Great home design starts with great architecture!  Today I am happy to introduce our first guest architect, Bruce Wentworth, AIA.  Bruce has an extensive portfolio that shows his love of historic restoration through a broad array of projects; from bungalows (my favorite) on up to large scale luxury residences.  Recently he has also started his website, “Ask the Architect“  which helps homeowners identify their own home’s period and style as well as answering questions about remodeling.  His blog has great tidbits as well.  Today, Bruce is sharing an exterior project that shows us the importance of curb appeal.  I just love the transformation and the autumn decor is a bonus!

Enjoy!

~Lorrie

The original front door didn't really look like a front door.

Now it's bold and visitors know exactly where to go.

Curb Appeal

Our clients, whose property is gorgeous and has a wonderful interior, lacked curb appeal. The existing covered porch was uninviting, narrow and felt like a back door. Exposed brick walls at the porch looked rough and unrefined, old stone paving was cracked and loose, and a pair of glass patio doors served as the front entry but lacked ‘front-door’ status.  

The color and the "flatness" of the house lacked interest before.

The new walkway reflects the style of the new entry.

This project was all about the details; the details of the architecture and the details of the arrival experience. Starting your journey at the driveway we constructed low stone square piers to announce the new flagstone sidewalk; each pier capped with thick flagstone for a substantial feeling, and built-in lighting illuminates the step. The sidewalk’s flagstone was laid in a diagonal pattern to create a rhythm as you progress parallel to the front of the house. Arriving at a turning point, the walk widens to a square and the paving pattern changes, designating its time to turn and face the porch. To make the porch feel more inviting the flagstone paving was extended beyond the porch roof line. This extra floor space allows visitors to gather and accommodates porch accessories such as benches or decorative pots.   

I love the details on this porch: the round window, column and beautiful light.

The porch offers a new experience by covering the existing brick walls of the porch with flat recessed wood paneling with panel molding. The fake shutters were removed from at the porch windows and door to let the paneling do its work. New trim at the door and windows further enhances the details. The old glass patio doors were replaced with an elegant custom door flanked by sidelights that gives the house a new status.

The home’s new curb appeal puts it in sync with the quality of the overall residence and enhances its market value.

 ”Architect, Contractor, and Author, Bruce Wentworth, AIA, has worked in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area for over twenty years as the principal architect on over 100 historic and classic home re-modelings. Passionate about historic architecture, he recently put his survey of residential architectural styles in the D.C. metro area online at http://askthearchitect.org/.  His work has been featured in many local and national publications.”

To learn more about Bruce Wentworth and to see additional projects, visit his website.

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Ask A Design Question!

Memorial Day Weekend! -  Break out the shorts and sunglasses; it’s time to dine on summer specialties.  When I was a kid, there was much excitement surrounding the simple, dome-top, charcoal BBQ grill.  The smell of lighter fluid meant hamburgers in 30 minutes and s’mores in 60 if you were lucky!  Now we have high-tech grills and custom outdoor kitchens that will blow your mind and your budget.  With chef-quality appliances, these outdoor cookeries sport wine coolers, marble counter-tops and more BTU’s than you will know what to do with.  So in honor of all you Grillers (you who suffer for charbroiled perfection) and Chillers (we who kick back with a frozen cocktail), I will share some outdoor cooking quarters from the simple to the sublime.

Come Explore the Great Outdoors on My Design Secrets!

Summer is quickly approaching.  Haul out the patio furniture, tune up the grill and sweep off the deck.  The warm weather gives us an opportunity to expand our living space and get back in touch with nature.   So rather than living with the same decor year after year, let’s spruce it up with some color and accessories.  Like any room in your house, your outdoor space deserves some attention with a mini face-lift now and then.  Here are some fabulous finds to make your outdoor space feel like a special destination any day of the week.

•  Fire Pits Add Warmth - Whether you are enjoying their ambience with a glass of wine or toasting marshmallows, you cannot miss.
• Fun and Games - Why not roll out the Bocce ball, horseshoes or badminton?  They might moan and groan but soon enough everyone will be laughing and cheering.
• Color Infusion - Some colorful throw pillows make the space come to life.
• Aromatic Container Garden - Decks can look barren, so start a container garden with beautiful jars & urns.  Herbs such as Rosemary are easy keepers and give off a wonderful aroma.
• Cozy Converstation - Defining a conversation or dining area with a Pergola transforms a so-so space into a warm and inviting haven.
• Memorable Meals - Colorful utensils and attractive serve-ware make a meal special.

Kick back, relax and enjoy your newly rejuvenated space!

Check out Great Outdoor and Patio Sources in My Secret Database!

Did you know that last Thursday was the first day of spring? I know some of you may still have snow on your window sill, but it takes some time to plan a charming outdoor retreat so I want you to be well prepared. So let’s peek at some fashionable patio umbrellas.   The exotic waterproof, cotton umbrella above is from Eastern Serenity.  It has hand applied artwork and the frame is made of Thai bamboo.  The more modern version below is from The Conran Shop and features a plastic canopy that is stencil-cut to allow dappled sunshine to stream through.  Either one will flatter your patio furniture and motivate you to fire up the grill, kick back and enjoy the great outdoors!