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kjr0625

How do you update this exterior to look more modern craftsman?

2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago


We have replaced the roof with black shingles, I would like to go with a dark blue siding with wide white trim. Looking for ideas to add some character. I would like to extend the roof over the front door to create a larger covered porch but the window placement is throwing me off. We have also widened the driveway to the entire width of the garage and replaced the stones with a concrete.

Comments (15)

  • 2 years ago

    This house is not craftsman.







  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    This is a 70s midcentury house. Don't try to make it something it's not. I absolutely love the windows on your home.

    A new paint color will make this look way better. Since you have a new black roof, I think white with black trim would look terrific.


    yes, this is the updated version of the Brady Bunch house, and I love it.


    A dark color could also look good:


  • 2 years ago

    Please post a current picture showing the changes you’ve made. I do agree your house isn’t Craftsman but you can add some craftsman elements with house numbers, lights etc. but need to see what house looks like now to suggest anything.

  • 2 years ago

    We need to see how the house currently looks!

  • 2 years ago

    Adding Craftsman details to a Mid-Mod house is not going to make it look Craftsman. They'd just look out of place.

  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    I would not add a single craftsman detail to it either. You said "modern craftsman", so is this first pic below what you're thinking?

    The tricky thing is that the tall windows to the left are a big MCM feature. They will never help the house look anywhere close to craftsman. IF you did want something closer to this look, you will need to renovate all of the windows off to the left, reframe them to remove the vertical lines that surround them, and redo the siding. It won't be cheap. And it's still not really craftsman. More like modern farmhouse.


    If you were to simply repaint and get new doors, lighting, etc, it will look a little more like this, which personally I think looks great (sorry the white looks a little off, I did this super quickly):




    kjr0625 thanked User
  • 2 years ago

    Some big fan of MCM will take that off your hands in a heartbeat and you can move on to find a Craftsman home to love.

  • PRO
    2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    Absolutely no craaftsman anything . It also in not MCM but a great example of a 80's contemporary house stay true to that era for sure.

    "Midcentury modern" itself is a difficult term to define. It broadly describes architecture, furniture, and graphic design from the middle of the 20th century (roughly 1933 to 1965, though some would argue the period is specifically limited to 1947 to 1957).Apr 8, 2015

    kjr0625 thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    Thank you! I am going to replace the windows and siding and we are planning on removing the vertical boards around the windows as well. I would also like to add some wood features around the porch. Basically looking at a complete refresh!

    Here is a couple recent photos

  • 2 years ago




  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    @kjr0625 - before you change things, have an architect design the changes and create some renderings. I fear that removing the vertical lines will make that front look really boring and sparse, and it's worth the extra money to be able to really see how it's going to look before you actually do it. Personally, I think those lines are the best feature of that house and I would love to see it preserved. An architect could help you come up with other ideas that might make you happy. Of course it's your home so you should feel free to do what you want!

    @Patricia Colwell Consulting

    It also in not MCM but a great example of a 80's contemporary house stay true to that era for sure.

    It definitely captures the MCM spirit for sure though. I happen to love these, even when they do lean more 70s/80s!

    kjr0625 thanked User
  • PRO
    2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    You might be able to add some decorative craftsman details like you see on the houses below. The cost will be in excess of $100k and will require the services of an architect for drawings. I think the black roof was a mistake. You don't see craftsman homes with black roofs.





  • 2 years ago

    Seattle MCM gave you some great mockups to add more interesting quality materials to upgrade your totally non-Craftsman house. You put a black roof on? You widened the driveway? Those are two moves that go in the opposite direction of Craftsman. Many Craftsman homes had no garages or driveways btw)


    You are just on the edge of what's called "remuddling," where homeowners who actually want one kind of house try to force the house they own into that style. Add quality details like a great garage door, front door, and landscaping to frame the house you have not the one you wish you had.

    kjr0625 thanked housegal200
  • 2 years ago

    The ideas from @Seattle MCM should help you rethink how to modernize your house without trying to make it into what it’s not. Do not remove the vertical boards. Consider the painting ideas posted, which enhance the features of your house but don’t make it look awkward.

    I love the warm white idea from Seattle MCM with the interesting door. That combination would make your house look better.

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