Exterior Design Help for 1950s Ranch-style house
We are in desperate need of an update to our 1950s ranch-style house in California. We recently purchased the home and think the look is quite dated, but don't know where to begin! We don't want to make any significant structural changes, but are open to most other ideas. I don't like the blue color and all of the white trim. We're thinking about getting rid of the brick, adding window trim, changing the columns, changing paint color, resurfacing porch / walkway, landscaping, etc. but we don't know where to begin or what would suit the house!
What does everyone think? Thanks in advance! :o)
What does everyone think? Thanks in advance! :o)
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Let's get this post moved up to the top of the list and see what other comments you get.
The porch is nice, the posts can be spruced up with a bit of thickening, added trim, and bit enlarging them half way down? maybe bit of moulding pieces at top of posts to add some dimension. Try the posts in the darker trim color? You could add a short unobtrusive porch railing that vine could grow on starting at one corner post and keep controlled just as an accent and to add privacy. I am not a designer or expert obviously....Good luck!
Beef up the columns, add a little detail at the top and bottom.
Consider changing the siding to a cedar shingle. Place a horizontal trim board band above the stone cap on the brick. You may not need to remove the brick.
Place an Arts and Crafts style light on the wall alongside the front door, and you're in business.
Obviously, you want to completely change everything, but maybe some of these small changes will carry you through while you plan a major remodel.
Good Luck.
If your budget allows, look at garage doors with more architectural interest since it is at least 1/3 of your front facade. When you need to replace your roof, architectural shingles add more interest and detail too.
I would drive through other neighborhoods for ideas and what houses stand out in your mind. That will help you get an idea of what colors YOU like in combination with brick. Just remember that if you are planning to sell at any time you do want a house that will appeal to other people as well. Something too out of the norm will usually not sell.
As for the trim around the windows, we like the idea of adding some trim here but would have to cut into the stucco to do it properly and add appropriate flashing, etc. to avoid water damage down the road. I like someones idea of dark trim around the windows, but it may be difficult since the windows themselves are white which might not look right.
What do people think we should do with the wood horizontal siding on the side of the house - currently painted white (this wraps around the back of the house too). Would we paint it the same color as the upper portion of the walls?
Someone had the idea of adding cedar shake shingles to a portion of the house. Would that be where the current horizontal wood siding is on bottom sides and back of house or perhaps on the sides of the house at the top of the wall (following the line from the front of the house and up?)
I agree with the comment above about being careful about the choices to ensure they architecturally match the style of the house. I don't want it to end up a mish-mash of different styles.
Thanks again!
Example of mixed materials: grey/blue color with white trim, brick/siding/shakes with natural wood detail:
Greenlake Craftsman
Love this color palette with the brick:
Nantucket in So Cal
Natural wood finish over porch:
Phinney ridge residence porch
Would love to incorporate a screen door like this:
Central Avenue House I
I would paint the body of the house light to medium gray, add shutters in charcoal gray or black. Keep the white trim to contrast with your roof, but purchase column wraps to add depth to the posts - less expensive than replacing. Paint the front door a pretty teal to contrast with the brick. I would either replace the garage door with a carriage style to add character or add window inserts and hardware to the existing door if cost is an issue. Paint the door the same white as the trim. I, also, would remove the picket fence and the front hedges and replace them with flowering shrubs. Add interesting, black or dark bronze lighting fixtures on either side of the front door, some nice porch furniture, possibly all-weather wicker and a large ceramic planter with a mix of plants at the top of the stair(s).
Finally, good luck in your new home!