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Porches & Decks Design Dilemma Exterior

Suggestion on updating this 90's stucco exterior

2 years ago

Any ideas on how to update this 90's stucco? I'm thrown off by the columns to the right of the front door but am stuck on how to update this without going all out and spending a ton. Also wondering if these shutters are too small or should be more traditional?

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Comments (4)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
2 years ago
For me the big issue is that the house needs to have one style everywhere.The window over the door is contemporary, the bay window is not the little arched window with the gable another style . IMO no grids in any of the windows would be perfect. Then removing landscaping that hides the house . I personlly do not think the shutters belong on the house . Are those columns actually supporting the roof there ? I would check that out and if not supporting anything get rid of them. The more you can do to simplify the exterior the better IMO. I would seriously look into removing that arched window and the gable over it . Then you could go in modern farmhouse direction I think.
Michelle Lee thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
apple_pie_order
2 years ago
Do you have any inspiration photos of updated houses you like?

You can start by pruning the shrubs under the windows. They look best when their tops are about a foot from the window sills. Shrubs away from the windows can be higher if pruned to be in proportion to their locations. Natural-shape pruning rather than muffin pruning looks more current.
Michelle Lee thanked apple_pie_order
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Hi Elle, Thanks for the suggestions. The shutters have more gray than they appear in the image But it is time to paint them again. Have enjoyed the blue-gray but I'm open to other color options. The brown roof is a new color addition, so a friend suggested I try brown shutters. Ideas?
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I don't know the purpose of that arch. It was originally designed that way, and yet nothing goes there. There is an inset shower window but up under there, so maybe the thought was to hide it from the curb. But, I had not considered actually putting something there - a fountain or something sculptural would be quite lovely there. And, I am thinking about a single door with sidelights too. I was just looking a pictures of a house with a wood and glass door, and maybe doing wood on the garage to complement it, though not sure about adding wood to the facade.
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I love that too! I wish my windows were trimmed in white. The taupe makes it tougher. For me at least to envision something. I think I read somewhere about a number of colors rule.. 3 if I recall? So with the beige and taupe I’m already at 2!
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It looks like you're in a hot, dry climate. Do you really want to paint your house darker? Above all, the exterior of your home should function well. "According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), dark and dull colors on a home’s exterior absorb anywhere between 70 to 90% of the sun’s energy. Once your home absorbs that energy, it transfers most of it as heat inside via conduction. "
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Michelle Lee
Original Author
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
@apple_pie_order Something similar to this is what I really like - I totally agree with the landscape, we already cleaned up the front yard, there was a huge uneven "garden" that we took out, filled in and replaced with grass. We'll tackle the front landscaping by the house this spring or next.
Michelle Lee
Original Author
2 years ago
@Patricia Colwell Consulting Thank you! those are all great ideas!

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