Need help on exterior updates! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

My brother in in-law and I are closing next week on two homes (duplexes) that are very similar on the same block! We are so excited! We intend to live in half of each and rent the other. They were built in 1949, located in Dallas and are on very small lots, The block is really great and these are the worst houses. I have listed some ideas I have below and would love feed back on them as well as any other thoughts. I kinda want to go with a mid century look but also am worried about trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. PLEASE HELP ME! THANK YOU!

Landscaping- Some bushes around house, Yaupon Holly and live oak

Crushed granite between driveway "lanes"

Refinish and paint the steel windows

Paint trim, all one color? same as windows? help?...

Possibly a small modernish awning over left window

Remove dishes

Paint front door a interesting color and others something that you wont' notice.

Shutters on window? But what should they look like?

Should I power wash the brick and stone or leave it "dirty"

New porch light, but what style?

Featured Answer

acm

11 years ago

Get rid of the grids on the front windows. Consider either freshening the trim color to a real white, or darkening it to a deeper grey. (or one of each! hah) Consider improving porch railing of 2nd house to style of first house, which is more substantial and effective. Gravel between tire tracks seems good, as does more yard landscaping. (Closest to the windows I'd recommend trimming in the first case, and planting in the second.)

Are there two front doors here -- one at the porch and one at the side? Maybe give each a little facelift with a new paint color, house number, and porch light, so nobody feels like a second-class citizen. (You could make the side doorway color a bit more subdued, though.)

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Comments (8)

PRO
Poynter Landscape Architecture & Construction
11 years ago
The front entry is the focal point of the home's exterior. Make a statement by giving the front door a pop of color with paint. Clean off any dirty spots around the knob, and use metal polish on the door fixtures.

Lantern-style sconces are always a good option and if you have two on each side it can add more appeal to the home.

Container gardens are a wonderful addition the exterior of any home. They will add a welcoming feel and they're affordable. You can find them at many garden centers.

Hope this helps and good luck!
ajramler thanked Poynter Landscape Architecture & Construction
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PRO
JudyG Designs
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Love the stones between the driveway paths.

I know this isn't quite your house (congrats on your investment) but it is the idea I want to share with you). Power wash the brick. Paint all the trim and the clapboard the same color as the brick. Paint the muntins black.

Definitely pull out all the foundation planting and begin anew.

Buckhead · More Info
ajramler thanked JudyG Designs
er612
11 years ago
I, too, like the driveway as is. The grass will look better with some TLC. Do you like color? I love Judy's suggested palette but I don't know if it would work with your roof color. If you like color, you could try a really dark teal for the main siding trim and a light cream/ivory for the trim and porch. I would definitely power wash the stone. On the second house I would consider moving the front steps to the left (in front of the door) and modify the railing accordingly. Here's a rough example:
ajramler thanked er612
njmomma
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Here is a color palette that may work for you.
Inspiration:

Sonoma Remodel · More Info

Keep the house light, red family door, gray family windows. White trim, columns and banister.
Dar Eckert
11 years ago
I don't see this as MCM house it looks more traditional with the front gable. You could go either way. If you want it more traditional add shutters and paint wood sage green. I agree with Judy G. paint the window frames charcoal & shutters and trim same. Door burgundy.
PRO
Grown Solutions
11 years ago
I liked the idea of container gardening. The Hanging Garden Trellis would look great hanging from your porches to add some color and offer a little privacy.
sheilaskb
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
The house in the second photo appears to have Austin stone or limestone facade, which can appear somewhat orange and be a difficult color. I certainly would keep the white trim to add freshness to the color scheme. I would suggest a silver grey metal roof and black shutters since black and grey are related colors. Then, perhaps the door could be silver grey with black shutters on each side. If the door has panels, I would suggest using white and silver grey in some fashion to bring out architectural details. For the sake of safety and appearance, I would ask the local utility company about putting the utility wires underground.

The first house appears to have a brick facade, which I would suggest painting white. When the time comes to change the roof, I would opt for a lipstick red or bright burgundy color and add shutters in the same red/burgundy shade. If shutters are to be placed around the door, then I would suggest a light grey door. The same light grey could be used for the porch ceiling and porch floor. I certainly would keep the trim white.