Ideas for mindfully updating this 70s/80s contemporary home?

2 years ago

We bought this house (built in 1979) recently and love the look and the beautiful landscaping that already existed. However, there are parts of the cedar siding that has wood rot, including around the windows, so thinking of painting and/or changing the siding completely, if we're going to go about doing the work. In the long term, we'd also consider putting an extension on the back of the house behind the garage (only space we can think it would fit). Would love ideas for colors and/or exterior siding suggestions that would modernize this house but also maintain its character. ... or if we should just keep it the same!

Front in the summer

Front in the early spring

Back in early spring (steep hill in the back)

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Comments (11)

Stephanie
2 years ago
Im always for keeping the original style and aesthetic when possible and not trying to make it something it isnt (make it MCM or modern when this is clearly 80s contemporary, for example). You can get vertical hardie boards now which are rot resistant and come in many colors so when you are ready to replace the siding you can get that. Im sure there are other options from other companies also. As for color I would keep the same family (browns) and not go into the greys (that wasnt 1980/90s) but thats me.
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Sabrina Alfin Interiors
2 years ago
This is a lovely home and I would simply replace the rotted boards/siding, then give it an all-over paint job. I'd think about a contrasting trim color to give it a bit more oomph and curb appeal. Here's an example:

Contemporary Exterior · More Info
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Amy
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks @Stephanie and @Sabrina Alfin Interiors! We were debating on vertical hardie siding or option of just replacing the bad parts and keeping the cedar throughout where possible. I do also like the look of some of the natural cedar planks, similar to the photo you show Sabrina. One other constraint is that the area on the 1st level that isn't cedar is stucco that is actually done quite well so we don't want to mess with it, but I think that limits what we can do otherwise. Was trying to think if there was something interesting we can do, especially in the front on the far side of the front door as it's quite bare, though gets covered by the tree in spring/summer
houssaon
2 years ago
You have an attractive home. Congratulations!

Since you plan to replace the rotted wood, I would stay with cedar. Properly cared for it will last at least 100 years - mine is 85. I would not mix cedar with cement siding.

Get a professional arborist to look at the tree near the entry. It might benefit with a careful pruning to open it up.

While the current color scheme works, maybe you can get one that is a bit lighter.

Good luck!
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scout
2 years ago
I don’t have any advice, but I wanted to say that is a great looking home!
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turtlexings24
2 years ago
We also have a "80s contemporary" built in 1979 with cedar siding. We had to replace a few boards on the siding and it was pretty inexpensive and simple to have done.
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turtlexings24
2 years ago
We also have a "80s contemporary" built in 1979 with cedar siding. We had to replace a few boards on the siding and it was pretty inexpensive and simple to have done.
decoenthusiaste
2 years ago
I see some Asian touches in the landscaping. I would emphasize that idea, increasing the orderliness, shaping plants and maybe even some transplanting.

Steamboat Storm Meadow Drive Mountain/Asian Fusion · More Info

House of Balanced Energy · More Info
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Amy
Original Author
2 years ago
@turtlexings24 - what type of contractor did you work with to replace the cedar? a carpenter? and did you have similar board and batten? we had someone replace a portion of rot and they did a terrible job of just cutting out a small portion rather than making sure it would blend in. So wasn't sure if I wanted to deal with that again. Also - basic question, but did you need to get it immediately painted after replacing to protect the bare wood? Was that easy to sequence?
Amy
Original Author
2 years ago
@houssaon - since we're new to homeownership - what would you suggest for "proper care" of the cedar siding? thanks in advance!
turtlexings24
2 years ago
We just went with a highly reviewed local "general home maintenance" (how their website describes them) company. They're licensed, insured, & bonded and offer a one year warranty for work. They were wonderful to work with, honestly, and the price was very reasonable in my opinion.

No, our siding is cedar bevel / clapboard. Before/after pics attached.

They removed the rotten pieces and replaced them without damaging any of the the original siding that was still in good shape. They checked for any damage to the original underlayment when removing the siding or mold. Much to my surprise, they said everything there still looked great so didn't think any more work was needed than just the few damaged/rotten boards. You can't visually tell where the work was done, it blends in seamlessly.

We also had them replace some rotten trim around the clerestory windows. They painted the new trim and siding boards with a paint we color-matched within a few days. However, I believe cedar siding doesn't actually need to be painted or treated (pros can correct me if I'm wrong) so I wouldn't think it's an issue if you don't paint right away.