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Honey I'm Home!

Becky Harris April 16, 2009

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected." I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More

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The elusive curb appeal. Some houses just have it, others are going to have to do a little work for it, some may never have it. These are all spaces that I'd want to drive up to after a long day's work, open the door, and enter my own personal sanctuary.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so the experience of walking up to that front door and opening it is a very important one. The spaces here range from a tiny turn-of the century cottage to a contemporary 7,000 square foot house. Each has a unique entryway experience, and in my opinion, they all draw me in with their individual characteristics. Some offer a transitional journey through a pergola or a garden, others require a climb, and some will tempt you to sit down on a front porch for a big glass of sweet tea before ever entering the interior.

What says curb appeal to you? A front porch? A beautiful awning? Wisteria? Lighting? Water? Please share, and as always, I appreciate any links to your favorites!

James Hill Architect, AIA

This is about the most inviting home I've ever seen. Small, cute, neat as a pin, YELLOW, and you can see right through to the back. I want to live there. I want to walk up that front sidewalk every day and yell "Honey, I'm home!"

Mark English Architects, AIA

I love that the stylist matched the Wellies to the throw pillows. On a more serious note, this house feels grounded and safe because of the stone floor and walls. Note that the flooring is the same inside and out, creating an interesting transition between the two.

Hanrahan Meyers Architects

I wanted to include one shot of what it's like once the door is open. I love the way they have exaggerated the length and perspective with the L-O-N-G rug!

The relationship between indoors and outdoors is ambiguous and the transition is calming and beautiful.

Kevin Daly Architects

That door is just really, really cool. I want to jump into the picture and open and close it about twenty times.

Narofsky Architecture + ways2design

I think walking up to this door and into this house would be like walking into a Jack-O-Lantern. In a good way!

James Hill Architect, AIA

When I was a freshman in college, I never gained the freshman 15 because I lived in a 3rd floor walk up dorm on top of a hill. I think I would stay in shape if I had to climb this every time I went home. Plus, I want to go see the view out of those great windows.

Hanrahan Meyers Architects

There is something just a little bit Farnsworth about this house. The doors and stairs here seem to levitate above the ground in a Miesian way, and I like it.

By the way, The Farnsworth House could still use your help after the damage from recent flooding. Go to http://www.farnsworthhouse.org/ to donate.

This is the epitome of curb appeal. All they need to add is that mythical vine people draw on arbors on HGTV that seem to grow instantly and flower all year long.

Traditional Exterior Traditional Exterior

I love that this house is a modern take on 1920's bungalow style. It has played with the geometry just a little bit, almost like pieces of fence, window, door, ,etc. were puzzle pieces. Plus, it's got a killer front porch, where I could sit in a rocker spying on all the neighbors and getting a reputation as crazy front porch lady.

This place is so inviting. You can't really tell, but the back of it goes right up to a rock outcropping and the house is on the shore. I love the home-made sign, the bench, and the garden. It's all simple, but the color and the happy vibe create great curb appeal.

adams-associates.com

What can I say? I'm a sucker for art deco! I think I would feel very glamorous traipsing through this door.

I think I'll probably gravitate towards this photo in every ideabook, no matter the topic. This house has such a great mix of old and new, from the Samuel Mockbee-designed addition added to an old dairy barn, to the modern rockers under a tin roof. I just adore it!

Feldman Architecture, Inc.

I keep coming across this picture and I just love it. It's so modern without being stark. That older green door just makes the space. The staircase ain't too shabby either! Oh, and the light fixture, it's almost like walking into the house and having an upside-down idea bulb over your head. The light is enviable, and that sliding door on the track is interesting as well. It's funny, at first glance, the space seems simple, but when you look more closely at the details, there is a lot going on in a subtle way.

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Comments (3)

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frenchw

I love your choices and your reasoning, but wanted to particularly thank you for your mention of the need for the generosity of the Farnsworth House admirers to support our restoration efforts. Donations are welcome, but we really enjoy meeting all fans of the Farnsworth House and love to share our lovely icon with visitors. We're open for tours and invite you to enjoy our curb appeal. Entry fees support the effort as well!

Like April 16, 2009 at 9:04AM

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Becky Harris

Thank you frenchw! I wrote a blog post about the Farnsworth House today as it has served as such an inspiration to me for so many years. One day I hope to make it there in person.

Like April 16, 2009 at 2:49PM

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User

Can i jump with you into the Daly Genik's picture? what a great entry- i love it!

Like April 16, 2009 at 3:26PM