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lisa_schertz

Exterior Update Challenge

6 years ago



We are looking to replace the original front door and garage door of our new house, but unsure of what style to go with. The current front door repeats the pattern of trim seen on the garage, and is covered by the louvered glass storm door (that needs to go). There are many mid-century elements in the house but I feel lost in the exterior. Any suggestions for a direction to go in would be so appreciated!

Comments (10)

  • 6 years ago

    I would start small
    Paint the garage door including the trim and the door the same color as the shutters
    Improve the planter. Make sure the plants remain below the window put in some color and get rid of the builder look green ball plants
    Change the storm door to something without jalousie but can have a screen

    The thing that jumps out at me when i look at your house is the roof. If it was my house i think i would embrace it and go asian look with the plants maybe a small j maple or those trees that have pompoms on the end of branches - sorry dont know name. River rocks in the planter..... I think asian goes well with midcentury

    Lisa Rose thanked Whatever
  • 6 years ago

    The roof lines look very Asian temple to me rather than MCM, but the two styles are complementary (many of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs have an Asian aesthetic). Have you considered black as an accent color for the front door, shutters and the garage door? Change the coach lamps to something more contemporary - even a square, mission style would work. Pending buying your new garage door, try painting the current door first to be sure you are happy with the color. If you buy a metal door, then in my experience buy it in the final color you want. Metal garage doors can be problematic if not painted properly (they stick and can chip, for example). Get a version with windows in the top row of the garage door to open up that wall a bit. A full-light front door with frosted/opaque glass would be more in keeping with the Asian/MCM theme.

    Lisa Rose thanked drjsmith
  • 6 years ago


    I love the garage and front doors in black.

    Lisa Rose thanked misecretary
  • 6 years ago

    I would take the vestigial shutters off the picture window to start. :)


    Very cute house -- the roof line is indeed unusual, but midcentury architecture was often inspired by Asian examples, so Whatever may be onto something.


    I think you could go pretty plain with the door, like a standard door with a row of glass windows (painted to match the trim or blend in with the brick if you'd like it to be less dominant), or you could do something striking in the "midcentury modern" vein, which is often wood. Lemme see if I can come up with some examples...


    for the former:


    Haas Doors- Custom Garage Doors · More Info


    Residental Doors · More Info


    Custom Wood Garage Doors · More Info

    and for the latter:


    Planks - Cedar · More Info


    Winding Way 3 Exteriors · More Info


    Gardenia Dr · More Info


    As for the door, I'd do a simple door with a 3-light, or you could get a little funky there too. It all depends where you want the interest to be. :)


    Mid-Century Raised Ranch Remodel · More Info


    Barton Parkway · More Info



    Southampton · More Info


    Kensington Mid-Century Addition/Renovation · More Info


    Some ideas anyway. Have fun!

    Lisa Rose thanked acm
  • 6 years ago

    I like acm's suggestions. Yes, remove the shutters from that large window.

    Lisa Rose thanked chloebud
  • 6 years ago

    Since a mansard roof is French style, I would go with country French elements. Limewash the brick and add some gray to the garage door and shutters. Add rustic elements like a wood post by the door and windows boxes. Paint the window frames black.

    Lisa Rose thanked Nancy Ingram
  • 5 years ago

    I sincerely want to thank you all for the comments and ideas...I am grateful to have so many educated responses to my post.

  • 5 years ago

    I like celerygirl's rendering -- was going to say something about removing all the grids from the big window(s), but I wasn't sure how much you wanted to take on! :)

  • 5 years ago

    I love, love, love celerygirl’s suggestion!
    Did I mention I love it? lol

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