Curb Appeal:Need ideas

9 years ago

I am selling my West Seattle House and need ideas for curb apeal. I recently painted it. Someone suggested black shutters to make it look crisp.
The house is facing east and it's spring right now, time for planting. I plan to list the house in May. Also, I will be getting rid of the bridal wreath out front. The old Japanese maple will stay, as it is eye catching when it has leaves And I don't want to move it (too much work).

Thank you for taking time to look at this!

West Seattle House · More Info

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PRO

Timberlane Shutters

9 years ago

Hi seattlehomenow,

This is a very nice exterior even with the typical Seattle sky in the background :) From the looks of the window sizes, you'd really only be able to do shutters on the left window. Which may not do much to make it look crisp. Perhaps instead you could paint the garage to match the door.

If you do decide on shutters, we'd recommend the Board and Batten style in black.

Good luck!

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Comments (7)

PRO
Hooks and Lattice
9 years ago
We agree with Timberlane Shutters about adding shutters to the smaller window but have you thought about adding a window flow box under the windows? It will add some color and dimension to your curb appeal and it's very simple!
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Hi Stacy. I think weatherboarding will work for the look you're after. Would you paint it all one colour? My only worry was whether it would all be a bit one dimensional and whether the boarding would make the ground floor look lower ( I've drawn it out though and it doesn't seem to make any difference but that could be my lack of drawing skills!) I wonder if you could add a porch with weatherboard like this with either side of the front rendered and painted? The porch doesn't have to be as complex/expensive as this with the steps etc. I've had a similar size ŵall rendered and it was about £150 from memory so the cost would really be for the porch. Can you or your husband draw? It may be an idea to sketch out various options (with colour!) to see what you like then get quotes on the various options http://linleydevelopments.co.uk/portfolio/bungalow-to-a-chalet-style-conversion/#prettyPhoto[portfolio]/1/
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Tanks all so much for these amazing ideas!! I think once I have implemented these the overall look will work - I just need to picture the final result as I do each bit separately. @south Wales - I had considered grass but the front of the house is covered by a huge oak tree canopy in the summer, the tree would probably dry everything out. It blocks most of the direct sunlight out completely. Do you think grass is still achievable? @suesykes - yours looks amazing, is that a rhododendron I can spot? @michaeldbutler - I used an iPad app called color effects @sorayasohal - thanks for your great ideas, I am very keen to use a couple of potted plants in front of the pillars. I just need to make sure they don't get stolen! @arthur road - many thanks for this excellent list, I hadn't really considered using a variety of different plants as the bed is small, but it's a great idea! @ensign - I wanted to use a taller tree each side of the pillars but the drive is on a slope and it might look a bit lopsided. I wonder if there is a way I could correct this by digging out and leveling under each pot or would this look weird? @amanda hunter - it's a great tip looking at local house styles! Mine is quite modern (1996) and is situation in a lovely village with quite a lot of older style houses with authentic wood doors etc. sadly this is a composite door and I added this as the wood door which was on the house was in a terrible state, so my options are limited to having it sprayed a suitable color. So far I think I will: 1) add flagstone path 2) lower globe buxus type pots in front of each pillar 3) paint door (still wanted red) 4) use some of the plants recommended here and go to my local garden centre. The porch also has built in flower beds flanking the steps so once flowers are in there it will look good. The darkness of the north facing house sheltered by a large oak tree is an issue for me, the house looks great but looks dark and gloomy, hence I don't want to have a door that looks too dark and dull, unless it was black. The company who will be spraying the door can do all farrow and ball colors, so I am going to check out some more heritage colors as per Laura and other suggestions. I'm going to get some blue and red samples this week!!
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thank you tez, I like the porch idea, the entrance would be to the side of the house and if I could afford and permitable I would do a side extension but it's an overkill as the space is enough currently, maybe a small porch style roof over the entry way, I have saved examples of these. I've never thought of using a gate, wouldnt it be a hassle to open and close the gate when parking? but it's a good security feature specially around kids. we need to consider postman too. the side space is being considered for parking as the house entrance is there. and having hedging or planting at the front
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PRO
Hooks and Lattice
9 years ago
Also you can add some decorative hardware to your garage door. It's an inexpensive trick that many people do to increase the value of their home when they're trying to sell it :)
corinthdowns
9 years ago
If possible, I'd construct a matching retaining wall to the left of the walkway. As is, the left side looks neglected and/or unfinished. In addition, a window box with cascading plants would be lovely beneath the small window on the left. Big, black house numbers to the left of the door (possibly vertically) would tie in with the wrought iron porch railings and be easily visible from the street.
PRO
Glenbeigh Interiors
9 years ago
a few other suggestions I would make is to add some lighting. A sconce by the front door would be nice as well as along the walkway (low to the ground) or a tall light at the end by the steps. Some house numbers clearly displaying address would be good as well.
Betsy Hartman
9 years ago
I would go to Walmart and buy 3 rhododendrons to plant along the front of the house on the left. You just need color. Some cheap potted florals on the stoop. Done. It's Seattle - someone will buy your house!
PRO
Welcoming Gardens, LLC
9 years ago
I'm guessing you're in the south end of W Seattle. McLendon' and Fred Meyer's should have plant sales coming up soon. They are closer than Walmart, which is in Renton. FM usually has a pretty good selection of pots. Go with a larger size, place it to the left and outside the rail of your entrance. Numbers and a light by the door is really good advice, along with making the windows and door trim larger and consistent .These will draw the eye up towards the door and downplay the garage. You could place a small conifer in the pot with annuals. The tree can then come with you to your new home. W Seattle Nursery is a good source for nice conifers, talk to Bill, their buyer, or Mark and Marcia. All are very knowledgeable. They can also refer a good maintenance person to clean up the gravel and a designer if you need more suggestions. (They used to refer me, but I sold my W Seattle home and moved out of the area and closed my Seattle company. I still stage outdoor areas for homes going on market, but not in your area.) Take a drive around the S. Admiral/Schmitz Park and Genesse areas for more ideas. There are plenty of homes much like yours and these areas are some of the fastest selling due to location.

Curb Appeal:Need ideas

Timberlane Shutters

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Hooks and Lattice

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