What about brick and stucco columns, to help bring up the height. We have four columns on our house, the lower part is stone and then stucco. We also had an issue with our house in trying to balance in our case our garage doors, as they are ten feet high, and our front entrance.

I'd love to see a picture, roseabbey!

Here are a couple of pictures. It wasnt quite the way I envisioned but it turned out ok. Excuse the landscaping we just planted it this fall, everything is very small.

a href="http://s575.photobucket.com/albums/ss197/RoseAbbey/?action=view¤t=DSC00266.jpg"; target="_blank">{{!gwi}}

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What a beautiful house, roseabby! See, you have a lot of "weight" on top of your columns. I have these huge columns, with hardly anything to hold up, if you will. I'm not sure what the best way is to remedy it with the current columns... suggestions anyone?

Thank you jojogirl. I think if you did what we did with the columns it would help. It would break up the wideness (is that a word?) of the column at the top. Also what about lowering your roofline, that would shorten the columns and takeup some space above your window.

I think if you painted the siding a dark color to go with the brick, you wouldn't notice the height of the columns as much. It would certainly be a cheap try -- even if it didn't work. I would also incorporate the window above the door with the existing door by adding molding. Then I would paint the door and molding a color other than white so it didn't jump out as much to emphasize the height of the columns. Then I would lower the lights on the columns.

Since you sorta asked me for help a couple weeks ago, here are my initial thoughts. Just some rough ideas. And I'm not clear on how all the roofing and angles are fitting together. Just what I would be thinking about and checking out.

I think the house needs more emphasis and some focus on the lower level and entrance. Less of the bare look and some trimwork added. I did put wider fascia boards along the lower roof line. Just ignoring the upper level of the house, so you can see without -- but I did paint the white gutters a beige color so they aren't pronounced, looking out of proportion.

Having seen a few shots of the interior, which had columns and mouldings, I think the outside needs to connect and speak to the inside more, which it doesn't seem to do now.

Round columns struck me, rather than squared. I think some curves would be nice and brought the scale of the porch and columns down with a deep arch and shorter columns (hopefully something like that could be worked out along the side area). The third column on the far left is scaled down, narrower, and I left the one column by the door in brick so it would just fade out (needed for support?).

The door wall is paneled (though maybe paint would work -- hate to paint any of the brick, however, as it's permanent and if you don't like it!...) Door and the trimwork around the door and upper window is treated as a whole unit.

In the second set of pictures, I removed the peak on the porch roof, which doesn't work so well, imo. Don't know if you're up to that, but there it is!

My initial reaction to the photo was to just take down that porch roof and do something different, but you might not want to do that much to the house.

Hope it helps you with some ideas and to see your home a little differently : )

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Peak removed from porch roof:

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As usual great mockups Squirrel.

Jojo your house is beautiful. Maybe that right now the columns being brick they blend in too much and the roof looks sort of like it is just hanging there.

I love Squirrels mock-up even with the current roof line.

I think Squirrels idea of an arch really enhances the front of your house. And adding more trim around the door and the uppper window makes it all look like it belongs.
Good job, Squirrel

Squirrel, it's amazing!!! I never dreamed I could actually LOVE the look of our home's exterior. Thank you!

I actually like it just fine with the original roof line. The beefed-up windows and widened fascia help balance out all the white in the columns. I was a little concerned about that..

From the pics you posted, it looks like the columns and all the trim are the same color as the existing siding. Is that what you would recommend?

With the new landscape plan we got back yesterday, and your pictures, I'm getting hopeful this will be a place we can enjoy! I'll be sure to post pictures when the work is completed.

Thanks again, Squirrel. I'd love to send you a gift card or a bouquet for all your work.....if you'll send me your email..... :-)

Squirrel's mock up is wonderful! I just wanted to say that I think the scale of your columns is fine, and they'd look even better if they were wood, IMO. Your home is large and if you are going to have columns at all they should be substantial. Beautiful home!

Hi there jojo, so glad you are pleased!

Yes, I Was thinking trim more the color of the siding. Maybe a bit lighter? I can show you more of a white, too. The not so bright color seemed to work better when I was playing, so I just went with that. We went through that on Dana's house recently, too. Didn't really spend a lot of time working with a brighter white, though.

Another thing with a real white, is that the gutter looks so narrow. It's kind of like a bright white pencil line, which makes them look even narrower; and the outline of all the angles and such is a bit distracting, I think. There's not a whole lot of room beneath the gutter for trim boards, and the upper level would need work too with a white. It seems to look pretty good as-is with the gutter area blending in up there.

It also seems to work better with what I can see of your brick.

I'll work on the white a bit later. Thanks for the offer! but this is a free board full of volunteers : )

Amazing, squirrel, as usual. Want a couple other things to try? I knew you would ;-)

Removing the peak on the entry roof looks much better, IMO. What about flattening it our altogether and putting a very short railing around it with a window on the empty wall behind?

Also, the 2nd story windows seem to need more oomph - what itf they were trimmed out with casings to the edges of the bump outs?

In your spare time, of course!!

Something else to consider: a taller entry door or maybe a grand double door. I think either would fit the scale of your house & redesigned front entry better:

Taller:

Taller & Grander:

haha, awm. I was sitting here trying to remember what I did that was 'taller and grander' while watching this thing load.

Uh oh, more $$$ being spent. I did get the impression she had a good working budget for this, lol. Where' op.

I thought I'd try the square posts, too, unless she fell for the rounded columns.

Those trees out front are too pretty. What an asset to your property they are. Do you know what they are? Curly Oaks maybe, is that the right name?

Yes, I think we're all a little skittish about offering "off topic" spendy advice. But if it were me, I'd appreciate someone pointing out that taller doors (a stock item that might be well within the remodeling budget) would look a whole lot better. Hence the tempering words "something to consider."

Budget? We don't need no sstinkin' budget - this is just play time right? jojogirl I sure hope you enjoy seeing lots of possibilities and find it fun even if you don't like everything or only want to implement smaller elements.

Oh I DO appreciate all the ideas you guys are giving!! If we fall in love with a more expensive fix, we can always just wait a while. My husband can do all this stuff himself, so the cost will be in the materials. There are SOME advantages to having a handy guy around, even if it means he's always working on something. :-D

I think I like the taller door, that's something we might consider. Do you think we can't achieve that look with just trim around the window/door, making it look like one piece?

I would like to see the columns in square, just out of curiosity. It would be less expensive, too, I think.

Squirrel, I just assumed the trees were live oaks. They are enchanting, aren't they?

Cost is why I suggested what I did earlier on in this thread.

k9arlene, the siding is vinyl, so at this point, painting is not an option. We will replace it as some point, but for now, it stays. You're definitely right about the WHITE door. It is just too stark.

This is more of an alabaster, still not a real bright white:

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Thanks Squirrel!!!!! I still think I like the lighter color better for the trim. What about painting the brick?

Do you mind mocking up the columns in square - DH thinks he can do it less expensively.

Yes, I'm going to do the squared. Working on it now : ) I Think this is looking a bit bright for the house, but I do think lighter than the sideing and my original mockup.

The top gutter still shows bright white compared to this one.

Here are some substantial squared columns, though they are smaller than the current ones. Not sure if that's possible??? He's thinking of removing the brick and then doing an overlay of wood?

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I like that better than I thought! It's really beautiful, that way, and doesn't feel like too much square, at least to me.

Did I tell you I teared up the first time I saw your photoshop of the house? You are so gifted - I can't tell you how much I appreciate your work!

No, you didn't mention that. xo

Here they are about the same size as the existing columns (from what I can see!). I put the center detail in (recessed flat panel) so they wouldn't feel quite so massive. Of course, that effect wouldn't carry from a distance.

Also reduced the arch/header a bit in this one.

And, left the top gutter the current bright white, so you can see just how off-white this color is.

When you get to something you think is a go, you really need to do some construction drawings to scale. I really think you can make this house much more than it is now. It's just missing a lot of the finishing details, and the porch proportions need some work.

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Thanks for your encouragement, sometimes I lose the vision amongst all the repair work and dollars flying out the window.

What do you think of painting the brick? I'm definitely not in love with it. but with all the beautiful trim, it's not so bad...

What color are you thinking for the brick?

Here's a longshot of the chunkier columns, more the current width. Best to squint on this one.

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Well, unless we have a hail storm, that roof is staying. It is quite brown.

I like taupe family colors, but not sure how that would work with the present roof.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{!gwi}}

Oh that's pretty. And there's deb-dlm's flat room (great idea!).

It can be hard to change brick colors nicely, but I'll give it a shot. Check back more like tomorrow though ; )

I guess I'm in the minority here but I don't think replacing the columns would look good. They just look completely out of place to me.

I thought maybe adding some wood or iron capitals on the existing columns might look good but the more I look at the photo the more I think those are the best suited columns for that house unless you want to do MAJOR renovation to the entire upper story and roofline. (A lot more gable ends on the front)

Maybe if you can find the same color brick and a good mason to dress up the columns and add archways like this it might look OK.

But I don't think that will fit either. Half brick half wood or craftsman style columns I don't think go either.

I don't really think the window trim adds much either and I usually think architectural millwork always works.

Maybe the second to last picture squirrel posted with the square columns but I still don't think that fits either.

If it were me, I'd go with the brick. Get an electrician to wire up a nice BIG hanging light under the porch. Maybe even a large wrought iron chandelier. Soften up the brick with lots of plants, hanging baskets, benches, etc.

The bottom line is you don't like the style of your exterior. Sometimes you can add elements to change the style but I don't think that's the case and you want to be careful you don't end up with something like this.

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wow

Well, I don't think it looks like that, Noob ; )

I like the rounded columns, personally. And the added elements and trim are intended to be in moderation, not like ancient Greece. That's one reason a subdued white works for me.

I agree with you, JoJo, the porch just doesn't look right as it is. And as it is, anyway, so be it.

Doesn't feel like the inside of the house either.

You have to give them credit for trying to mix such diverse styles.

Unfortunately empire style and swamp shack don't really mix.

Well, I don't think it's a real attempt, just a photoshop statement on bad renos.

Squirrel, what amazing pics. I like rounded columns, too.

FWIW, jojo (and that is probably not a lot-I'm no pro), if you do decide to resurface the concrete in front, I would stick to brick rather than stone. I think we can end up with too many elements that ultimately work against making a house beautiful. Of course, if you decide to paint your brick, I take back that advice since the colors will be the cohesive element.

It is a pretty house that you are making even better and with those trees-wow! It will be fabulous. Can't wait to see what you do.

Thanks for your kind comments, cyn427.

You're probably right about the brick patio, esp. if we keep the current brick color. We have to use the thinnest material possible, though. What do you think about a tile that looks like wood?

organicnoob, you're right, I'm not crazy about the exterior of the house. Maybe time and a few memories will help that. Right now, I'm just grateful for those beautiful trees that conceal it a little. :-)

RE: painting the vinyl..........vinyl can be painted. You just have to stay with light colors and use the correct paint. My DM has her vinyl siding painted about every 8-10 years and it's held up beautifully.

Here is a link that might be useful: painting vinyl

Really?!? That's amazing! I'll look into it. Thanks annz.

I wonder if the planned style was leaning toward contemporary craftsman or more of a prairie style. Maybe we could experiment with tightening up a style leaning that way??

Here is a link that might be useful: Prairie Style/Craftsman

Wow, this one is extremely similar to our style:

Here is a link that might be useful: Another plan

They actually plan something like this????

Here is a link that might be useful: Ugly Columns

***They actually plan something like this????***
Yup - Marriott ;-)

So, what about trying to keep the style more "new craftsman", and a bit less formal, working with the general design Squirrel drew?

What about changing the wood columns to a slightly more craftsman style? Maybe square with some sort of wood trim in the middle of the length, to break it up.

What color brick/trim would complement this style?

Thoughts?

jojo, which thread has pictures of your interior styling? I was looking for it and found the back of your home, which was to start in October, but didn't find the interior shots. My recollection is that it was traditional with rounded columns and quite a bit of mouldings. Bringing Craftsman styling to the exterior doesn't sit well, to me. Not sure what you ended up doing in the back, which was also a mix of styles, materials, and additions.

I really think you need to step back to look at the big picture and work out an overall direction and focus. With such big projects and expensive, essentially permanent decisions, I would search for an interior designer or architect who can help you to pull it all together, providing a plan to get the house figured out and in some logical and aesthetic order again. An ID should be able to help you with the exterior details as well. Yes, they're expensive, but so is everything you're doing. You don't have to hire one to do or manage all the work. Many will consult on a design.

Just be sure to find someone whose work you have seen and like. Their aesthetics and skill levels will vary, as will their experience. I realllly think you need a specialist for all of this. Still many decisions to be made, but it would be a good load off your shoulders, with all the other things you have to handle and manage.

I can post some pictures of the inside. It is very traditional, and that is where the dilemma is. I don't really want a craftsman feel outside, and traditional inside. There is NO way to bring craftsman elements into the house. I was really just wondering about a slightly more relaxed feel to the entrance/columns, not necessarily craftsman, just more casual like the rest of the house's exterior. The round columns are beautiful, but noob's comments tweaked my brain and now I'm thinking the round columns might look contrived.
I agree with you, it would be great to have designer to give us direction. And believe me, I have tried to get a good one for this project. We have had two architects to tell us that thickening up the roofline was important to bring balance. I had a landscape designer out, who made a gorgeous plan for the beds and pool area. She mentioned we should remove the columns and replace with wood, but didn't have much else to offer. It's a real problem, like you hinted at, to find the right designer. I've had THREE designers (from remodeling companies) out that can only tell me that what I've drawn is "perfect". Ugh. Being new to the area, it is very difficult to find people who really know what they're doing. It always turns out that we pay for opinions, and get nothing usable. We have designed and built several homes - one can be seen here: www.209colonial.com This is the home we just sold. My husband can build anything, and I do all our wall finishes and fabrics. I'm just not creative at all for this sort of thing. Before we actually commence work, I will have my architect draw the columns and frieze, for sure.

The back of the house is coming along fine. The ugly wood balcony and white spiral staircase was removed and the railing was replaced with wrought iron to match the pool fence and gates. The vinyl siding is being replaced with cement board to match the porch and other trim. The pool has been remodeled and is so beautiful - can't wait for spring to use it! So, lots of progress, and yes, it is overwhelming, but I think we can handle it, if we take our time to decide what we want. :-)

Wow, I couldn't find this thread for the longest time. Guess gardenweb restored the old threads.

We've had plenty of time to think over our plans. The interior changes (kitchen and master) took a toll on our budget before we could visit the outside. Now we've had a major hailstorm, and are replacing our roof, gutters, skylights, trim paint, etc. We're thinking this would be a good time to look into some of those outside changes we've intended to make for awhile.

I played with the photoshop drawings squirrelheaven posted recently, and came up with something I think I like. Before I get an architect to draw it up, I want a good solid of idea of the direction I want this to take. Yes, it's very roughly photoshop-ed but I think I like this craftsman style vs the traditional round-columned look.

Thoughts?

Here's the original, for reference: