When Joan and Bob Mathews moved into their Dunwoody house in 1983, they never planned on leaving. They still don’t.
But a few years ago, they believed their two-story Cape Cod-style house needed some updates. They tackled the kitchen first. While that project was under way, the Mathews figured it was a good time for other renovations, including new windows and a covering over the front door.
For help, they contacted Stephen Fuller, a residential designer and owner of Stephen Fuller Designs in Atlanta. After a visit, Fuller came up with a design that included the couple’s desired updates. And more.
“When he showed us the drawing, we were knocked out,” said Joan. “We never imagined that our house could look like that.”
The top-to-bottom renovations included a new roof, windows, paneled shutters and a meandering fieldstone walkway from the driveway to the front door. Tennessee fieldstone was added to the front, and the red brick was painted a creamy ivory color.
Fuller also created the covered front entryway that Joan had long wanted. The timber-framed porch, typical of traditional English cottage designs, frames the arched mahogany door.
The couple is thrilled with their home’s new look.
“It makes me smile every time I turn in the driveway,” said Joan. “It has an elegant yet comfortable look.”
The transformation also brought raves and mailbox requests for colors and more from neighbors and other passersby.
Like the Mathews family, you can take a home’s exterior from blah to beautiful with some smart and subtle updates, said Steve Kemp of Kemp Hall Studio, a residential architecture firm in Atlanta and architect for the 2012 HGTV Green Home in Serenbe.
Design experts Kemp and Fuller offer these tips on exterior home renovations.
Before you start
— Have a master plan. Having a detailed plan on paper that shows what the home ultimately will look like will help you work toward your goal — even when your renovations are done in phases. A plan, which includes an accurate budget, also will help prevent mistakes, saving time and money, said Kemp.
— Consult an experienced professional, such as an architect, who has experience in residential renovations. An architect can offer suggestions and solutions you may not have thought of.
- Use an exterior renovation to introduce a more classic, understated style to the house. Architectural detailing, such as columns, windows and eave details can make a difference.
- Set aside a percentage of your budget for the unknown. Every renovation uncovers some problem, such as termite damage or rot, that can’t be anticipated.
Mistakes to avoid
- Don’t start a project without having the end in mind.
- Don’t force styles and elements on a house that do not belong. Be considerate of the house’s existing architecture.
- Avoid the urge to use too many different materials. Instead, use few materials. The result is less fussy and more honest.
- Consider the neighbors. Your house should look comfortable on its site, like it has always been there. It also should complement the houses and features around it.
Tips for a new look
— Paint. Don't underestimate the power of a new color palette. Color can make a small house look larger, project a mood or make single house stand out among a neighborhood of lookalikes. Painting or lime-washing the brick gives the house a new look.
— Stone, siding and more. New siding and stucco can refresh a tired façade. So can adding natural stone.
— Porches. A front porch of any size can dramatically transform the look of your house. It can also give you more usable space. Porches add warmth to entryways.
— Front door. Update a boring or dated front door. Change a single door into a double door and frame with sidelights. Change the door's style or material. Or paint the door a vivid color to draw your eye to the front.
— Garage door. As the largest door in your house, the garage door is an important architectural feature, especially if it faces the front. A new, stylish door will add curb appeal.
— Other architectural details. Add texture and interest by replacing shutters or correcting the sizes of dormers and windows. Also consider adding other details, such as columns, beams, pergolas and eye-catching eves. Changing the pedestals, the base or supports on porch posts or columns can add a decorative and distinctive look. Pedestals can be constructed of various materials, including stone and brick.
- Hardscaping. Built-in concrete planters, a low stone wall or a new walkway are all great ways to add structure and dress up your property.
