.
3 years ago
more dimensional landscaping and larger lights by the front door Cute house!
OhNat
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you all! Landscaping it is! I really appreciate the feedback.
suezbell
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
If you change any of your lights, change all of them to be the same. In lieu of changing the lights, you might just add to the size of them by adding a pair of contrasting vertical panels to the exterior wall -- one on each side of the front entry door -- and hanging the lights on the vertical panels -- choose your favorite dark bold color, a color you can continue with your front patio furnishings.

In front of the wall is a plant that is uniform in height; is that plant liriope? Like it, keep it, but consider moving any shrubs that are different from the area just behind and in front of them. -- and plant the same plant in front of both parts of the wall. You could use the other taller plants/shrubs beside the house to create a partial green of the house and then focus on keeping the lawn healthy and trimmed.
OhNat
Original Author
3 years ago
Love the idea of the panels behind the light fixtures! That would really help to add a pop of color. Not sure what the name of those grassy plants are, but they are great here in Florida. I agree that they should be on both sides and thebeds shouldbe simplified. I am a fan of symmetry. Thank you so much for your help, @suezbell

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