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Looking for advice on how to update 80’s contemporary

2 years ago

We are purchasing this home. We love the strong lines and the uniqueness of the home, but hate the all brown. It has a new roof and we want to keep the brown brick. We plan on replacing all exterior windows, doors, and garage doors. We also plan to replace and/or paint the brown wood siding. What would you do?! Looking for some ideas on how to bring it more current and add curb appeal.

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JudyG Designs
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
I like the look of it, now. I was going to suggest painting the garage door this color I think would look great with the 'browns". B.M. Kitty Gray. It has a beautiful smokey green/silver undertone

But it will look as good with the brick if you decide to go ahead and paint the wood.
Fori
2 years ago
The siding is perfect as is. I'd get a new garage door to match and refresh any stain that needs it. If you must paint it, the color Judy suggests is trendy/current and would look good

Tall vertical plantings would help, especially in the back which could use landscaping beyond grass. I'm sure if you gave a rough location people would be able to make planting suggestions.
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I also found another project I did, where they used wood for the decking, and top railing cap with feeney cable rail as well. White timber tech post sleeves. I made a pergola to go over the deck and they bought one of these really cool colored sunsail awning to go onto. Like someone else mentioned the side stairs could be better with divided landings, and wider. As far as the siding I know its very expensive but hardy plank would last the longest with minimal maintenance. I also think that if something was done with bottom of deck, either columns, enclosed porch with deck underneath would change the whole appearance of the house, along with different rails.
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Thank you, Laura, Patricia and Glo! I do agree painting the trim the same as the house to blend in will help bring it more transitional than traditional. Great point! Will definitely be replacing deck railing to metal and front doors to something that brings in light. I love the frosted suggestion to keep privacy. By saying I want to keep the brick, I just don't want to replace it. I am open to painting it, but maybe that is a bad idea? I like to concept of dark charcoal, but the light brick looks a bit jarring against this. Should I look towards a lighter, or white palette for the exterior if I keep the brick as-is? If going with a darker palette, do I paint/wash the brick to be less contrasting? Also, I am still stuck on where I could add some natural cedar siding accents to bring in some nautral color/texture. Would I do this on the right entry wall, the entire entry cove, 270°?
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FYI - gold and gray (what I see in your pics) is a very up to the minute color scheme If it aint broke.... However taking it more in a "lodge" direction would be good - take darker brown-greige-grays from the rocks for siding and/or trim only. When you say "charcoal" roof - be careful there. Get some samples of shingles and look at them very closely to see what colors are in the grain. What's called charcoal often has blue undertones that would clash, try to find something with brown in it. What's called "weathered wood" might be more harmonious with the natural brown-greiges of the stone but while still giving you a more grayed look than what is currently there. Agree that is a very appealing house, part of its appeal is the stone and how it fits so well in the natural setting.
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Sigrid
2 years ago
I'm generally not a fan of brown, but the natural earth tones of your brick and wood siding are gorgeous. Improve the landscaping for curb appeal, leave your gorgeous house as is.
cat_ky
2 years ago
I wouldnt change a thing, except to put in some really nice landscaping. It is beautiful now, and the colors it is, suit the style of the house very nicely.
ptreckel
2 years ago
Beautiful! And in great condition, too. I would simply refresh and restore whatever finish you have on that gorgeous wood. And then really amp up your landscaping with the money you have saved on changing your home!
Valinta
2 years ago
new garage doors with square windows across the top panel would repeat the 2nd floor windows of the house and provide balance, plus natural light in the garage doors.Depending on age, condition and manufacturer you might be able to replace just the garage door top panels.
I would also suggest larger outdoor light fixtures. LED with a mid🙁
Valinta
2 years ago
century vibe would provide interest.
nickel_kg
2 years ago
Landscaping, new garage doors as valinta suggests, staying with the earth-tone color scheme. I'd paint the foundation a deep mushroomy brown or dark leaf green ... garage pillars, porch, along the back. Add color (deep reddish?) front door, and lighten the ceiling of the entryway -- not stark white, but very light gray-blue maybe. Nice house!

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