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Design Dilemma Windows Exterior

Should we add shutters?

2 years ago

Welcome ideas and opinions to improve the front of our house. We are NOT going to paint the house, but we are thinking about changing the front door to a nice wood color and adding shutters to the lower windows, which would be consistent with the original cape cod style. Also thinking about adding a portico - should the roof line be flat? Not sure.

The home was renovated into something sort of modern before we bought it - but we’re not really fans of the modern look and it doesn’t look right in our neighborhood.

Bonus points if you want to mock it up so we can see your ideas. Thanks for the help!!

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Comments (10)

HU-808319745
2 years ago
Lovely home. Yes to the shutters. May want to consider landscaping to further break it up
Sharon Fullen
2 years ago
Yes to the shutters but please make them accurate. Even if you will have none-working shutters size them as if you would actually need to close them. IMO too narrow shutters look silly.
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houssaon
2 years ago
I like your front door. I would paint it a darker richer red. You could get shutters. I would get raised panel or shaker style and paint them a deep dark green. I like the Benjamin Moore colors.

I would add more red to your garden. Red roses and red leaf plants. For annual color, try coleus.

You could do a yellow door.
Angel 18432
2 years ago
Your home is already painted brick so no need to paint.

Yes to shutters that are the correct size.

Yes to better foundation landscaping.

Yes keep the red door.

Yes to new light fixture.

Yes to house numbers.

Yes to painting the siding above roof the same color as roof.

My eye goes immediately to the roof when it should go to front door.

btw lovely home.
Indecisiveness
2 years ago
Im going to be the odd one out and say no to shutters because it will accentuate how the top half of the house isnt the same style as the bottom.
djmbott
2 years ago
Your house is adorable! I’m with SashaDog on this —- no to the shutters. If you want to add some more curb appeal, considering changing out the shrubs that flank the door with something flowering, adding large street numbers to the house or a bench on your patio.
partim
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
I would add a black railing around the porch and up the steps. To me an enclosure to the porch and stairs looks welcoming. Lots of people, not only the elderly, appreciate a railing for safety even if it is not "needed" to comply with a building code. Replace your small black light fixture with a larger one.

Yes to shutters, yes to awning. A simple fabric awning would look fine. Black is good.

Repetition of a colour looks just as good outdoors as it does indoors. Plant more of the red flowers that seem to be doing well near your walkway. Red tulips in spring. Whatever suits your climate. Or spray paint your pots red, add a red bench etc.
elisejames
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you everyone for the comments and pics so far. Very helpful food for thought. We are still in the process of updating the landscaping - the prior owners had some invasive plants that needed to go and the red has to go - we both hate it. But we appreciate all the ideas - lots of inspiration. Keep ‘em coming.
partim
2 years ago
With a wood door and without the red.
houssaon
2 years ago
Instead of shitters, you could add these colorful trellises. They come in many colors. I happen to love this color.
Ina Wall Trellis Jr. · More Info

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