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Exterior Windows Design Dilemma

Help with awkward, run-down exterior

2 years ago

Hello! Please advise on how to improve the exterior! The front entrance is up the stairs on the left (and visitors don't know where to go). We are due for new windows and paint, and to improve the looks we could possibly buy new garage doors and add/change a few windows, or add a few architectural details. We are in the mountains of Colorado and our house can't be seen from the road. Any design ideas are appreciated.

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Comments (5)

suezbell
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Interesting home.

Remove the existing steps and wrap that deck all the way around the end of the house over the garage doors and even continuing around to the right side so you could step off from it onto the back yard ... but ...

Then build a retaining wall alongside the driveway for the embankment at the right that will also serve to create a slope for a long walk path above the retaining wall that will enable you and your guests to reach the deck you add over the garage without needing to walk up steps. Think sidewalk for wheelchair access. You could put a curve in the sidewalk as needed so the walkway ends where you and guests park and exit your vehicles when not parking in the garage.

At the bottom end/beginning of the walk path/sidewalk by the driveway, create a welcoming entrance -- perhaps brick pillars with lights pole and even a large "mail box" for deliveries.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/427771664579459684/

On the deck at the top of that slope, add a lattice wall with a gate between the deck over the garage doors and the back yard that you can keep closed (and even add an arrow to it) that will serve to block guests from going into the back yard and direct them toward your front entry.

This landscaping/infrastructure/entry investment will mean your home could be your forever home even if you reach a point where walking up steps is difficult.
suezbell
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
If you can change out that left or middle window over the garage for your new entry door, consider doing that and add a "forward" (driveway) facing gable roof over the deck over the garage doors to become your front porch. You can still keep your deck as a deck ... connected to your new front porch.
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I would center the TV between the edge of the open door and the thermostat and mount it on the wall. Then I would hang a piece of vertically oriented art (about 20" wide x 36" deep to the left of the TV, centered between it and the closed door. The open door would cover the art, but it wouldn't be open all the time, so that would balance the TV. Alternatively, you could mount a board with some hooks to hang coats, purses, etc. on as you enter the house. I don't see a coat closet, so that would be handy. I also noticed the art on the side wall looks too big for the space. What if you hang it to the left of the front window? The wall looks a little wider there. Then you could get something smaller for where you took it down.
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Kristi
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you for the ideas!
Sigrid
2 years ago
A more attractive paint scheme --- blue and white slways looks good --- and landscapingh.
Kristi
Original Author
2 years ago
Anyone have a thought about replacement window color or house color? Thanks

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