skip to main content

Landscape Design Design Dilemma

Help improve curb appeal of home

2 years ago

I'm seeking some help in enhancing the curb appeal of our home. The porch adds a lot of curb appeal, but I feel the second floor needs something. Any thoughts on how to balance out the second story and/or enhance the overall curb appeal?

Also, are the bushes too large?

Featured Answer

grapefruit1_ar

2 years ago

What a lovely and charming home! It is certainly wonderful as is, but fresh landscaping would make it sing! I would get a professional landscaping plan if the budget allows.

You might want to consider beefier trim around the upper windows, perhaps take a cue from the neighbor’s house. Please come back and show us what you have done!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

Alex Kendall
Original Author
2 years ago
I've been trying to look at some inspiration on here. What would be some good search terms to describe this type of house -- I'm drawing a blank!
Related Discussions
Improve curb appeal: First home help; Front landscaping suggestions?
Q
Comments (43)
Flo, I like your sketch very much (although without knowing the basic sun/wind info I mentioned above, it may or may not be what she needs.) However, the suggestion of polished black Japanese river stones for a first time home owner in Oklahoma is probably not helpful.b You will drain her budget and she will find herself looking at dusty, not shiny, stones. If she likes your concept of creating a dry bed/ river effect (as I do), you or someone else might teach her how to do this with grasses native to her area. Ones that can be easily propagated by division, require no water or weeding, and will blow in her prairie breezes while attracting birds and wildlife. Can, I urge you to google images of landscapes by Oehme, Van Sweden. They are known for using sweeps of native plants, especially grasses. My suggestion to you is to play around with flexible hoses or ropes in dividing your wide open space to see what shapes please you. Then imagine the spaces filled with different color blocks of various heights. Which ones do you want moving, which ones static? Designing a three dimension landscape from scratch like yours can be overwhelming. Break it down into digestible parts. 1) Gather all information about your conditions. 2) Get out the hoses and ropes and draw on the ground like a canvas.
...See More
Ranch House or MCM? Facade needs help to improve curb appeal
Q
Comments (22)
thanks! kendallinsd I think those window changes to the bedrooms would make a big difference to the curb appeal. by the way, I am not against painting brick. if done right, it will be fine. however, yours is a nice muted reddish tone. I think what's not working is that there's too much contrast between the brick and siding, breaking up the shapes. the mockups houssaon and I did for you look better because it gives your house a more cohesive look. I also encourage keeping (or restoring) that pergola. again, it's part of the midcentury shape of that house that makes it special. but like I suggested before, a wood pillar might look better there. have fun. post pics as you improve this adorable home!
...See More
House has weird asymmetrical windows -- how can I improve curb appeal?
Q
Comments (38)
There really is nothing farmhouse about your home's style. The roof is Spanish. From the front, the board and batten and casement windows are contemporary. From the side, the house looks like it was a Garrison Colonial with the overhang filled in at one point. The solid wall makes it feel more contemporary. The extra trim around the windows look like they were added on at some point. This is a good example of an authentic, typical farmhouse. If you were to remove the front porch, it would be a typical Colonial with an addition on the back. This shows the overhang of a Garrison Colonial. Here, the entrance is in the middle rather than on the side. If you're curious as to what your house was look like when it was originally built, perhaps you can get a copy of the plans from the office that issues building permits in your county. You would more than likely be able to find elevation drawings that shows how the house was meant to look.
...See More
Need help improving curb appeal for my dark brick home
Q
Comments (8)
I agree the brick is fine but the shutters need to go. I actually think the current siding color with the roof and brick is nice. Garage door should be the same color to pull focus away from it. You want more focus at your front door/entry area. At some point you might think about a garage door with windows across the top. That can add interest and help break up the "wall." Larger light fixtures for the garage and front door would be nice. As gardengal suggested, beef up the posts and maybe the same for the window trim once the shutters are gone. Though this is an entirely different house, it gives you an idea of how the sage green gardengal mentioned could work with brown brick (or stone, in this example).
...See More
Molly D. Zone4B
2 years ago
Cute house! i think the shrubs are too large-they block the view of your home. Some smaller flowering shrubs would give some color. i could see decorative house numbers as well. Maybe beefed up trim on upper level?
littlebug zone 5 Missouri
2 years ago
Yes the bushes are too large. About twice as large as they should be for optimal attractiveness.
Melissa Deragon
2 years ago
Possibly adding some shutters to the 2 windows in the 2nd floor will help take up some space on the exterior and make it look more balanced.
nickel_kg
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Nice house. What's throwing off the visual balance is the large group of shrubs on one side, with nothing on the other side. That needs to be corrected. A good start would be to cut & remove the two shrubs nearest the entry, leaving the third shrub to anchor the corner. Then you have room to move the two flowerpots to the base of your steps, freeing up space on the top. How does that look now? You might not feel the need to add shutters or trim or take any other action.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
2 years ago
NO shutters but a bit beefier trim for sure on those upper windows The bushes are way too big for such a small yard so I would get the landscaping taken care of then see if you need to do anything to this really attractive home.
HU-187528210
2 years ago
It really is a cute home!!
I’d add railing to the top level so it looks like another porch. Or make it into another porch, with French doors between the windows.
HU-187528210
2 years ago
There aren’t many good photos of what I mean, but hope this helps
Alex Kendall
Original Author
2 years ago
I took your suggestions and did my best in Photoshop. Definitely like the way it looks -- just have to figure out if the second-story balcony is feasible :)

Related Stories

HOUZZ TV LIVE Designer Tips for Improving the Curb Appeal of Your Front Entry

By Erin Carlyle

Barbara Milner shares tips from four homes with stylish and inviting entries

REMODELING GUIDES Designer's Touch: Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal

By The Inman Company

From pavers to plantings, these professional tips can help your home make an instant impact on the street

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Spring Checklist: Freshen Up Your Home's Curb Appeal

By Laura Gaskill

Step outside and use these tips to show off your home to its best advantage this spring

EXTERIORS 17 Ways to Increase Your Home's Curb Appeal

By Laura Gaskill

The word on the street? Homes with appealing front views can sell faster, lift moods and convey a warm welcome

Add To Your Home's Curb Appeal with Whimsical Porch Balusters

By Between Naps on the Porch

FEEL-GOOD HOME 9 Ways to Boost Your Home’s Appeal for Less Than $75

By Propia Limited

Whether you’re selling your home or just looking to freshen it up, check out these inexpensive ways to transform it

BUDGET DECORATING 9 Tricks to Boost Your Home’s Appeal for Less Than $400

By Propia Limited

Whether you’re redecorating or just doing a quick update, check out these ways to enhance your home on a budget

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Give Your Driveway and Front Walk More Curb Appeal

By Laura Gaskill

Prevent injuries and tire damage while making a great first impression by replacing or repairing front paths

LANDSCAPE DESIGN How to Help Your Home Fit Into the Landscape

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Use color, texture and shape to create a smooth transition from home to garden

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Houzz Tour: Ingenious Garage Helps a Home Keep Its Familiar Face

By Louise O'Bryan

A historic house with a contemporary addition retains its curb appeal thanks to an innovative approach to car storage

Sponsored

Remodel Repair Construction

9 Reviews

Industry Leading General Contractors in Westerville

More Discussions

Need help with Landscape design

10

Design help needed!

4

House numbers for curb appeal - ideas, please!

22

How can improve this house's curb appeal with plants?

7

Outdoor Plant Suggestions

0