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Design Dilemma Before & After Exteriors

Dark And drab... where’s the curb appeal?!

5 years ago

I’m looking at ideas on how I can improve the curb appeal of my house? I’m looking at short and long term solutions for windows and door, stonework and walls, paving, railings, and garden plantation. I love the Edwardian era and I am keen to retain/emphasise period parts of the house but also encorporate contemporary look, unsure of how I can combine both well in the look of the front of my house. Any advice?!

Featured Answer

Emily

5 years ago

When I think Edwardian I think veranda. Don’t know how common they were but it’s the Edwardian properties with verandas that seem to stick in my memory. Just wondered if a modest one over your front window might give the decorative lift but also a place to sit in the west evening sun? Don’t know what your street is like though, maybe only if it’s a safe feeling area! Anyhow just googled small Edwardian veranda and got these

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Comments (9)

PRO
DecoZen
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I love it’s character. A few things you can try:

1. Try and clean the moss from the canopy bit above the window

2. Paint the front door. A good primer like zinsser bulls eye and farrow and balls exterior eggshell paint in hardwick white or pigeon or French grey. Brick pairs well with a green based colour.

3. You can also paint the window frames.

4. Repair and paint the steps and dwarf wall ( not white, a coulour resembling stone and complementing the brick and new front door colour)

5. Plant a climbing rose in a large pot and train it to go in the pipe and across the wall between the ground and first floor windows.

6 add topiary or bay plants for year round greenery

happy painting!

This is a door in hardwick white
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E D
5 years ago
Lovely house.

Do you have an idea what the original windows and door looked like?
Dee Cee
5 years ago
The front door and windows definitely need a colour to lift them. I would also have stronger planting such as a low formal box hedge design in your front garden. Lastly I would have your step and path tiled - often present in Edwardian houses as well as Victorian. The results will be stunning :)
PRO
OnePlan
5 years ago
Power washing the red stone might be an very quick and easy way to brighten it - personally I love black doors and windows (and railings ) on a house with red stone walls ! I don’t know of you have a local spray paint company for painting newer windows - be worth a google ! At the moment the brown looks a bit sad.
Add shiny black pots of evergreen type foliage where you can and maybe a small black iron bench under the window?
InterestingInteriors
5 years ago
Window boxes with colourful flowers could make the house look brighter :)
hannahlw40
5 years ago
I love the look of plantation blinds/shutters internally. They'll give that contemporary twist from the curb too.
PRO
Christie's Interiors
5 years ago
I’d jet wash it and paint it white/cream new door colour new tai kings and lots of flowers hanging baskets etc.
PRO
Christie's Interiors
5 years ago
Railings*

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