It’s been an exciting journey since we last shared updates on our home renovation endeavors! While recent months saw us occupied with interior projects and other life commitments, the arrival of warmer weather and glorious sunny days has rekindled our passion for transforming the exterior of our home. We’re finally diving into those crucial curb appeal projects we’ve dreamt of tackling since moving into this rather somber 80s split-entry residence. We’ve affectionately dubbed this extensive exterior overhaul “Project Get-Rid-of-the-Brown,” a mission to banish the dated, uninspiring brown tones that currently define its facade and embrace a fresh, vibrant aesthetic.
Our initial efforts to enhance the home’s welcoming charm have already brought significant improvements to the front door area and the adjacent landscaping. These early victories have provided immense motivation, offering a glimpse of the potential hidden beneath layers of yesteryear’s trends. To truly appreciate the scope of this transformation, let’s take a moment to recall the home’s appearance when we first took ownership, a testament to the journey we’ve embarked upon.
Even small changes can make a monumental difference, and our first major step was to refresh the entryway. The front door, often considered the handshake of a home, now boasts a cheerful new coat of paint. This simple yet impactful change immediately uplifted the facade, setting a positive tone for all future improvements. The color choice was carefully considered to infuse personality and warmth, moving away from the drabness that once dominated the entrance.
For this pivotal update, I opted for DecoArt CurbAppeal paint in the captivating shade of Colonial Mint. This choice wasn’t accidental; the paint is specifically formulated for exterior applications, offering excellent durability and fade resistance, perfect for withstanding various weather conditions. Its vibrant yet classic hue instantly injects a sense of cheerfulness and curb appeal, creating a much more inviting first impression. The transformation achieved by this single coat of paint is truly surprising, proving that sometimes, the simplest changes yield the most dramatic results.
While the front door now radiates a welcoming glow, the rest of the house still presents a challenging picture. Before we delve into our ambitious plans, let’s take an honest look at the current state of affairs. This snapshot reveals the true extent of the “brown problem” and the many areas crying out for attention and modernization. It’s a visual representation of the “before” that makes the “after” even more satisfying.
Observing the home in its current form, it’s impossible to ignore the numerous signs of neglect and outdated aesthetics. The faded brown siding in the gables is particularly egregious, contributing to a dull and uninspired look. Peeling paint mars various surfaces, detracting from any potential charm, while loose shingles on the roof hint at deeper structural or maintenance issues. Adding to the visual disarray, a collection of miscellaneous items piled haphazardly on the side of the house creates an unsightly impression. It’s more than just dated; it’s genuinely unappealing, screaming for a comprehensive exterior makeover to restore its former glory and enhance its overall curb appeal.
Our comprehensive plan for “Project Get-Rid-of-the-Brown” is designed to address each of these critical areas systematically, transforming the house from an eyesore into a neighborhood gem. We’ve meticulously outlined several key projects, each selected for its potential to significantly uplift the home’s aesthetics, improve its functionality, and increase its overall value. This isn’t just about superficial changes; it’s about a holistic approach to exterior renovation, tackling everything from the roof down to the surrounding landscape. Our goal is to achieve a cohesive, modern, and inviting look that will stand the test of time.
The pivotal projects on our immediate renovation agenda include:
- Replacing the Drab Brown Roof: A DIY Adventure. The existing brown roof is not only aesthetically unpleasing but also shows signs of wear and tear, including loose shingles and general deterioration. This is perhaps the most significant structural and visual upgrade we’ll undertake. In a move that might surprise many, we’re committed to replacing the entire roof ourselves! This ambitious DIY project allows us greater control over the quality of installation and offers substantial cost savings, a crucial factor in any major home renovation. We’ve already completed the essential research and selection process, proudly choosing new Owens Corning Oakridge Algae-Resistant Onyx Black Laminate Architectural Shingles. These shingles are renowned not only for their durability and protection against algae growth but also for their sophisticated, deep black color, which will provide a striking contrast to the new siding and trim, instantly modernizing the home’s profile.
- Upgrading the Faded Gable Siding: Crisp White Vinyl Shakes. The tired, faded brown siding currently adorning the gables is a major contributor to the house’s dated appearance. To rectify this, we plan to replace it with crisp, fresh white vinyl shake shingle panels. This strategic decision offers a dramatic visual uplift without the prohibitive expense and complexity of replacing all of the house’s siding. The texture and clean lines of the vinyl shake shingles will introduce architectural interest and a touch of classic charm, providing a sophisticated contrast against the soon-to-be-black roof and any existing lighter wall colors. Furthermore, vinyl siding is an excellent choice for its low maintenance requirements and long-lasting durability, ensuring our investment provides beauty for years to come.
- Adding a Functional and Aesthetic Privacy Fence. The side of our house, currently an open space used for storing firewood and garbage cans, also serves as an RV parking pad. This area, while practical, has historically been an eyesore, detracting from the overall neatness of our yard. To address this, we intend to install a vinyl fence complete with a gate. This addition will serve multiple purposes: it will effectively conceal the utilitarian storage area, improving the aesthetic coherence of the property; it will define the RV parking pad, creating a more organized space; and it will enhance privacy. The choice of vinyl ensures that the fence will be robust, easy to clean, and resistant to weathering, perfectly complementing the low-maintenance goals of our exterior renovation.
Looking further down the line, beyond these immediate projects, we have plans for additional enhancements that will further refine the home’s exterior. A notable future undertaking involves replacing the two existing long, skinny slit windows on the entryway portico. These narrow openings currently offer limited natural light and contribute to a somewhat claustrophobic feel in the entry. Our vision is to replace them with one larger, more expansive window. This change will not only dramatically increase the amount of natural light flooding the entryway but will also provide a more contemporary and aesthetically pleasing focal point. Moreover, this upgrade aligns with our broader intention to eventually replace all the other windows throughout the house, improving energy efficiency, enhancing insulation, and completing the comprehensive exterior modernization. These future window replacements promise to elevate both the form and function of our split-entry home.
So, what are your thoughts on “Project Get-Rid-of-the-Brown”? We are incredibly enthusiastic about embarking on these significant updates. It’s truly amazing to consider the profound difference these planned changes will make to the overall look, feel, and perceived value of our home. From the foundational elements like the roof to the thoughtful details like new siding and a privacy fence, every decision has been made with the aim of creating a more beautiful, functional, and inviting residence. The anticipation of seeing our vision come to life is immense.
Our commitment to banishing the dated brown elements is unwavering, and we eagerly anticipate sharing each step of this transformative journey. Say farewell to the uninspiring brown and hello to a fresh, vibrant, and thoroughly modernized exterior! We believe these improvements will not only boost our home’s curb appeal but also significantly enhance our daily enjoyment of the space.
