Dated 1990s Exterior

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

I could definitely use some help with exterior modifications to our house, built in the early 1990s.

To my eye, the bricks are a warm color and the siding is a cool color. The dimensional shingles are a "driftwood" color.

I can't do any major remodeling, but am open to landscaping changes, addition of shutters, adding shingle siding, changing the color palette, painting the brick, changing the porch, etc.

The attached photos are from the listing. The only change since then is different lights and no more flowers along the side walk.

The house is located in northern Colorado.

Featured Answer

PRO

JudyG Designs

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

I don't think this would be considered a major remodel.

When i first look at your picture, what I didn't like immediately was the heaviness of the front porch peak.

Would it be possible to open it up?

Ranch Re-invigorated · More Info

Vanity Ideas · More Info

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (14)

twelvegates
Original Author
11 years ago
That's a good idea. I was thinking of adding some timbers to it, sort of floating them in front of the panel, but had not thought of removing anything. There is a ceiling in the porch area, so I'm not sure what is involved. Thank you!
Related Professionals
Cherry Hill Interior Designers & Decorators · Buffalo Interior Designers & Decorators · Youngstown Interior Designers & Decorators · Pullman Interior Designers & Decorators · Lake Charles Architects & Building Designers · Atlantic City Architects & Building Designers · Frisco Architects & Building Designers · Westerly Architects & Building Designers · Madison Architects & Building Designers · Cheyenne Architects & Building Designers · Hot Springs Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Hagerstown Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Fargo Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Manchester Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Lubbock Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
PRO
ma2 architects
11 years ago
If there's a ceiling there are probably trusses holding up the roof, so you may not be able to add timbers as shown above. I would consider adding shingles to the porch gable (you called them "dimensional shingles--but the photos look like horizontal siding, so if they're already shingles I apologize) and the second floor element, and repainting the bluish color a darker brown that complements the brick. You could also use some xeriscaping on the front yard to make a better transition from the drive to the house.
twelvegates thanked ma2 architects
twelvegates
Original Author
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Thank you. Yep, that's siding in the gables. I was thinking of using the siding-type shingles in the gables as well. Thank you for the color suggestion and the xeriscaping idea. I'm sorry -- the dimensional shingles refers to the roofing. The roofing is fairly new and not in need of replacing, so I'm stuck with that color for now.
twelvegates
Original Author
11 years ago
Does anyone else think the support beams for the porch look too small?
PRO
Landforms
11 years ago
I think the best way to transform the entrance would be to incorporate a landscape bed on both sides of the porch. By adding some simple planting like burning bush or boxwood you would help to tie the porch to the yard. If you would continue the beds on both sides of the walkway it would make the entrance more inviting to guest. Best of Luck. Im sure that you will make it look great
twelvegates thanked Landforms
twelvegates
Original Author
11 years ago
More good ideas. That also sounds more economical that what I thought I might have to do!
twelvegates
Original Author
11 years ago
Anyone else? Shutters yes/no? Any specific paint recommendations?
chloebud
11 years ago
Hi twelvegates, nice house! In the photos your siding appears more blue-gray. A warmer gray might be better. Think about your roof color, too. I would NOT paint the brick.

Not sure about the shutters...maybe on some of the windows. One thing to keep in mind...shutters should be in proportion to the windows. If they were actually functional, they would cover the window when closed.

I'm not a pro but the porch beams don't look too small to me.
twelvegates thanked chloebud
twelvegates
Original Author
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Thank you cholebud. I wish there was something I could do about the roof shingles, but I would be tearing off a 4 year old roof just to change the color! Good points on the shutters. I was thinking of shutters on the windows next to the front door.
chloebud
11 years ago
twelvegates, your roof looks great...I just couldn't tell for sure if it's more gray or brown. The windows flanking your front door do look like possible shutter-contenders, as long as there's space for proper sizing.
twelvegates thanked chloebud
twelvegates
Original Author
11 years ago
The roof color is called "driftwood" so it is a warm grey.
PRO
User
11 years ago
update the light fixtures, i would do fixture that are called "pocket lanterns" or three sided. or have them come down rather than up. the coach style lanterns arent bad just really dated. move to a bronze finish. i would also loose the gray in hopes for a taupe. and lastly your landscaping needs updating and care, you will be surprised what that alone can do.
twelvegates thanked User
twelvegates
Original Author
11 years ago
Wow -- I had already changed the lighting to something very similar to this type of light. And in bronze as well! I was also thinking of a taupe. Landscaping will definitely improve things. Thank you.