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house needs mascara & bangs

2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago

My recently purchased home is pretty plainly shaped & it feels like it just needs something. I have a few ideas for this but I wanted to hear advice as well. I am up to some structural additions like pergolas or similar things. It’s a little bit of a challenge for me because my style is more minimal & modern but this was the absolute perfect location.
*budget is not big but I am open to ideas
*for now I will be keeping it white & changing the accent colors.
*plants will be coming






Comments (15)

  • 2 years ago

    I think the shape and proportion is simple and attractive, and wouldn't build a lot of stuff on to it. No pergola. Your porches would look more inviting with a railing around them and railings on the steps down.

    Your windows should not have shutters, according to the "rules" of shutters. Because the shutters "should" look like real operating shutters that would cover the windows if closed. Now that you know that rule, I don't really agree with it and I think that shutters can look nice even if they aren't real. Like eyeliner LOL. I like yours.

    No window boxes, they will stain your siding. I'm an avid gardener and even for me they are too much upkeep and expense of replacing plants.

    Add a larger house number and a much larger entry light.

    Landscaping will make the biggest difference and is badly needed here, including evergreen shrubs for year round interest. I don't know what your exisiting shrubs are but they have been pruned to an unattractive inverted cone shape with a flat top. Tends to make the shrub go bare at the bottom because the wide top shades the lower portion and the leaves die. They may be salvageable with repruning depending on what they are. If you tell us your closest big city people can make suggestions on appropriate plants. The plants near the street could use some work too.

    Which way does your house face? A tree planted south-west of the house (ant not too close) would eventually provide lovely shade when mature.

    Cute house, doesn't need much to bring out its charm.

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    I think that could go MCM ranch easily do you like that style > This is my fave MCM ranch home and landccaping for inspiration if it appeals to you let us know in a comment here DO NOT start another post .

  • 2 years ago

    Cute house! I agree with partim - add railings and keep the shutters, even though they aren't functional. Maybe paint the door and shutters a bright color, or stick with classic black.


    Definitely focus on landscaping. Looks like those small shrubs have come to the end of their useful life - I'd ditch them and start fresh. Baby the tree, large shrub and lawn for the next year or two (quality fertilizer, water, professional pruning). If you can afford it consider widening the pathway from the driveway to the stairs and create a larger landing at the bottom of the stairs -- make the entryway more prominent with a bench or other decorative item. Assuming you're willing to maintain a garden, expand the planting areas in front and the side of the house. If not, just spruce up the front of the house. Local nurseries often do landscaping plans for a reasonable price and then offer discounts on plants. Worth a try.


    It's a sweet house. Take your time and enjoy!

  • 2 years ago

    A new driveway and landscaping would add a lot of curb appeal.

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    Pressure wash the driveway.

    How do you plan to protect your vehicles? Will you consider adding a garage or some type of roof for protection?


    Your lot needs LANDSCAPING !!!!








  • 2 years ago

    Congratulations on your home! I have no advice- I just loved your post’s title. 😊

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    Replace the round skinny posts with square ones, and then add a wood railing.

    Get a new screen door, add sidelights and two new lanterns for either side of the door. You might also consider making the stoop larger.


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  • 2 years ago

    Cute house! Is the tree in front big or little? The dates on the pics have me confused. Yes, nicer landscaping will help, and a larger front porch. You can get bigger shutters online, and you can paint them any color, so have fun with it.

  • 2 years ago

    You could include lights in your landscaping- around the walkway/drive.









  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    Take off the shutters! Add more trim around them and beef up the support columns.

    Paint the house a shade to work with the color of the roof.



    The tree looks pretty tired and consider cutting it down.

    What species is the bush? If it something good, have it trimmed.

  • 2 years ago

    I would extend the porch landing under the large window to the right (in photo) even if not completely covered. What ever you do with the porch make sure it meets code regarding railings and handrail. Reposition walkway from driveway away from the house and widen by 3 feet, curving toward house and creating a larger landscape area between walkway/porch the and house. you could ten add landscaping to the outer edge of the walkway as well - just not shrubbery.

  • 2 years ago

    Your house is attractive in its simplicity.

    You may wish to enhance the entry porch by widening the brick stairs to the full width and adding rails and banister.

    Larger house numbers will look good.

    More plantings in your favorite colors will also further beautify an already inviting home.

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    A paint job and landscaping is a great start. I wouldn't mess with additions to the house just yet. Live there for awhile and figure out what aesthetic you want. You pretty much have a blank slate with this house, so maybe get some professional assistance once you've determined what you're going for.



  • 2 years ago

    For the drive way, grasses are easy care...let them winter over and in mid-spring, cut them way down.




  • PRO
    2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    Same idea can be achieve with other siding colours such a dark taupe, grays, etc.