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johnluczy

What can I do to the front of this house so it doesn't look like a houseboat?!

13 years ago
Maybe a door in the middle? You guys are great with this, thanks for your input!

Comments (20)

  • 13 years ago
    Definately would put something there/but not a small door. If a door, I would do a french door. Or else I would look for a decorative sculpture of some sort depending on what you like. Could be metal and/or wood...Or a bench with something hung above? Cheaper than putting in a door. Just suggestions.
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    HI -- I think the problem is the beams on the lower level . They are white and set in from the corners and this makes it look unbalanced . If you need a door in the middle at the top then that might help a bit to add one or a double --of a nice black french door trimed like the windows. I think you need to add a post/piller on each side under the front corners to make it look more supporting - big square ones.then paint them and the existing beams and posts the dark color (black?),like the upper railing and also paint the roof facia (edge)the same color. Paint a brighter color on the front door and add some potted /urns plants with color. You could just paint the beams and posts first to see if that helps . Then you might not need to build the extra posts .
  • 13 years ago
    Great suggestions !! I will make these changes and post the after pics! Love love love your help!
  • 13 years ago
    How about rock pillars on each side all the way out to the ends and all the way up? The front door is currently red, change it? If I paint the front porch a different color, will that bring the focus down?
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    The center portion of the upstairs wall is a perfect place for a kiln-fired tile art mural. Please visit my Houzz profile page to see photos and ideas. The downstairs might look better if you build more substantial supports - rather than the skinny post look. Also, some artistic decking work might help. Of course the landscaping options will really help fill in to give the best curb appeal
  • 13 years ago
    I think double or French doors would be a great idea. Grow some ivy in pots around the pillars and train them to trail up, you won't see that on a boat. Larger more prominent house numbers would help. And don't put a life preserver or anchor on the upper wall between the windows, ok?
  • 13 years ago
    I agree with painting the door a color that pops out more. I may also be tempted at some point to replace that railing with something more interesting/depending on your taste and style. But definately would put something between upper two widely spaced windows. I have found iron sculptures and hung the right on two of my houses. Our current house had a big gap in the peak and a half moon facing down did the trick for about $20 and doesn't look chinzy. You would need something pretty large so if you know a creative carpenter or like iron, u could tie a cool rail into the sculpture without huge costs like ripping out the wall of house to insert a door, etc. I believe this also personalizes a house and grabs the eye.
  • 13 years ago
    Love your house! Very modern looking. Consider installing a double-door with sidelights in a modern style, wood with metal or glass and metal. Make sure you have great lighting! Can't wait to see the iron sculptures.

    http://www.hgtv.com/designers-portfolio/room/modern/entryways/2814/index.html#/id-2814

    Modern contemporary entry doors · More Info


    Crestview Doors - The Pasadena (A) Doorlite Kit · More Info


    Milano-14 Stainless Exterior Door · More Info
  • 13 years ago
    Well here is what I did on this one.! Thank you all for your input, please add additional thoughts!
  • 13 years ago
    Better pic
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    Nice improvement! It feels really grounded now. I still might like to see some french doors at the top and a different railing if that is in the budget. Maybe add a couple of large pots of shade loving plants on either side of the door.
  • 13 years ago
    Big improvement!
  • 13 years ago
    Looks way better!

    Is it a functional roof deck with access? If not, I'd take down the metal railing.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I must say, I was right!! lol Now, you see how the house looks so much more balanced, I would add grass, and shrubs, flowers, etc. You did a great job.
  • 13 years ago
    yes you were right! do you agree that I should remove the railing? its not functional....
  • 13 years ago
    HI -- John -- What a differance , looks real good and now it looks like the railing is not needed and it cuts across of the windows . So yes, I think it should be removed ,if you want.
  • 13 years ago
    It does look better. Still am feeling there is a gap between the 2 upper windows that would look better with something there.
  • 12 years ago
    I was just going to comment, then realized the job is done - it looks great! For others with similar situations, I was going to suggest a white wall pergola on the upper story. Also, instead of budget busting new columns, in case you don't have the budget, consider just beefing up the existing columns by putting 1 x 6" frames around the feet of the columns to give more volume. I'd also do something to brighten up the door hiding under there - I was thinking a tangerine. Beautiful home though with the changes you have made!
  • 12 years ago
    By the way - Wall Pergola - $250; front door paint $50; wood or composite trim boards $50...plus labor. A really economical update!