Expert: Nazim Nice - 5/20/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello Nazim. Do you have any design ideas that would make this simple bungalow more interesting? We have removed the stucco fascade and would like to put Hardie siding on the house - but want to add some visual interest.

The house was built in 1923 and is on a quiet tree-lined (with Elms) street in Saskatchewan. The front faces west and the neighbor to the south sits only 4 feet away (very close lot line).

Any suggestions you can offer are greatly appreciated.

ANSWER: Hi Laura,

I actually didn't seem to receive the photo.  You might want to try posting it again, or you can email it to me at web@motion-space.com and I will answer the question.  

Nazim Nice
Principal / Architect
http://www.motion-space.com
--
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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sorry about that.  I will retry to post the photo here.

Answer
Hi Laura,

I have a few thoughts:

1.  Entry - you might want to create more of a covered entry. To do this, you might look at pulling a small roof gable off the front of the house, possibly centered on the door, then adding columns and/or brackets to support this roof.  You could look at centering it on the door for a small entry, or center it on the right edge of the door (as you look at the front of the house), and then add a nice decorative light fixture on the wall adjacent to the door to 'balance' things out.  

2.  Paint colors.  Since you're changing the siding, choose a new paint color that's more in line with a craftsman style home.  Sherwin Williams has a good craftsman color palette, which is a good starting point.

http://www.sherwin-williams.com/do_it_yourself/paint_colors/paint_color_palette/

You can read more about choosing house colors on our website:
http://www.motion-space.com/exterior-house-colors.htm

3.  I'd look at doing something with the front porch step and adjacent planter.  It would be nice if these were more integrated together, possibly the same material.  If the front step was covered with brick (thin brick might work - or you'll have to remove the concrete if you use real brick).  Or replace it all with a stone entry step and stone walled planter.

4.  Landscaping!  It's amazing what nice landscaping can do to a house.  First you can hide some sins like the heat pump.  You can also cover up some of the large wall area under the 3 front windows which I think will help with the proportions of the house and help accentuate the front door.

Hope this helps.  Good Luck!

Nazim Nice
Principal / Architect
http://www.motion-space.com
--
Remodeling your basement: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-basement-remodel.htm

Adding a second story: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-second-story-additions.htm

See the work of Motionspace Architecture + Design: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-architects-projects.htm

Green Design Resources: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-architects-green-design.htm

See our newest product: http:/store.lumenid.com