Street front appeal (how to get it)??

8 years ago

We have pulled out the complete front garden and now our weirdly shaped house is so exposed. We will be putting in a hedge all around the border and cleaning the bricks on the fence but am seeking advice on how else I can turn this pigs ear into a silk purse (please be nice, this is a much loved family home) Thanks Houzzers

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handmethathammer

8 years ago

Your porch is beautiful and so large. I'd like to see more welcoming furniture there, perhaps some potted annuals to bring more color.

What is the half brick wall? It seems to split your front yard in half and blocks off your house. If you do keep it, use it to add layers to your landscaping.

I'd like to see the walkway from the street to the front door. You could create that with plantings and stepping stones.

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Comments (8)

PRO
Designer Drains
8 years ago
I'd mulch down and save up to get the roof all the same height.
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PRO
Excalibur Metal Design
8 years ago
You have a beautiful home but we think a railing on your front porch would make a huge difference! Here's a few pictures of some we've done recently to give you some ideas. Hope this helps!
Sandybean
8 years ago
Yeah,that roof line is harsh. I don't think cleaning the brick will do much. I say paint it...the house and the wall. Consult a local landscape designer. They will tell you what grows best and where to plant it. I think the house could look good with a few changes. Good luck.
Sandybean
8 years ago
Oh, and please don't keep your trash can in the front yard.
Kaillean (zone 8, Vancouver)
8 years ago
Why do some of the “pros” refer to themselves as “we”. So pretentious! Do you really expect us to believe you have a team responding to gardenweb posts. Lol. If you do you obviously don’t have any clients or you’d be busy working on their projects. “We” doesn’t sound more professional, just silly. Sorry...pet peeve. We is for people who don’t have confidence in their own opinions or don’t want to accept accountability for what they say!! Ok. Rant over. Maybe I need more coffee. Lol
Denita
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I think landscaping will be the best thing you can do to unify this home. The very best thing you can do is bring in a landscape designer. Your local nursery probably has one, either on staff or knows of a few good contacts. Not the big box stores. Check the landscape forum here on Houzz too for ideas.

I have never seen a mansard roof with two different materials like your home: tile on top and shingle for the rest. I usually see the roof material as shingle, like below. Having said that, if you click on the 'more info' link in the second pic, you will see the portico roof is actually copper and the mansard is shingle.

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The other disconnect that jumps out is the type of column on the porch. It seems to conflict with the other elements on your home.
PRO
Olivia Kwarda Tuivaga
8 years ago
Focus on the landscaping, not the roof! I love the porch and agree that some new, more relaxed/comfy furniture would be great. Something like -

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Maybe even replace the brick wall with a wall thats able to have plants along to top?
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These native colours could look great with the house colouring too -

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