Stately American Home - Classic Dutch Colonial Photography: Phillip Mueller Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized victorian three-story wood exterior home remodel in Minneapolis

This is a little project we did for a friend a few years ago. Our client approached us after the south face of her house had deteriorated to the point that severe rot and mold had invaded the structure. She also wanted to give the front of her house a facelift and create some more curb appeal. On little projects like these, budget often dictates our design solution and our approach is to maximize value on behalf of our clients. We don't trying to win design awards with these small projects nor are we trying to get published. Our goal is to simply and elegantly solve the problem we are presented with at a price point that our client can afford. There are several ideas we incorporated into this design solution. Foremost was to solve the water infiltration into the building envelope. The structure faces due south and takes a beating from all of the winter storms we get here in the Pacific Northwest. In the summer, harsh sun warps and cracks most siding materials. This solution entailed stripping the entire south facing facade down to the studs, tearing out all of the rotted lumber and reframing this wall to accept new windows. This wall was then insulated, sheathed, covered with a high performance building paper and then sided with a cementitious siding material.We added a cover at the front door to both protect the house and to announce the entry. The element of time plays a large role in our designs and in this case we wanted to highlight the transition from the outer environment to protected interior of the home. Finally, with the addition of the minimal arbor we created a public space on the front of the house that allows for gathering, gives the house more visual interest and provides a public zone between the house and the street. This zone is literally a way for our client, who runs a business on the upper level of her home, to get out of her house and interact with the world. In short, this was a contextual solution that blends in well with its neighbors and promotes community through a classic front porch design. Our client spends a lot of time here in the summers chatting with neighbors, enjoying a glass of wine and watching the setting sun. There are several ideas we incorporated into this desgn solution. Foremost was to solve the water infiltration into the building enevelope. The structure faces due south and takes a beating from all of the winter storms we get here in the Pacific Northwest. In the summer, harsh sun warps and cracks most siding materials. This solution entailed stripping the entire south facing facade down to the studs, tearing out all of the rotted lumber and refaming this wall to accept new windows. This wall was then insulated, sheathed, covered with a high performance building paper and then sided with a cementitious siding material.We added a cover at the front door to both protect the house and to announce the entry. The element of time plays a large role in our designs and in this case we wanted to highlight the transiton from the outer environment to protected interior of the home. Finally, with the addition of the minimal arbor we created a public space on the front of the house that allows for gathering, gives the house more visual interest and provides a public zone between the house and the street. This zone is a literally way for out client, who runs a business on the upper level of her home, to get our her house and interact with the world. In short, this was a contextual solution that blends in well with its neighbors and promotes community through a classic front porch design. Our client spends a lot of time here in the summers chatting with neighbors, enjoying a glass of wine and watching the setting sun.

A classic traditional porch with tuscan columns and barrel vaulted interior roof with great attention paid to the exterior trim work.
Entryway - mid-sized traditional entryway idea in Other with white walls and a black front door

Rob Karosis, Photographer
Country yellow exterior home photo in New York

Two column arched portico with stone bases and shingled roof located in Cumming, GA. ©2012 Georgia Front Porch.
Entryway - mid-sized traditional entryway idea in Atlanta with a black front door

The house was a traditional Foursquare. The heavy Mission-style roof parapet, oppressive dark porch and interior trim along with an unfortunate addition did not foster a cheerful lifestyle. Upon entry, the immediate focus of the Entry Hall was an enclosed staircase which arrested the flow and energy of the home. As you circulated through the rooms of the house it was apparent that there were numerous dead ends. The previous addition did not compliment the house, in function, scale or massing. AIA Gold Medal Winner for Interior Architectural Element. For the whole story visit www.clawsonarchitects.com

this kitchen was custom built to our design by Shaw Builders who was also the GC. Photos are by Nancy Hill.
Elegant open concept kitchen photo in New York with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets and paneled appliances

Tuscan Columns & Brick Porch
Large elegant brick front porch photo in New Orleans with a roof extension

Elegant sunroom photo in DC Metro

This porch features stunning views of the lake and running trails. The furniture in the space is a mix of old and new, and designer furniture and custom made furniture. We used navy blue flooring material on the ceiling to add interest, color and texture. A new Waverton Cambria top sits on an antique Weiman lacquer table base. Mark Ehlen Photography.

Our Town Plans
Country beige tiny house idea in Atlanta

Tuscan Columns & Brick Porch
Inspiration for a large timeless brick front porch remodel in New Orleans with a roof extension

A traditional house that meanders around courtyards built as though it where built in stages over time. Well proportioned and timeless. Presenting its modest humble face this large home is filled with surprises as it demands that you take your time to experience it.

The shape of the angled porch-roof, sets the tone for a truly modern entryway. This protective covering makes a dramatic statement, as it hovers over the front door. The blue-stone terrace conveys even more interest, as it gradually moves upward, morphing into steps, until it reaches the porch. Porch Detail The multicolored tan stone, used for the risers and retaining walls, is proportionally carried around the base of the house. Horizontal sustainable-fiber cement board replaces the original vertical wood siding, and widens the appearance of the facade. The color scheme — blue-grey siding, cherry-wood door and roof underside, and varied shades of tan and blue stone — is complimented by the crisp-contrasting black accents of the thin-round metal columns, railing, window sashes, and the roof fascia board and gutters. This project is a stunning example of an exterior, that is both asymmetrical and symmetrical. Prior to the renovation, the house had a bland 1970s exterior. Now, it is interesting, unique, and inviting. Photography Credit: Tom Holdsworth Photography Contractor: Owings Brothers Contracting

Open concept family room with wood burning fireplace and access to screened porch, kitchen, or foyer.
Inspiration for a large transitional open concept medium tone wood floor and coffered ceiling family room remodel in DC Metro with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Photo by Linda Oyama-Bryan
Example of a large classic blue two-story wood and clapboard exterior home design in Chicago with a shingle roof and a black roof

Karyn Millet Photography
Elegant porch photo in Los Angeles with decking and a roof extension

On the site of an old family summer cottage, nestled on a lake in upstate New York, rests this newly constructed year round residence. The house is designed for two, yet provides plenty of space for adult children and grandchildren to come and visit. The serenity of the lake is captured with an open floor plan, anchored by fireplaces to cozy up to. The public side of the house presents a subdued presence with a courtyard enclosed by three wings of the house. Photo Credit: David Lamb

Stacked Stone fireplace is featured on this screened porch. Rion Rizzo, Creative Sources Photography
Elegant porch photo in Charleston with a fire pit