A very interesting home. I think you could help the "look" in front with a center bed with an interesting grouping of pots and an offset Japanese Maple perhaps. Something to draw the eye away from the arched window. It's that window arch along with the straight soffit that is creating the look you see. A larger project, might be to convert that center window to a true front entrance with French doors and a small portico. That would really change things up! Mimic the styling of the side entrance. A curved brick sidewalk to the driveway would create a more comfortable entrance for guests too. Of course, I'm not sure what the space is behind those windows, so it might not be feasible inside. That would require further investigation and photos.

Here is rough concept mock up just for inspiration. I would remove the two deciduous trees at foundation of house out into front grass areas. Those root systems that close to house will be a big problem in a few years. Then plant some evergreen upright specimens to break up sides of front facade.

🤪Flo is right on but you nailed it with the angry house description. Thanks for the morning laugh!

I think it as a cool looking house and agree aside from redoing the window landscaping is going to change the look. Right now the landscaping looks like typical "side of the house" design. You need to make it look like the front of the house.

I see elegant, not angry. Your home is a survivor of a more gracious time, leave the facade alone. Find a landscape designer that will respect the era by using appropriate plantings.

The front IS landscaped but lacks winter interest. The deciduous trees lose their leaves, but looks to be nicely shaped and pretty in other seasons. You can redo the landscaping with more evergreens, or decorate for the holiday.

Absolutely gorgeous house! I agree with you though - it looks a little anthropomorphically angry, LOL. I love Flo Mangan's idea of adding an entry porch to the front. Whether that works with the interior layout - it's hard to tell without seeing a floor plan. If that isn't an option for you, you could replace the arched windows with squared windows. That should be less expensive than building a new entry element. Lastly you could leave it as is to deter break ins! No one wants to mess with an angry house!

If you hadn’t pointed it out, I would not have noticed! Changing some landscaping could help…asymmetrical evergreen trees etc.; that draw the eye away from the arched window. Enlist a landscape architect to draw a simple plan that you can DYI over time if needed. Good luck!

Honestly, I didn’t see it until I read your post. Agree with everyone who suggests adding some evergreens to the front and if there is money and an interior that can agree with this idea, I love what @Flo Mangan suggested!

Please leave your lovely house alone. I wouldn't change the window arch, which is repeated on the windows to the right.

If those are window boxes, maybe plant them and sprinkle some solar holiday lights in there.

Please don't mess with this lovely historic home by adding any new windows or entryways. It is gorgeous. I do get what you mean by the angry look, pretty funny. Interivew some good landscape designers who understand architecture. I think landscaping will resolve this all. Stay away from symmetry in your landscaping and it will help to counter the symmetry in the house.

Are there other homes in the neighborhood with similar configurations? How have they handled it?

I don't think those large arched front windows are original? So, if you can find some original photos of the house, it will guide you. I see other windows of different ages too I believe, so just depends on how "authentic" to the period you wish to be. No matter what, it is a very interesting home. I would love to see the inside. Any photos. We "restored" a 1900 Victorian farmhouse for our family home and it was a 10 year project. But so worth it. Best of luck!

Beautiful home! I think its expression is “surprised, but very pleased to have visitors”. I would work with the landscaping, and not change the architecture. It is charming.

It's a beautiful house! You can garnish the large flower box under the front window with flowers in the summer and greenery in the winter, You can also refresh the front landscaping to make it fuller.

Found some similar homes. I would definitely do some research on the house. Local library might have old newspapers on file they can search for photos of this period or area.

I just have a feeling this house has been modified. I suspect there was a porch across the front and side windows with center entry. But can’t be sure. Might be “Four Square”. Where is it located. North east U.S.?

That is too funny and spot on! I’m leaving the suggestions to the pros…

Mabell I got your message but having trouble with responding on Houzz. Just email me at manganflo@gmail.com and we can chat. Thanks.
Flo

I think some nice landscaping at the base of the house would draw your attention away from the "face". :-) I might even consider adding trellises on either side of the larger lower window to grow some climbing vines or roses. Once they fill in, it will make the house look softer.

I love all the architectural details on your home! I would love to see what it would look like all white (except the front door). Maybe someone with great photoshop skills could do it.

Think you're tough, eh?

Lil Bro

Once anthropomorphized, there's no going back!

I think @Flo Mangan is right. The window is suspicious! The photos of the Four Square houses with both front and side entrances look a lot like yours.

Love the window boxes and landscaping ideas from @lisedv too.

Toronto has such wonderful diversity in its neighbourhoods and homes below are from one I‘m familiar with, so knew there would be good ideas regarding landscaping across a prominent window.

Your home is very special and can be even more so...addressing the facade is an easy fix. Landscaping will completely divert the eye, add value, and create lots of curb appeal.

If interested, I’d suggest rethinking the red; and eliminating colored trim as it feels patchy. Work with the home’s charm and create a warm and calmer look, more suited to your home.