How can we refine the traditional georgian feel of this home.

13 years ago

We are purchasing this home and would like to refine the exterior. The home has a traditional georgian interior. Although it is a more recent build the interior has period reclaimed loyalist doors and banister and fireplace surrounds
We would like some suggestions on updating/refining the exterior.

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Maguire

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

Please remove the vines from the exterior soon. It looks like its getting into the walls at the windows and under eaves where it will wreak havoc!
The front door could use a new color, I think I'd go charcoal or black. I'd line the upstairs red drapes with white. All the windows should have the same color drapes facing the front. Wouldn't it be lovely to get muntins in the windows?
Looks like the trim, facia and eaves is a cream color, I'd go whiter to match the window frames.
And the shutters are awful, sorry. Good shutters will make a huge difference. Go with a charcoal color so the black hardware on them can be seen. Don't lime the brick work, it's all so beautiful.
You need a cap on your chimney (see photo).
Gorgeous home! Congratulations and thanks for sharing it. Keep us posted, especially to let us know you've removed that nasty ivy.

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Comments (10)

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Heather Bates Design
13 years ago
The first thing I'd do is have a landscaper remove the climbing Ivy - which destroys brick, and to trim back the foundation plantings and the overgrowth. It would also be nice to create a more s-curve walk to the front door. Also, opening up the bed on the right side would let the area "breathe" a bit. Currently, looking at the front, the garage side is more the focal point as it pushes forward. I'd say you'd want to balance that out with a new Built-out entry. The facade feels more 1970's than what you describe for the interiors. The Shutters should be darker to balance out the heavy brick lintels. As should the door, in a nice glossy finish.
patiomarigold
13 years ago
Add a front porch to the recessed portion? The shutters don't look quite right. Maybe a different color or higher quality shutters would help.
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Charles Powers
Original Author
13 years ago
What do you thinking of using a lime wash on the brick to unify the colors of brick?
PRO
Timberlane Shutters
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Adding properly fitted, functional shutters will definitely enhance the exterior of this home since it already has a historical feel to it. Since it is a traditional Georgian style, you are not limited to the style of shutters that you choose. Either louvers or raised or recessed panels will go well on this home. The link below provides a style guide that lists which shutter styles should be placed on which home.

http://www.timberlane.com/resource-center/general-information/house-styles/#.UidND9Kkr8s
decoenthusiaste
13 years ago
My first thought was to unify the color with stucco and paint. The secondary color on the coins and window trim is a real distraction.
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mmilos
13 years ago
I agree with a lot of the comments above.

1. New windows with grilles would avoid the hollow looking effect of the plain windows.
2. Common window treatments and new shutters.
3. Stain all brick and grouting a common, consistent color to minimize the busyness of the brick.
4. Spruce-up/thin out landscaping.
Angel 18432
13 years ago
Landscaping is definitely overgrown. I personally like the reclaimed brick and different colored coining and think you will have a different perspective of it once new shutters are on and door is painted.

Need a new paved or stone driveway. New coach lites.
Virginia Cook
13 years ago
Is the roof actually red? I would go with a gray roof when you need to replace it. Black shutters and door would be great and I agree with adding mullions to the windows. Really nice house!
PRO
Susan Berry Design, Inc.
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
It's a beautiful home with mature landscaping. I agree, that properly sized shutters (LOVE Timberlane products) in the right accent color will make all the difference. The multi-colored brick adds charm. Painting the brick adds lifelong maintenance. I agree with Maguire, a pop of fresh color on the front door and unifying the liner on all of the drapes will make a huge difference. Consider larger light fixtures. A large wrought iron style fixture over the entry would be nice. Copper chimney caps. Changing the windows to add mullions is expensive and not critical. If you ever change the windows, that would be the time. Simple is nice.