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stephani_wood

desperately need some advice...

7 years ago

Our house was built in the early 1980s and they put in this stone wall that takes up a good portion of the front side of the house along with a small stoop that runs on the left side of the walkway into the front doorway. It’s also on the light pillars on either side of the driveway and on the inside of the house on our fireplace...I don’t know what to do with it.

Comments (18)

  • 7 years ago

    What are you exactly asking? Your fireplace is pretty, it fits the theme as well. I would loose that mirror and change the decor, you need something more bold to break up that wall. I would need to see more of that room.

    The pillars I would leave alone. The wall you can have removed or grow ivy over it., is that the side of the garage, Better landscape would disguise it and blend it, some tall wispy grasses, among other things. The white metal bench is out of place painting it black might help that. The pots scattered around are too small. I am saying all this to encourage you that the rock wall just needs some help fitting in.



  • 7 years ago

    I hate the stone and the color so I’d like some ideas on whether I should paint them and do a totally different color for the exterior walls or should I pay to have them removed. I would like some more modern coloring on the exterior and those stones just don’t do it.

  • 7 years ago



  • 7 years ago

    painting those rocks will look like just that painted rock, not a good look in my opinion, if you hate it all remove it stucco it and go more to a creamy white paint rather than creamy yellow.

  • 7 years ago

    as to the inside, I mean you have cedar walls, the stone is a "natural fit" lol.

  • 7 years ago

    I also hate the cedar wall...lol but my wife likes it.

  • 7 years ago


    type in modern Spanish bungalow. your arches and home style really lean to these images,

  • 7 years ago

    welp you could white wash it



  • 7 years ago

    I like the white wash idea. If I were to leave the rocks what color would you suggest I paint the exterior? We have to get a new roof so the brown right now could be changed. I’m not really into the Spanish vibe. Really want to make it look more modern. Love the plant ideas though!

  • 7 years ago

    Painting or whitewashing your rock will not transform your home to modern...removing it will be more effective...at that point pull out all the existing landscaping and install a very modern scape with a few large ...sleek ....dramatic plant groupings with maybe oversized statement pots or sculptures and a finer grade uniform stone ground over...some of the stones may be used effectively by creating a ground border around the new dramatic planting groups...or the walkway....

  • 7 years ago

    After a second look you already have in place some of the plant elements suggested ...the ones with interesting silhouettes are more striking...

  • 7 years ago

    You hate it. Have it removed. Trying to make it look like something it isn't is a waste of time and money.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    If you wanted modern then you should have bought modern this will not be that without $$$$$ IMO painted or white washed stone outside just adds another level of upkeep. If you don’t like the stone wall take it out

  • 7 years ago

    Different strokes for different folks. My first thought upon seeing your pictures (and before reading your text) was, "What lovely stonework!" I also really like the wood. However, you & your wife are the ones who live there and, therefore, the ones who need to be pleased.

  • 7 years ago

    Look at the pictures I posted, search out modern Spanish bungalow for ideas, but the reality is you bought a Spanish style house, no amount of paint will change that, it will be a Spanish house with paint on it. Go for a white stucco all the way around, trim all the windows in a dark charcoal put a red tile roof or even a dark charcoal. I get it your not a fan, but as HGTV say 'love it or list it".



  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Here is some idea for gray wash.


  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    it's not a modern spanish bungalow. these tract homes with 'spanish' arches were all the rage in thelate 70's and 80's. We lived in one when I was a kid.

    If you like the Mediterranean exterior look, then by all means, have the front landscaped, house painted, new door, lights, etc, to reflect that look.

    If you don't like any of it, remove the rock and have is stuccoed to match the rest of the house. Remove the arch (or square it off in a more modern look). Have the low wall removed or have it l stuccoed to match the rest of the home. pick some paint colors you like and have the home painted.

    as for the inside, can't really see the entire room, or what your decor or style is, so it's hard to comment on that. I

    f you dislike the rock fireplace, don't paint them. remove it and tile with something you do like. You could even remove them and apply a smooth coat of stucco mortar in a deep charcoal. at least it would look better w/the cedar paneling. modernize the hearth w/a solid piece of quartz, marble, basalt,,or whatever


    The cedar paneling looks great in a lodge home. but if you paint it, it can be made into something a bit more modern or Boho type of design.












    Figure out what you want and like and go from there.