Improve "curb appeal" of our Montréal Cottage

10 years ago

Hi All!

I would like to request your help to improve the look of the 1940 cottage we bought last year. We would like to use a diy approach as much as possible (for cost reasons) and have suggestions on what you feel would have the biggest impact visually.

The cottage used to belong to an elderly couple (hence the wheel chair elevator that has now been removed) and we have a lot of updating to do all round the house which explains our budget constraint.

Our ideas so far

We thought about painting all the window framing and doors a black color but the 1st floor window has beige dividers that are in the "thermos" part of the window so I'm not sure how that would look since they can be either painted or removed.

We also think we should remove the white fence on the left side since there's none on the right site and have plants there.

Would painting the metal balcony structure black be a good idea? We really like how the cottage transformed with a modern style look but we're not sure how to reach the full potential of our house.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions :)

Featured Answer

countbla

10 years ago

Yes, do lose the white fence, some shubbery would work, and you could do the same under the large window if you don't plan to replace the basement window. Agree not to paint frame due to those sealed-in muntin bars.

Paint diagonal lattice work a dark colour to make disappear in shadows, eventually something else that doesn't look so country perhaps. Paint the plywood window same as foundation until you perhaps put a window back in.

Simple things that always work on front entryways: paint door, nice mailbox/new numbers/light fixtures/more substantial lockset (door handle). These decorative items should somehow work together and can set the tone towards traditional/modern styles, so best to do a bit of research to see what you like. Something like stainless steel would work with many colour schemes and types of finishes for the steps/porch floor that you may redo eventually (med. stained wood could look nice against brick etc...).

There has to be hundreds of similar looking houses in your area, pick a nice weekend and walk around with a camera, especially for the ones that have been taken into a more modern direction. Or if the weather is bad, real estate listings ;).

And for confused non-Québécois speakers, cottage is the term they typically use for a two-story house ;).

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Comments (6)

suezbell
10 years ago
We yanks would call this a townhouse.
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Bev
10 years ago
Totally agree with countbla!
libradesigneye
10 years ago
I would save my money and wait until I could replace the current metal. The biggest positive visual impact is to replace the current ironwork and copy the ironwork of your nearest neighbor to the right in black iron as well. It disappears visually, it is simple but modern (since you mention modern) while keeping all the other windows / trim / ceiling just white.

Consider replacing the diagonal trellis which is visually jarring against the open stairs. Paint the open treads simple black. Consider some large trough planter under the main windows so you eliminate the hardscape right up to the base of the house - you might also use a taller screen gate immediately to left of your porch if you need to keep your bin out front.

Then, you could paint your first floor "front door" glossy black whilst leaving all the rest white and sort of make a contrast with your neighbors with your reverse image approach.
Marie-Eve Martineau thanked libradesigneye
suezbell
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Budget permitting, of course, adding some faux stone or brick facing on the foundation blocks would be something to consider and then, using the same color to rebuild your front steps and to cover your already existing concrete slab to create a tiny front yard patio.

Alternately, paint the foundation and concrete slab (and maybe your steps, too) the same (preferably dark) color.

Furnish your patio with a small table and couple of chairs.

http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/x/metal-table-chairs-small-green-set-up-ready-someone-to-sit-enjoy-36231738.jpg

Add some potted plants, perhaps including a rectangle one with a trellis for privacy as needed.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/0d/b6/9b/0db69bf00e267e44f95c9e60fb49272a.jpg

If you use a wood box for your trellis, don't forget to line it with plastic so the wood will last longer.
Marie-Eve Martineau thanked suezbell
Marie-Eve Martineau
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you so much!