50's ranch needs exterior updating lights columns landscape doors paint

12 years ago

We have owned the house for a little over a year and have been gradually replacing everything. We have done a lot of the landscaping in the front but just removed a holly tree that dates house and now there is a vacant spot. We sit on an acre with a big circle drive if that helps give you an idea. I'm needing help with porch and front door ideas. I'm not interested in painting brick at this time I don't think, as I have heard its a lot of up keep and our yard, house already has too much upkeep! Looking dorard to your expertise.

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Manon Floreat

12 years ago

Yes, I think I would want to beef up the columns a bit as well. A knee rail would define the area and serve as a nice backdrop for the plants growing before it. As you continue to make improvements, think about installing stone flooring for the covered area. Here are couple that are quite beautiful:

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For front doors take a look at Crest View Doors - they have nice selection of MCM styled doors:

( http://www.crestviewdoors.com/products/do-it-yourself-doors-doorlite-kits/exterior-doorlite-kits.html)

For the left side of the house, take a look at some of the white hydrangeas. They should be hardy in your area, have winter interest and are low maintenance. One on the outer edge would be a good spot or if you prefer you could plant a few and make ahedge out of them. Depending on sun exposure, there a variety of grasses and perennials that you could plant in the foreground.

You have really nice house. Love the brick and am so happy to hear that you won't be painting it.

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Comments (6)

Jamieson
12 years ago
Wondering where you live, as that would help for landscaping ideas. Pics. would be most helpful, to visualize what you're dealing with! Thanks!
Jennifer Call
Original Author
12 years ago
We live on the kansas/missouri border
Jennifer Call
Original Author
12 years ago
Here is a second one
Jennifer Call
Original Author
12 years ago
This is the side of the house that we cut the holly tree down
Jamieson
12 years ago
Wow, beautiful home! Off the top of my head I'd go lighter colour of shutters and door.
I really like the last photo I'm attaching, as it's a good example of columns, colour and landscaping that might work for you. In choosing colours, pull from your brickwork. Look for a light neutral that would work for your door and shutter colour. For your columns go a dark brown, again from your brickwork. Essentially what your doing is building layers to add interest to your home. As for plantings and landscaping, I have to confess that I don't have a green thumb. I'm hoping that you'll get some more input from other posters. All in all, looks like you're doing a fantastic job! Keep up the good work!
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