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Exterior Design Dilemma Paint

wood plank garrison colonial exterior needs help

Cecilia Laufenberg

2 years ago

I'm confused by all of the lines in wood,, all covered with dark brown on the front of this house. The three other sides are light taupe aluminum siding.
What are least expensive update options to add curb appeal and charm. It looks luck such a heavy chunk right now. Would love a warm, inviting cottage feel but don't have much money to play with. Art deco with color would be easy and fun but cozy, warm and inviting is more of my style. Its actually somewhat mcm inside.

Featured Answer

Lyn Nielson

2 years ago

I like the 'lines' they add texture and interest.

I would paint that dark side the Taupe of the rest of the house.

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Comments (11)

houssaon
2 years ago
I would paint the front to match the sides. It is a good looking house.
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I am in the same boat. We have a Garrison Colonial that needs an update. I think the best approach is a full front porch (also the most expensive options) but since we just added a screen porch to the back, I am looking for a less expensive options. I am considering adding a awning style portico held up with corbels to the front or perhaps a trellis above the windows to help disguise the overhang. I am also considering ditching the shutters around the door and adding some white panels to make the door look bigger, adding wider trim around the windows and eliminating the shutters altogether, changing the siding, and perhaps adding a panel or window box under the window. Below are a few ideas, I am considering perhaps they might work for you. I would love to see what you decide to do. Below are some of the ideas that might work for you. Not sure what you call this style portico, matches better with the roof line. Maybe a trellis above the windows to hide overhang
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PRO
HALLETT & Co.
2 years ago
Another vote to just match the sides...
raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio
2 years ago
It seems to me that you have a couple of style features on this exterior that are in opposition.

I know it has the outlines of a garrison colonial, but the modern windows and the siding obscure that and really make me think more modern, at first glance. The colonial front door doesn't match.

Even though it wouldn't be your first or even second choice, I would go with that modern vibe. Change the front door to a more modern look, along with the light (get a larger one), house numbers, and mailbox when you can. Ditch the wreath and replace it and the bench with something simpler - maybe one or two colorful, large, modernish planters. maybe put those new house numbers & mailbox where the wreath is

If you can afford it, consider painting all sides of the house a medium dark blue (yes, aluminum can be painted) - otherwise, do just match the taupe.
Cecilia Laufenberg
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you all so much. :)
H B
2 years ago
What a cute house! i would match the color thats on the side as well and change out the fromt door
PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
2 years ago
Easiest way and inexpensive is painting. Some option
raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio
2 years ago
Celery, I love your renderings!
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
2 years ago
Cottage it will never be so I like celery's rendering
Cecilia Laufenberg
Original Author
2 years ago
LOVE Celery's design!!!!
kamur06
last year
Cecilia, what did you do with your house?

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