Must be very dark in the house. I would replace all the sliders with double-hung windows.

You need an architect for sure. Where I live moving meters is not allowed so you might want to make sure about that, With no real understanding of what you are planning for the addition and what oyur budget might be there is no way to answer this question . What side is the additon going to go on ? Where is the street? Is this farm land or a lot?

Hi yall. sorry for not being clear, but we’re not adding an addition. the left section of the house shown (different roof line) was an addition done in the 60s. we’re currently thinking of replacing all windows with double hung, replacing the existing windows on the right (living room) with either one large picture window or two larger double hung windows. wed like to replace and extend the existing porch from its current boundary on the left to the right edge of the house.

so i guess my questions might be:

1. what would you do with the windows?

2. what would you do with the porch roof line?

3. any other suggestions?

PS - we’ve only just acquired the property after it being in the previous family for 90 years. Not an outgrowing issue for us :) simply looking for design ideas

Search on images of 1930s farmhouses and see which features are most appealing. Here’s two with nice tall windows and long covered front porches. Is either your style? The second one also has a side addition.

I think a shed roof porch would loo much better. If you can enlarge and align some of the windows, I think that would look much better.

If you replace the siding, think about board and batten which would be authentic. I think it would look good in white or an interesting color.

Consider a screened in (bugs) wrap around porch. Here's some inspiration pics. Note that you definitely need a local builder to make sure anything you do is permitted and designed properly.

^ ^ ^ Note the porch just extends from the structure

^ ^ ^ Bad pic, but this rustic design is charming for a lake house

^ ^ ^ Note the railing & screened in porch

Note the simple porch overhang, natural front door and black window trim

Found this on Internet; perhaps something similar would work for your place?

Here are some ideas. If you replace the roof line over the addition and make it with trusses going the opposite direction of the main home, you end up with an L-shaped home that looks more cohesive. You could even have vaulted ceilings in that section if you wanted.
Then you could add a front porch that encompasses both parts of the house. Wrap it around the corner.
Not sure if there are bedrooms in the addition but if the main bedroom is back there, you could add French doors to the porch for light, looks, and enjoyment.
In the main home, double Hungs would add the farmhouse feel. Do three in a row if you can in living room on front of house. Then add a front door with 3/4 glass or a door with sidelights and a transom to add to that look.
Outside use wood siding, maybe metal roofing, and some nice porch posts and it would complete that look.
Just ideas. Good luck!

What is your budget? You can get a lot of impact by painting the front door and lighting the entry, or if you fell into a pot of money, do a big porch like some have suggested.

When I first began reading your posting before looking at any of the other comments, my first vision was to extend the gable roofing out to create a covering over an extended porch (the main house, not the extension). The small window in the gable is off-centered and if the roof was extended wouldn’t get much light. So perhaps sky lights vs a window would work, still allowing for natural light into the upstairs room. The photos that Denise Marchland posted have a couple of those same ideas (the second photo and the last photo…see below).

These examples also have the windows to the right of the front door closer together which is more balanced and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Once the focus is on the front porch the side addition wouldn’t be as noticeable, and actually would appear more to be an offset (set back) from the front of the house.

I think the black window pane windows, with either a dark grey or white sided house would be appealing. And I’m a fan of cedar trim such as the top photo has with the V’d cross/support beams in the gable. I also like the cottage style support posts for the porch supports, i.e., squared, stone-clad bottoms with tapered tops or cedar support posts. Like these examples…

Finishing touch would be a porch swing and some nice landscaping. Good luck with your project.

While looking for photo examples I saw this idea...

Leave the small window in the second level (maybe center it though), build a gabled roof portico over front door and have the porch foundation across the whole front of the house, but have a pergola over the living room window. Make the two windows into one large window.

There was also a photo I saw showing a porch wrapping around the side of the main floor...see below

Of course, yours would be in the reverse, but you get the idea. Similar to this example, maybe install a larger, nicer window in the side extension. And it isn't a farmhouse if it doesn't have a metal roof IMO. :-)

In looking through photos I've kept over the years I found this one that kind of incorporates all the elements I discussed in my previous posts. It has the extended gable roof over the porch (stone patio in this photo). The windows are similar to what you have (once you replace the two living room windows into one larger one), the porch posts are what I tried to describe before, and I think the arrangement of the four small windows in the upper level under the peaked gable roof are unique and cute. See what you think...

Look at the color schemes in Sears home kits that were sold in the 1920's. Remember that white and red paints were often used on farms because the red paint was least expensive, and white was easily available without custom mixes. But like everyone else, farmers often wanted the latest color schemes for their houses. Do a google image search on "Sears Kit Homes" or use similar search words.

I think I would try to emphasize the side addition rather than make it look like part the original house. I don't think you could accomplish that without putting a new roof on and creating a single pitch.

I didn't do anything here except use what you've got, lenghtenthe windows under the same header and emphasize some trim. In this case I think it makes sense to indicate the addition unless you have a very large budget and can turn this into something else.

Thank you everyone for all the suggestions! Palimpest I appreciate the advice to emphasize the addition with trim... I think you're right in that would be the way to go! Your graphic was very helpful in visualizing that route.

As far as the porch - I've discussed moving the electric meter and mast with the utility company, and that won't be an issue. And fortunately we don't have to be concerned about labor costs with framing out new windows or the porch because my brother is a carpenter by trade, and he's going to be helping us out.

Thoughts on the different porch roof lines here? In the first photo, we'd have the triangle section centered over the front door and then a shed-style roof over the rest of the porch. I'm thinking it could either mimic the addition and look cohesive or it could be too busy.

Regarding railing/banisters - we haven't reviewed code yet on what is required. This is just for easy visuals.

If you can just do a shed roof on the porch I believe I would do that, or a hipped shed, to tie into the main roof. You don't need a railing you are at ground level. And you don't need to extend the porch over the middle window, I just drew it that way.

If you can just do a shed roof on the porch I believe I would do that, or a hipped shed, to tie into the main roof. You don't need a railing you are at ground level. And you don't need to extend the porch over the middle window, I just drew it that way.

Thanks again! This looks like a winner with the left side of the porch terminating closer to the front door since that middle window is for a front bathroom.

Please post an update when you are ready.

Wonderful ideas! Please let us know how it turns out.🙂

I will definitely update you all as soon as i can!