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Round or square columns? shutters?

3 years ago

My 1970’s exterior needs updating. Should I upgrade my columns to square? What about shutters? Any advice appreciated!!

Comments (17)

  • 3 years ago

    The bushes in the front have gotten big now and cover the brick.

  • 3 years ago

    Will do!!! Thanks

  • 3 years ago

    Surprised code doesn't require a railing across the front.

  • 3 years ago

    Same! We bought it 4 years ago and i figured the insurance company would require it but they did not.

  • 3 years ago

    The round columns are elegant. I'd leave them.

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    I would prefer square, but those look nice and I would not spend money to change them. Black (or another dark color) shutters on the main level windows and the door would also look good. Look at installing a Chippendale style railing. Even though you haven't been told to, I think having a railing is a requirement.

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  • 3 years ago

    I would go square, I'm not sure the round fits the house. but I'm also not sure you need that many white or natural wood stain, could be a nice update.



  • 3 years ago

    Square. It ain't the Parthenon or any type of classical revival. It's a proper, good-looking ranch house, and it should have square (or wrought iron) posts.


    If the previous owner had come to Houzz and been advised to dump some "dated" wrought iron posts, along with the porch railing, I wouldn't be shocked. :)

  • 3 years ago

    Go with square. No shutters. Maybe a more solid-looking front door.

  • 3 years ago

    Really nice looking house - I agree with square columns and a charming railing could help the front porch seem more welcoming - would you ever sit out on the front porch or no?


    I agree the front door could be gussied up - is that a storm door?

  • 3 years ago

    Square posts (and square railings for safety)…plus paint metal stair railings white…if you still want shutters at that point…try white shutters only on windows on sides…not porch…since the brick is so dark and uniform white elements would be more striking and effective than black

  • 3 years ago

    @la_la Girl. We sit on the front porch daily!!

  • 3 years ago

    If you decide to paint the ornate metal railings…a pressure washer will get them clean to paint…then spray paint…i always suggest spray paint in a can …as it has a high glue content for sticking to rough surfaces…and is a cheap and easy diy

  • 3 years ago

    Thank you all for the feed back!! Keep it coming

  • 3 years ago

    oooh if you sit out there daily then I think a railing could help it feel a bit more like an outdoor room as opposed to a perch -- then you could add an outdoor rug, taller planters etc.

  • 3 years ago

    One consideration if you sit out often…pretty flower pots in a row instead of a fence across the front…may open the view more and provide a prettier sitting area…if it is south facing and you use it in winter you can replace the plantings in winter….having colorful annuals in the summer…more winter tolerants for winter

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    Lots of railing panels that can add some texture to the porch.