Q: How can I spruce up the front elevation of a plain, boxy house to give it more character?
A: Turning a simple facade into a show-stopper is often a matter of concentrating craftsmanship where it will have the most impact. First, you must develop the basic scale and massing of the “box”; from there it is a matter of adding design elements. Since the front entry serves as a ceremonial gateway into the home (marking the transition from public space to private realm), it's a good place to focus on detail. A well-executed porch and entry can provide the perfect visual accent by creating a clear place for the eye to rest.
ADDED DIMENSION: Variations in massing make for more interesting architecture. Introducing a front portico is an easy way to break up the plane of an otherwise flat façade.
BALANCING ACT: Architectural ingredients can be sliced and diced in various combinations for different effects. Whatever the vernacular, it's important for window and door placement to work in harmony with the porch elements to create balance.
CREATIVE LICENSE: This hybrid design borrows elements from several architectural traditions—call it Arts and Crafts with a dash of Caribbean. The second-story balcony is a functional bonus.
GUEST DESIGNER: DAVID KENOYER KDK Design, Raleigh, N.C. 919 -422 - 7742