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Remodeling Design Dilemma Exterior

Help Improving Curb Appeal for Midcentury Raised Ranch

3 years ago

Hi all--

I just bought this home, which sat for some time in a hot market, and one of the only reasons I can think of (besides the raised ranch layout) is that it's a little bland-looking. I think it's a bit box-like and could use some dimension. I'd love to amplify any of the midcentury elements it has-- for example, I found a great period wood door that I plan to install and stain a natural medium brown. Can you suggest any paint, architectural, or landscaping changes I can make to improve this home's curb appeal?

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Comments (8)

PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
3 years ago
I would go with overhang or portico all the way or smaller
Mike thanked Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
Mike
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
That's amazing! I was thinking a portico, but couldn't quite visualize it-- you're a wizard! Now you've got my sig other shopping for contractors...
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Kelli, this is my amateur opinion and drawing. The roof, the siding and the fascia/rain gutter are all about the same color. The fascia would be better in white. I used black because I couldn't make the white work. The tree near the street is ready to be trimmed up. I think the bed in front looks shallow and the shrubs seem planted too close to the house. I would deepen that bed. I do not care for the extended part of the bed because it blocks the view of the entrance. I would reuse those plants and rework the entrance a bit. I might plant a large shrub in front of the second part of the driveway. People should notice the house more than the driveway and this would hide a bit of it. It is a very attractive house and I would love a three car garage.
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Thank you very much for taking the time to do this. Seeing it rendered this way helps a lot. I love the flowering trees and the trellis.
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Comments (12)
I knew there is a way to update your beautiful home. Consider spending your limited resources on the front entrance and garage door. FIRST SUGGESTION: 1) Paint the front door, garage surround and window framing (the trim everywhere) a spruce green. (or med brownish green) See the first & second pic. 2) Paint the shutters a butter sand. 3) And now the fun stuff: Add a wood arbor over the front door to focus on a welcoming entrance. Add the same color wood garage door and short arbor as shown in the pic. Continue the same at the back. SECOND SUGGESTION: 1) Paint the front door, garage surround and window framing (the trim everywhere) a blue grey. See the last pic. 2) Paint the shutters a pale grey. 3) And now the fun stuff: Add a wood arbor over the front door to focus on a welcoming entrance. Add the same color wood garage door and short arbor as shown in the pic. Continue the same at the back. (see pic) IMHO I like the first suggestion because it's fresh and new and be a showstopper on your street. The second suggestion is more traditional and sophisticated. After that, we can concentrate on the plantings and landscaping. Hope this helps and please comment on what you think! Suggestion #1 Note the colors: Butter sand for the shutters and brownish green for the garage surround and trim Note the colors: Spruce green, butter sand and arbor. This obviously is a back area but can be adapted to a front entrance. Note Garage door and arbor Suggestion #2: Note colors: Blue grey and pale grey and black window frames and garage trim around wood door
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Kate
3 years ago
The doors Celery added are stunning! The upstairs middle-ish window is throwing it off, does it have to be there and can you add larger windows on each side?
PRO
Norwood Architects
3 years ago
I like the porch proposed above. It does give dimension to the flat fascade and makes a good way to transition from the brick to siding. If you don't add a porch I would suggest painting the brick and the siding the same color to unify the entire composition. The proposed front door looks great. Not quite as sure about the stepping stone path across the front of the porch but do very much like the side walk from the new steps. You could also consider either adding a window on the second floor (if the interior arrangement allows) or changing the size of one or more of the existing windows to give some variety. Good luck!
Mike thanked Norwood Architects
Seabornman
3 years ago
Don't shop for contractors until you check zoning: front yard setback requirement. You should have a survey in your closing papers that will show location of house and property line. It may also show a line for setback.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
I like celerys ideas a lot.
rnonwheels
3 years ago
Changing the lower level and possibly the side of the house to a darker tone will make it much better, the white cuts in into a awkward half. The upper window =trim could also be painter the new lower color. New strong light fixtures too. Yellow for the door.
roarah
3 years ago
A bit less expensive than Celery’s lovely rendition. This is a recent update in a house near my parents. These we small simple changes that made a big difference.
After
all one color and they turned the small garage into a room and some cedar trim added around doorways.

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