Our new home- advice for exterior

8 years ago

Hello, We have recently purchased our first home and i am in love with it! I initially hated the colour of the bricks but they are starting to grow on me. I think a new colorbond roof and and a nicer porch will make a difference along with landscaping. Any ideas on colour ways or design ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Also considering staining/dying brickwork as i have always dreamed of a red brick home.

Thanks in advance

Featured Answer

PRO

MB Design & Drafting

8 years ago

House looks great. These are fantastic places to own. These era homes are becoming very desirable as well!

Even the cream bricks are really cool so i'd avoid the render temptation. Render is a great feature but be very selective where its used as it'll make a great house very bland if overused. Brick gives a great shadow line and texture.

If the roof is leaking or needs significant work resheet it in Colorbond. If its still good just repoint, paint, etc. Same with gutters and facias just repaint.

Where you'll make the biggest difference is with landscape. Have a pro do a design for you.

If the budget allows seek advice from an interior designer for the insides as well. They are well worth at the very least, an onsite discussion (or a full design) as they have a good eye for colours, styling, furniture and layouts, etc..

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (33)

PRO
Colour Confidence Interiors
8 years ago
This home is almost the same as one we flipped a number of years ago in Alphington.

I do think render is the best course of action for a sixties cream brick home to give it new life and a more modern appearance.

Painting the guttering (if still good condition) and window frames in a contrast colour will finish the look. Paint downpipes and electrical box to match the render colour as they are functional items and not architecturally worthy to be highlighted.

The roof tiles appear to be straight - rather than discarding a perfectly good roof, I would get them cleaned, checked for re-pointing where needed and then sprayed with a colour and protective coating - probably a cheaper option than installing a new roof and a tiled roof has a greater appeal if you are considering the re-sale price at all.

Replacing the side gate, changing the front fence and updating the garden will go a long way to adding style to this façade.

Keep us informed as to the results.

Cheers,

Michelle
Allison Edwards thanked Colour Confidence Interiors
Related Discussions
Help Modernising our 1970's Brick Home Exterior
Q
Comments (36)
This is just like our Mediterranean house in Canberra. It was rendered white which never cracked or got mould on it, though I would prefer it to be done in a modern colour like our current home on the Gold Coast which is a rich sand colour with a heavy bagged appearance that has faded from a strong dark sand. With beautiful dark patterned orangey tiles all outside that reflect their colour on the walls during the day it is quite magical. Roof tiles also spray painted after being re pointed. I suggest you amplify the lovely quality of arches and don't go for what is trendy. But go with colour scheme for the house design. At our entrance there is a built up garden courtyard feature with wonderful iron gates and a large water feature in the courtyard that the lounge room looks out to and has the French doors that also opened onto the courtyard garden. Commence the courtyard wall to the left side of the steps and create a flat area at the gated entrance where we had a north single gate and a west double gate. The Pines were planted on the outside of this courtyard wall and gave extra privacy and blocked the westerly afternoon sun. The house always looked impressive, yet was just a simple presentation.
...See More
Help! Where do we begin with the interior of our brand new home?
Q
Comments (9)
Hi AmyRose Very exciting! You might like to consider our brand new online interior design concept, Bodo Boards! Bodo Boards provides you the luxury of a professional home design team without the expensive price tag. We work with our Australia wide suppliers to create the perfect combination of materials and finishes for your home project. We provide ready to use, hand-selected, interior & exterior colour and material concepts in an complete online environment ready for immediate download. We also offer an online custom consultation service, which takes away all of the stress and confusion of selecting all of your interior choices at a fraction of the cost of a traditional interior design service. Jump onto the Bodo website an have a look through the collection, and let us know if there is anything we can do to help! www.bodoboards.com.au
...See More
Help for exterior of our home.
Q
Comments (17)
Hi guys - some great suggestions here! I agree - it looks a bit tired but that's because creams and terracottas aren't the current 'it' combo whereas greys are. I see you as having 2 options - either work with it OR change it. Depending on budget: Less expensive option - work with what you've got (don't fight it). Embrace it. Rock it! * paint gutters same as roof (as per constanceandlulu) * paint drive similar terracotta colour (they come in heaps of stencil options, choose one you like). This will just make the whole scene look more polished, considered and finished. * replace fence on left and grow climber along that (if possibel) * fill in the area that you can see leading to under the verandah - either through greenery or timber (same colour as stringer/treads) * focus on making the garden amazing (Timandra has some great ideas!). Maybe even bring in plants with orange flowers such as birds of paridise or cliveas. One of the secrets about making a room 'work' is to restrict your palette - it allows you to mix a range of styles successfully (and therefore 'rock' the creams and orange tones). You can apply this approach to the exterior too! It's mainly about drawing the eye to where you want the focus! Wishlist (more expensive) options - would involve a complete change of palette and perhaps go with the suggestion of greys: * change roof and gutters mid to dark grey such as Monument (black gets too hot) * render brickwork and paint a pale grey * replace 2 x cream garage doors to 1 x dark grey * change window frames, doors, balustrades to black (you could replace balustrade with glass, but I feel that the vertical lines actually add interest to a fairly simple facade). If you want an alternative colour than black for these, then go white (but make the render not such a pale grey) * replace drive with pavers OR paint to mid-dark grey * add some colour via the plants (a jacarandah in the front would be gorge) General thoughts on garden *hedge along front of garden, plant more trees along right fence line and eventually get rid of the palms (I agree about the issue of adding height to the 'scene', but they're not nicely located) * you have so much great space here, I think it needs to look inviting - bench under a tree, oversized pot/water feature, some sort of focus. Several different coloured leafed plants (ie purple leaf, yellow green foliage, deep green etc). I hate weeding, so I love the idea of 'living' mulch - like ground cover ivies etc. * agree with Timandra re getting rid of rest of garden and review Hope that makes sense and is helpful. Good luck! Let us know how you go ;-)
...See More
Advice on how to make our 70s home more modern?
Q
Comments (8)
Your home does look a little tired and dated in its design and form. Rendering will not modernise it, as the basic shape and form remain unaltered - it will just look like a rendered '70s house. I would be looking at updating the windows, getting rid of your silly, narrow, decorative shutters, and replacing the georgian paned windows with something cleaner and more contemporary. This would give you the opportunity to introduce more thermally efficient double glazing. It looks like the previous owner may have done something like this downstairs? The decorative brackets on the verandah posts should go. Then clean the roof tiles, possibly reseal the roof, and paint the gutters, eaves and trim. However the biggest difference you can make, which gives you the most bang for your buck is in landscaping your blank canvas. If you spent the cost of rendering on engaging a local landscape design professional and getting some semi-mature trees established then it would transform your house. You can't do a lot with the form of your house, so make it the backdrop to your street's best garden. Best of luck Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls
...See More
Allison Edwards
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks to both of you for your comments. Much appreciate it.

Honestly, i really do not personally like the look of render on older homes. I really haven't seen one that has been done that actually looks great. I like a more classic look and dont want to make the home look to modern (if that makes any sense). It is in a street with edwardian weatherboards so hoping to stick to a more classic look.

You are both probably right about the colorbond but i just despise tiles Ha Ha probably not the best use of money though.

If you have seen any pics of render done really well on an older home would love to see.

Yes i think you are right that landscape will make all the difference
wuff
8 years ago
I think render makes houses look ..well rendered, I like your home and I do believe what is old in new again. Search your era home on pictures on Houzz and make an idea book. Some renders I have seen just never look quite finished or even ..if you go that path ensure you get good tradies
wuff
8 years ago
I just had another look, it is a great house, but the roof does look a bit worn more than anything, it is very cute. Leave as much original as you can..I particularly like the chimney, a loved garden would give great impact, I saw a little bit of fence or gate that a rather liked
Sian Sampey
8 years ago
I definitely agree with showcasing your porch, it seems a very good size & would add interest to the shape of your house. Pull out the bushes in front of it for starters then you'll see what your working with.
The roof would be the last thing I'd do.
Allison Edwards
Original Author
8 years ago
thanks heaps everyone. im excited to get started. would you think this is a 60's home? i have no idea
PRO
MB Design & Drafting
8 years ago
Taking a stab here but it has few design cues from mid to late 60's but could be an early 70's. The corner windows are similar to my parents house which they built in 73. The era of the brick colour would probably be the best determination rather than anything else. Keep us posted if you find out!
Bethany
8 years ago
Walk around the few streets surrounding you and see what you like that also fits in to the streetscape.
Bernadette Brandes
8 years ago
Colours would go with a spray job on the roof , possibly dark charcoal to black, gutters, same colour as the roof and facia should be a neutral ( paper bark) colour, eaves should be white. The clay coloured brick unfortunately does not lend itself to major colour change . Some have chosen greens with Indian red and cream combination , but still we have a clay coloured brick.
how2girl
8 years ago
We live in a hot country, black or charcoal coloured roofs are not a good idea.
Vicky Small
8 years ago
My very first house was a blonde brick with a tiled roof. I occasionally still visit it in google street view- it looks a bit like yours and I would love to go back and freshen it up.
I agree that you should leave the bricks and clean the roof. That is the style of the home and marks a period in time. I also believe that in the future finding original 70s homes that are untouched will be hard to come by. A bit like the California Bungalow, which have their own look, I think the blonde brick is the same.
I would save the money from redoing the roof if it is in good condition to freshen up the paint, open up the entry by getting rid of the shrubs hiding the entry and make the entry the feature by making it larger as has already been suggested. I think with a good driveway, smart fencing and a nice garden by spending money on advanced trees, the house would be transformed. And if you still don't like the roof, do it then.
dohraime
8 years ago
The house age should be on the deeds.
I also agree at this having been built late '60's to early 70's. Another clue is the door architraves. Many homes of this era had steel architraves. My home was built in '69 and has these along with casement windows. My siblings have homes built in 70's that also habe those door frames but have sliding alumnium windows, which I believe was more popular later that era.
Bernadette Brandes
8 years ago
Colours are a personal taste like everything about your house, so if you want a dark coloured roof have it and do your own thing. Many of these suggestions are what we think and will not be your cup of tea. It's good to hear other people's ideas though.
how2girl
8 years ago
The point about a dark coloured roof is that on a hot day your roof space temperature can get to over 60 degrees. This in turn increases the temperature inside your house, increases your power usage, and your cost of trying to keep the place cool. There are now whole suburbs with dark roofs, less trees and less space between houses to create breezeways. Research has found these suburbs are up to 6 degrees hotter than surrounding areas.
As a result councils are scrambling to develop "urban forests" in certain dormitory, or commuter suburbs. Some local authorities are also already banning the use of dark roofs.
Yes, tis true we can all "do what we want" but I'm all for informed decisions.
PRO
COLORBOND® steel
8 years ago
Congratulations on your new home. It’s super cute! The current colours actually work really well but you are right, a freshen up of the roof will transform it. The brick colour is lovely and our new COLORBOND® Gully is a great colour to use for your new roof. It’s warm and modern but still in keeping with the light, natural tones of the current scheme.
Allison Edwards thanked COLORBOND® steel
tarotlova
8 years ago
Yeah Gully is the roof colour we chose for our new build, roof was put on last week and we love the colour!
Allison Edwards thanked tarotlova
Allison Edwards
Original Author
8 years ago
Tarotlova would love to see a pic if you have one?
tarotlova
8 years ago
I hope you can tell by these photos!
tarotlova
8 years ago
I hope you can tell by these photos!
tarotlova
8 years ago
Don't know why it posted twice?
PRO
COLORBOND® steel
8 years ago
Looks great tarotlova
Allison Edwards
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks that looks great!!
rusandurbe
8 years ago
You don't say what orientation the house is? I could see the porch extended towards the street, perhaps even as far as the front edge of the house - giving you a large outdoor space, with possibly even french doors out of both rooms that presently look out over the porch area. Keep the same style of door as the windows that are already there. Use some feature (timber shutter?) to provide some privacy on the street side, but this would allow a feature colour or material.

Around our neck of the woods we are drowning in a sea of grey render....... it is time for some individuality and fresh colour palettes!
hails_b_86
8 years ago
I love the idea of extending the porch to the front of the house. Some nice doors onto it would look great and you could create a cute railing to add some privacy. I also hate old houses that are rendered especially with the same old ally windows . Just looks cheap and nasty.
PRO
STONETOUCH
7 years ago
Stonetouch Architectural Spray System for exterior stone-look finish and protection in attractive colours.
LesleyH
7 years ago
I'd leave the bricks as they are attractive and low maintenance. I am sure landscaping would make a huge difference to an already attractive home.
PRO
Cordony Group
7 years ago
Landscaping plays a big role in maximising street appeal & adding value value to property in the long term.

First Avenue, Willoughby · More Info

Highbridge Road Killara · More Info

High Street, Willoughby · More Info

High Street, Willoughby (2) · More Info

Laurel Street, Willoughby · More Info

Mabel Street, Willoughby (2) · More Info

Tulloh Street, Willoughby · More Info

White Street, Artarmon · More Info
PRO
Timandra Design & Landscaping
7 years ago
I detest rendering with a passion. If you go down this path, the whole period of the home will be lost forever. Rendering can be high maintenance after some years and it also affects the breathability of buildings.

I assume it's solid brick? So why remove the natural insulation of brick by covering it with a product that is already losing its appeal? And the colour of the brick is beautiful and neutral.

I would remove the garden blocking the view of the home. I would have a 1.5 metre hedge at the front with a taller one to hide the neighbours fence. Then consider a tree, off centre in a lawn (deciduous). For a first home and garden, this is simple and will be low maintenance after a few years.
Allison Edwards
Original Author
7 years ago
I drove past this house today and although I'm not really a fan of render I thought the addition of the porch and detail looked quite good. I think my roof may be too low though
Melanie Price
6 years ago
My sugg's: Plants in front of windows always spoil the look. Dig them up and discard, or transplant if moveable. The dracaenas are expensive so try not to lose them. The further away from the house you can plant them, the bigger the property will look too.
LesleyH
6 years ago
2015 post- what did you do?
Klu Klu
last year
Late to the discussion Alison … did you end up replacing your roof. I have a similar brick colour and am deciding on a colorbond colour - wallaby, gully, woodland grey are considerations. Thanks in advance.