You may ask yourself why an interior designer is giving advice about designing the exterior. I have always believed that the inside and outside of a house need to work together in harmony! Regardless of the style of your house and property, it should always have a sense of style and character. There is so much more to consider than just a few bushes or flowers. I think everyone should look at all aspects of their houses from every angle. The house itself has four sides to it. Look at each side separately and see how it fits into the overall design scheme. For instance, does one wall of your house not have many windows on it and have just lots of wall? If so, a trellis added on that wall will add lots of architectural interest. Look at the list below and see what your house may benefit from.
Houses have architectural details that add so much to them. Look at your moldings, do they need painting or to be replaced? Look at the door surround. Does it add interest to the front door? Do you have a fan light or side lights?
If your house is new brick you can add softness and character by having the brick whitewashed.
Do you have a porch? Add interesting trim on the columns or change the colums to fluted colums if your house is traditional. Paint the ceiling of the porch a pretty sky blue and the floor of the porch a dark grey.
How are the windows? Clean all windows to let the sun in. If you have a beautiful view , think about adding a large picture window or add french doors for access to a patio.
Is your house dirty on the outside? Have it power washed, especially if you plan on painting it.
Slate or cedar shake roofs are expensive to install. Consider the newer synthetic versions. Lots of choices for roofs these days.
Add gravel, stone or brick walkways. Add a curve to the walkway to add some elegance.
A simple change is to change your mailbox or add new house numbers to your house.
How does your driveway look? Does it need to be re paved or gravel added? Belgian block borders are elegant.
If your window treatments show from the outside, make sure the linings look clean.
Add window boxes with bright flowers for instant charm.
Add a stone wall or wooden picket fence. Make sure whatever you choose that it works with the style of your house.
When choosing patio furniture, be mindful in keeping with the style of your house. A tudor or georgian style house looks best with wrought iron furniture, while clapboard or shingle style houses are easier to mesh with lots of different styles.
Is your patio very sunny? If so, consider having an awning out back that shields you from the sun. It cuts a lot of heat so it is enjoyable to sit outside.
If you are building a new deck think about incorporating a tree and cut the deck around it. Adds character and shade!
Consider the outside by looking from the inside. After I had finished a dining room for a client that was decorated in pale pinks and soft greens, I had her gardener plant a beautiful dogwood tree and a flower bed with pale pink, rosey pink and white flowers. The electrician installed some exterior lighting for perfect viewing at night. When she has dinner parties with soft lighting in her dining room, the garden outside really complements the inside!
Look at your house and property with a fresh eye this spring and let me know what you come up with!
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