The wide "picture frames" around the windows and garage doors are very odd. The windowless brown panel to the left of the entry door is particularly strange given its prominence, actually rather disconcerting.

I'm confused by the same as well as by the chunky stone pillars that become black toothpicks, and why the toothpicks go all the way up to the roof. If reminds me a bit of a Panera.

I see one of the categories you have this post listed under is "Landscape Design". In that case I suggest planting a lot of large trees strategically placed.

Like to hide the house? 😆

@kendrah Thats a pretty Panera actually. The toothpicks hold up the roof which is why they go all the way up. But I'm interested to know where you would terminate the toothpicks instead.

@wdccruise The picture frames around the windows are what holds them together - commonly referred to as "window frames". Apologies for making you feel disconcerted by the asymmetry. It was unavoidable with the staircase inside. I think a tall, narrow light colored evergreen may help but I'm open to other ideas.

Nothing "wrong" with asymmetrical design, if that was the intent.

Amit Appel Design

"The picture frames around the windows are what holds them together - commonly referred to as 'window frames'"

Window frames

Not a window frame

Where (in the world) is this? In my area that looks like a commercial office building.

@wdccruise Maybe you were referring to light colored stucco? Not sure. Either way, any suggestions to make it less "odd"?

These materials are probably more common in commercial properties in a lot of areas but you'll see them used on residential homes also, often in warm climates. Definitely a modern look.

"any suggestions to make it less "odd"?"

No.

I think the OP was showing off their wonderful new house, not asking our opinion.

@Sigrid yes, I was excited by the progress with the new driveway, greener grass and some landscaping. And proud of my husband who did it all. But I might have posted under the wrong topic. However, its actually been interesting getting some honest opinions too. After all, friends and family are too polite to be so blunt.

@sigrid Thank you for sharing this. This is the first time I've "publicly" shared my house anywhere online. The first few comments were interesting and honest but they definitely threw me off!

Regardless, I wish you all well in your houzz endeavors.

I like the design, including the pillars. Which don't appear as toothpicks, imo. Landscape includes the surface variations in the land. Not only what's planted. You can do a lot with subtle height changes, curves, swirls and berms crafted to be maintained while adding interest. Takes real skill. I'm not feeling the plantings right on top of the structure. There's space for much more a bit farther away.

Please consider adding several trees. Your landscape needs to be bolder to suit your home. Without knowing your location we can't suggest specific varieties but I'm thinking of trees with a sculptural quality like monkey puzzle, cedar of Lebanon, live oak... I hope the small conifers along the wall are Hollywood junipers.

I think the use of large trees in the landscaping will help soften the style of architecture into the area in which it sets. Hopefully there is enough site to achieve this and neighboring sites are landscaped in a similar manner as to not be an island within the land.

If you can, use a few monkey puzzle trees, as cecily 7A suggests, just for the name.

Just chiming in to say I like it. Maybe it’s because I live in an area where there are many homes with similar modern designs I don’t think it looks ”commercial ”. Landscaping, as it matures will enhance it. I think many on here are accustomed to more traditional or conventional architecture.

Thanks all! Yes more expansive plantings are definitely in order this summer. There is plenty of room for it. We planted about 100 last summer spread across several acres but it will be years before the land looks less barren. We are in Pennsylvania.

• Webs6 …. Ignore the negative comments. Your house is beautiful. i live in an authentic MCM home thst one of my GroTuscan loving friends hate. ”The ceilings are too low, there’s too much glass, it’s too modern … etc.”

if trees are what you have planted next to the house they are way too close.

I have more of a traditionalists taste in homes, but the first thought I had when looking at the photos in your first post was what a beautiful setting and attractive modern home you have. Clean lines, neat shrubbery, and a gorgeous green lawn! Would love to see more of your home, like the landscape views from within. 👩‍🦱

nhb22: "what a beautiful setting and attractive modern home you have. Clean lines, neat shrubbery, and a gorgeous green lawn!"

And don't forget the circular driveway shown in the photo above!