Help me make this house more attractive.

[Deni99]

We have just bought this house and I would really welcome any advice about to make it look prettier and less dated. All ideas welcome.
Picture on profile. Thanks

[Beanymonster]

I think it looks lovely from the outside!!

[SeaSaltCrisps]

Where is the front door?

Is that dark wood between the dormer windows? Can you paint that white/grey/cream?

Do you like plants?

[Deni99]

Thanks Beany. I just think it looks a bit uncared for and I am just wondering what would make the difference ie new windows ? Get rid of the wall, new drive?

[Deni99]

Seasalt,

The door is on the extension on the left which makes the house look a bit odd. It is dark wood at the dormers -happy to paint. I love plants, what do you suggest?

[SeaSaltCrisps]

When was the house built?

What garden look do you like, for example contemporary, med, cottage style?

[IsItSummerYet]

I don't think it looks bad at all but would suggest new windows and flowers. I'm not massively keen on big bushes ;-) so wonder if they could be reduced in size a bit - that could just be me though. Some pots around the front door may improve the look of the extension?

Really not an unpleasant looking house though imo.

[Deni99]

1963. I love cottage style and would love to make the house more like a cottage but not sure how to accomplish it and whether or not it would look naff?

[MisForMumNotMaid]

What sort of look do you like, i.e. Modern, minimalist, country cottage?

Do you go for a rough or smooth look (do all corners need to be square all lines sharp or a less formal look)?

I'm a big fan of country cottage. I'd put a mini picket fence painted white on the existing brick wall between the pillars. I'd plant climbing roses and shrubs to soften the lines.

I'd plant climbers around the garage, build a trelis structure above to soften the horizontal line and likewise above the porch.

Is the porch an open door to an entrance loby? I quite like a covered lit shelter so you can find your keys in the dry.

Have you tried pinterest? Its good for creating mood boards of all the things you like/ identifying your style.

[Deni99]

Thanks Is it summer yet. I think new windows would improve it but again I am not sure what style to go for. Do I just replace like with like?

[SeaSaltCrisps]

Get rid of the conifer then.

Do you know what shrubs you have?

[SeaSaltCrisps]

Could you gravel over the drive?

[Deni99]

No idea what shrubs sorry. We could gravel the drive. That would definitely improve it. Thanks.

[Deni99]

MisforMum,

That sounds perfect! What sort of trellis did you have in mind? Do I have to get it built specially? And would you paint it?

[spotty26]

www.backtofrontexteriordesign.com/media/038-41Leading%20Light-Makeover-Mavericks.pdf

The above site is great for exterior transformations!

[Deni99]

Thanks Spotty, will take a look.

[snailsontour]

Depends upon your budget...
Flat roofs are rarely a good look, so maybe add a pitch to them?
Windows too can make such a difference - check out your neighbours for ideas.

[Ellengriswold]

Depends very much on your taste and budget. I'd think about lead light windows? It looks quite cottagey.
And I personally have an aversion to white upvc doors. We've eventually replaced ours with a pale greeny blue one. And replaced ugly upvc plain windows to match stained glass original ones. I think it's transformed the look of the house. It's actually a much prettier house than ours and it's just waiting for a little tlc.

[Ellengriswold]

Oh tip about gravel drives- cats like them! As toilets ;-)

[MisForMumNotMaid]

I'm going through a white wood stain phase. I have just put a white wood stained picket fence up to create a divide in my front garden between parking and the front door. It creates a safety net for when the dog/ DC run out the door as our front door is straight into our dining room.

Cuprinol do a nice colour called pale jasmine which is just off white.

I'd use a smallish hole trellis and go for something that is pre treated as well as staining because it would last and in my opinion look. Icer whilst things are growing up it.

When I'm playing around with house designs I print out twenty very low quality colour images of the house and then sketch and pen my ideas over the print out. Things like a picket fence are easy to pen over. Likewise you could play with where you'd put trellis and whether angles would work for you.

You could play around with sketching an arched roof over the dormer to see if you like the look.

Wooden partially glazed (stained glass even) garage doors could look stunning and turn the garage into a workroom.

But it all depends on how much you want/ have to spend. How much you want to put down as investment for gain and how much is just for your enjoyment of the property.

[Deni99]

Snails, I completely agree re the flat roof but I have been quoted £8,000 to put a pitch on -the same price for new windows, and although it would look better I am not entirely convinced it would make that much of a difference. Ofcourse I could be wrong. The neighbours all have cottage style windows, in both new and older properties.

[MisForMumNotMaid]

What are the windows made of?

I've just paid £3,500 for a set of patio doors and UPVC windows for a similar sized house In the North West.

[SeaSaltCrisps]

I would go with the cottage style then as it will also fit in with the neighbours.

I agree, I was looking at pale Jasmine, lovely colour. I wonder if you could make more of a thing with the front door? Do you have a path there? do you like this type of thing?

[SeaSaltCrisps]

this?

[Deni99]

Ellengriswold,

You're right the white pvc door is going...... not thought about lead light windows but will have a look thanks.

[SeaSaltCrisps]

or this?