Brick foursquare exterior refresh ideas

5 years ago

My husband and I are considering purchasing this old brick foursquare built in 1900. (It's been on the market for over 100 days, as it needs a lot of interior work). My goal from this forum is to get ideas for an EXTERIOR refresh on this old beauty. I like the brick, but I just think there's too much of it - especially given that the porch railings and columns are all the same brick. We're considering a creamier off-white trim that doesn't look as stark as this current bright white does, and possibly wrapping the columns with a wood, craftsman-inspired look. I think the roof would benefit from some new mission-inspired roof tiles (possibly in green, or a green-black hue). I'd like to refresh the look of the windows, but am unsure how to achieve this. Aside from obvious landscaping, what other ideas might you have for refreshing this tired exterior? If we buy it, I want it to make me happy every time I drive home and see it!

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PRO

Celery. Visualization, Rendering images

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Some visual with different trim

Bige/ivory/tan

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Comments (9)

PRO
HALLETT & Co.
5 years ago
The brick is THE BEST part about this house (I mean that bay is pretty awesome) Other than cleaning the brick leave it alone- don't wrap columns or paint it, just not needed. I agree the stark white trim is harsh, off white or even a muddy olive looks great with brick. Otherwise great landscaping and you are good to go.
kim s
5 years ago
So pretty! I agree creamy white but I would replace the porch railing and make them creamy white wood. Leave the brick columns. Maybe a wood front door.
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PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
It's a beautiful home that hasn't been destroyed by updating. I would take some time to read up on how to do this correctly and wrapping anything in wood when you have brick I would think would be a nono. I agree the white seems stark and should likely be toned down.

The roof is going to be expensive if it needs replacing, but I love the color and style of the roofing materials and would incorporate that color in the trim somehow. See this image below where they carried the roof color into the trim to add some impact.

Looks as though the windows have been replaced with a style that is not appropriate to this home design. The old windows would have had muntins in the upper panes.
Christie Beard thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
ptreckel
5 years ago
What a gorgeous home! Do not mess with the brick. It is beautiful. No to replacing the brick railings, too. It is a classic! I agree that a creamy white would look lovely on the wood trim. And if a new roof it warranted in the near future, a dark green or black architectural shingle would be appropriate. Get the dish OFF the roof where it is located. And focus on the landscaping when the season permits. WOW. A beautiful home. Well maintained on the exterior. If you want to experiment, do it on the interior. The exterior is really beautiful AS IS.
PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Brown/bronze
Christie Beard thanked Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Matching roof
Christie Beard thanked Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
5 years ago
Gray
Christie Beard thanked Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
Christie Beard
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you all for these color options and visual renderings; that helps me SO much, as I am a very visual person and have trouble picturing things from a 2D rendering. I love what the darker trim options are doing for the overall look of the home, while making the brick less overpowering. I knew if I reached out there would be some great ideas - thank you for taking the time to share!