Exterior decor

9 years ago

My partner and I have been working to renovate and restore this home built in 1912. The biggest issue I've run into, aside from the 1,000 other issues, is what to do to the exterior to make it a little more special without changing the personality too much. I like the simplicity but it is borderline boring right now. We will be changing the columns out for posts, and adding a low railing around the front porch, and repainting. Any other suggestions would be wonderful- our budget isn't endless. (The back of the house had a picture window added so the siding will have to be patched). Thanks so much.

Featured Answer

Kelly-Marie Edwin Wierda

9 years ago

Hello, first of all. What a beautiful home. My advice:

I would start by doing a clearing. I would get rid of bits laying around and have it super clear. No clutter what so ever.

Theme I would do would keep it country. Two toned paint of herritge colours. Throw away the old window, put some nice leadlight stenicil on the main big window (there are nice ones out there that look real). New front screen door in a light color that is Heritage style. Then an old swing bench and a small table and chairs (old style). I would then move on to making the front of the garden - cutting out plots. Adding different types of cottage flowers and plants - these would hide the foundation of the home too. Brick path up to the front to the entrance that is inbetween the plots.

The back of the home - the photo is too small. but it looks like the work is not finished. I would finish that and re-post the back photo.

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Comments (10)

Diane
9 years ago
Love old homes good for you saving this one. Are there others near by to get an idea of original trim? One thought if they fit style wise would be to look at brackets under the soffits. We found some great ones on prowoodmarket.com
Lindsey Creel thanked Diane
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Lindsey Creel
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you Kelly, that was very helpful. I will repost a better photo of the back the next time I am there. Diane, it's in a small town outside of Austin that is just now beginning to be revamped. Most of the homes were used as functioning farmhouses in the early part of the 1900's so there aren't a lot of architectural details on any of the homes, but they are all the same style (Large front window with L Shaped porch). What that style is exactly I haven't been able to find with a pretty intense amount of research. I like the simplicity, but it's just begging for a little something extra.
Beth H. :
9 years ago
what a cute house. love the porch. I would make that the focal point. I like the coloring on this one.

228 Pendleton Road · More Info

a brick path with some simple landscaping would make a huge diff.

don't forget to paint the roof of the porch in a soft blue. (old southern wives tale about it keeping away evil spirits!)

this one is actually in Austin. lends more of a industrial feel to the farmhouse. I like the black and white with the wood and pops of bright red. but you could do any color.
Grover Condos · More Info

consider doing a brightly colored Dutch Door. a carpenter can modify the current door if possible.
Guest Cottage in Sunnyside · More Info
paulastonge
9 years ago
Nice place it will be a gem with some landscaping. I would not put any railing up. It looks great and open without it. Paint that screen door a nice color and some hanging ferns or colorful flowers to match the screen door color. Two white rocking chairs you are good to go!
Bailey R
9 years ago
Love the porch as is, no railings. Landscaping needed, what a cute house!
holly98
9 years ago
Don't touch those columns and please do not put in a low railing. To give it pizazz, make front window one over one, in keeping with the time period. Do not throw away any old windows. Reglaze and repair, per Department of Interior guidelines. Repaint that darling screen door. In the future, add a picket or iron fence with gate. Landscaping with cottage perennials and fruit trees will do a lot.
groveraxle
9 years ago
Why are you doing a picture window in the back? It's not really appropriate for this house.
Lindsey Creel
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Because of the previous kitchen having 30 in. of counter space. Function won the war. The columns are falling apart and have to be replaced- no way around it. As it would be lovely to pump 200,000 into a 70,000$ house, it's not realistic. We are trying to keep the charm, but make it work in a modern world.
groveraxle
9 years ago
Here's a more appropriate window. How about a deck off the back?