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Would LOVE input to jazz up my home exterior

12 years ago
Hey I would love some advice on how to increase curb appeal for my mid-century ranch style home. We are going to be replacing all of the windows, painting the exterior and adding new trim around the garage, hopefully getting a new garage door, and relandscaping the front lawn. If anyone has any suggestions for paint colors, door designs, landscaping ideas or ANYTHING to make our house more beautiful I would love ideas - thanks!

Comments (15)

  • 12 years ago
    The first thing that catches my eye are all the bushes. I would take them out, and if you aren't in the midst of a drought where you are, put in a nice lawn.
    Laurie thanked hayleydaniels
  • 12 years ago
    First consider how you want to welcome people to your home: via driveway or new separate front path. Hardscaping comes before planting.

    If via driveway, provide a walkway adjacent to driveway. Paths suggest a bigger welcome if they are wider at the entrance.

    Your plantings should adorn the path. Lower plants like ground cover should be closer to the path. Mid-sized plants are staged next to low ground cover. Try layering with plants, such as leaves of same shape but different size or color (eg., bronze and dark green).

    You may try looking at other yards in your area for inspiration.
    Laurie thanked Patricia Griffiths
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I would look for a garage door with some type of design on it, or maybe even some windows near the top. I would get rid of all the bushes and lay grass down instead. Then you can place some decorative bushes or flowers on the sides of the house. As for paint color, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Whatever color you decide on make sure the front door pops as well, making that the focal point of your home. Hope this helps, good luck with everything!
    Laurie thanked Olympic Lawn and Landscape Inc
  • 12 years ago
    libradesigneye - what do you think about the two front poles? I believe the one closer to the front door is a support beam but unsure of the other. I was thinking of beefing them up and making larger columns or maybe removing the second one if it is not supportive - can you give me your opinion please??!! thanks so much!
  • 12 years ago
    I think the round metal pole really compliments the contemporary mid century vibe . . if you use an accent color on the front door, you could use it on these poles . . I know people like to upscale or replace the metal filigree but with contemporary, the poles work.
    Laurie thanked libradesigneye
  • 12 years ago
    any other ideas?? all input is very appreciated!
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    have you considered adding in some steps into your front yard and then using path lighting to accent the new addition? Pictured here are these HInkley Path Lights : http://www.1stoplighting.com/lighting/13-317-508-0-233963/Hinkley_One-Light-Outdoor-Path-Lamp-1547KZ.htm
  • 12 years ago
    yes - we are going to adding probably concrete steps with integrated lighting and columns with lamp posts. i am hoping that once we add that we can relandscape the front
  • 12 years ago
    Suggestion for house:

    Current color combo is bland. Lots of great choices offered by paint companies online. A popular color is a portabello mushroom with a cream trim. Add a bright front door color to draw attention as that is hidden and recessed from street. We did this...will send photo.

    As your garage is the most prominent part of your house, you are right to add new trim. We added a horizontal wooden strip across our garage just above door.

    Finally, you could add more significance to your posts by widening them with wood or plaster so they become interesting architectural details. Paint in your trim color.
    Decide on your house structure and details, then hard scape with front path. Plants should support these two elements, like graphics supporting text in a book.
    Laurie thanked Patricia Griffiths
  • 12 years ago
    Thanks Tambre - love your suggestions. we are considering widening the posts as it was part of the original plan i am glad you also suggested it.
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    I agree with most of the other posts, having a visible dedicated path to your front door will create a welcoming appeal. Whether you go with a brick pathway like this
    Home Front Yards · More Info
    (although I'd put a little curve in the design for visual interest) or clean cement steps like this
    Kewamee · More Info
    the path alone would warm up your curb appeal.

    Next I would remove the huskier bushes and put in a flowering hedge, maybe jasmine for the nice smell or even butterfly bushes which have great color all year long. I'd have most of the plants at a lower height so visually your front door doesn't feel cut off from vistors. Higher plants in pots closer to your house to vary the sizes. Something like this
    Northwest Contemporary Exterior · More Info


    Lastly lighting makes a huge difference when it comes to increasing curb appeal. Set LED pathway lights on a timer, like these http://www.affordablequalitylighting.com/raw-copper-lights/ along your walkway to the door and strategically place a few in ground well lights to highlight your flowering vegetation. A well lit front yard is inviting and could add a lot of resale value to your home.
    Laurie thanked Danielle Mac
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Agreed about the bushes. Those have to go with some fresh lawn instead
    Laurie thanked Olympic Lawn and Landscape Inc
  • 12 years ago
    tambre - what brand and color did u use on your house?
  • 12 years ago
    We used Miller Paint pewter grey for main and eider white for trim. I think the door color was sari...or something like persimmon.
    Laurie thanked Patricia Griffiths