Complete windows overhaul - can we make this ugly house beautiful?
We have completed internal renovation on our house, but it is let down by the outside. The windows are the main problem. They are a mix of PVC and aluminium, different styles, fitted at various times, and all needing replacing!
I love the large window to the left, but hate the others. Most on the first floor are also too high (112cm floor to sill) so we are wondering about enlarging them by bringing them down an extra 20 cm or so?
I was bought up in a Victorian house so used to tall sashes. Don't think that style is going to work here! So maybe something more cottagey? Ideally would like timber.
Any advice on styles or dimensions would be gratefully received. How can we start to get a more coherent look and improve the outside appearance??!
Comments (17)
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Please help make my ugly house pretty!
Comments (29)paint-wash the stone of the square part of house to blend w/the color of the rear house; pick up roof color w/the terra cotta awnings and pots of trees (could be 3 different shaped pots) add trailing plants on roof at left to balance...some flagstones to create a little path to entry and create a low step to door (concrete or flagstone) add off white window covering where turquoise is----easy fixes...See MoreUgly UPVC windows
Comments (16)Hello Ffion, Please don't replace with White UPVC they are absolutely horrible. You are very lucky they are as nice as they are. So my suggestion is to paint with a primer like zinsser or another brand that will adhere to plastic and then paint a colour like charcoal, not too black.. If you were considering to replace the windows then definitely don't go down the upvc route. They devalue properties... but the good thing is that yours are nicer than most! I don't even mind the window panes too much as I think you will make gr8 strides just by painting the brown plastic.. Of course... this applies to the front door too... as you can do the same... Think a charcoal here too would be lovely... 2 nice square slate looking planters with something lovely either side of the door would be rather nice too.. Will you keep the little "porch" ? Could be nice without it... I like the brick too and would leave that alone.. :))...See MoreHow to make our ugly 1930s terrace look pretty?
Comments (28)Hi - congratulations on your new house in our beautiful city! Your vestibule glass is stunning and if you like it as much as I do, I would consider taking design direction from that .... it will subtly remind you of/prepare you for that 'wow' factor as you approach your home. I wouldn't lose the external door if you value the heat retention/security, but you could change it to the style of the inner door, which will also add light. Mostly I would concentrate on using elements of those colours from the vestibule glass on the outside of your home - namely the yellow, deep red and black. I love Bristol painted houses, but if you want to keep to a neutral paint on the render then just experiment with ways you can use these colours as accents, eg door colour or detail on the door surround, dark window cills, dark brick red or nearly-black path, and definitely planting (especially the LHS of the path & RHS of the door). Depends on your budget but I'd recommend tiling the front step, and then maybe save money by using concrete paint on the path. Have fun experimenting with different ideas by 'photoshopping' a picture of your home before you spend any money! :-)...See MoreHelp required ugly house
Comments (10)The ground floor windows are not symmetrically aligned to the top floor windows which makes the front look unbalanced. You could re-align the window openings but that requires structural changes so expensive and may impact negatively on the interior design. As an alternative how about a veranda running across the length of the front elevation? It would stop the eye noticing the windows are not aligned? You could go one of two ways- very modern , angular style which would suit the current windows and box style dormers or you could go for a pretty Southern American style as shown on photo- although might need to other changes such as replacing the windows for a more appropriate style/ add shutters etc. Photo shows that windows on ground floor aren't aligned with top windows but not noticeable as the veranda distracts your eye....See More
Martha Turner
3 years agoRichard L
3 years agoRandom thought - thin aluminium 20s deco style...
i.e. horizontal panes within the window shape might work well - esp. with the narrow upstairs?
Martha Turner thanked Richard L
PROKITCHENS AND BATHROOMS
3 years ago
Juliet Docherty
3 years agomacbroom
3 years agoHi Martha, I live in a similar age cottage - 1909 - and am in the process of replacing all the windows and doors with timber Georgian frames. They are replacing pvc windows with pvc crisscross internal strips that are supposed to mimick Georgian bars but just looked too artificial in a house this old. I’ve attached a couple of pics of the timber windows. It is expensive to use timber but in my opinion worth it. You can also get pvc Georgian bars that are on the outside of windows, instead of the pvc strips that are inserted in the window pane, so they would look more like the ones in the pics.
E D
3 years agomacbroom
3 years ago
Carolina