Hi - this is a fantastic example of the Californian Bungalow style isn't it!

It's exciting to think about renovating and extending. One of the great things is that a new extension can be done in a contemporary style, and still sit comfortably with the style of this home - yet not be constrained by it.

As others have mentioned, I would be keen to see the facade generally retained. You could render - however, the value of these homes in their original state is quite high. I would suggest choosing colours for the trims that tie in with a more modern extension ... blacks and greys in lieu of the blue. Of course, this is aesthetic and personal preference.

The downpipes are very prominent because they're painted the same colour as the fascias (the blue). You may find if you chose a black or dark grey for the fascias, and white or off-white for the gables, then you could do the downpipes in off-white and they would disappear a little (be more like the colour of the mortar).

Then I would focus on items such as landscaping and front fencing to 'change' or 'modernise' the street frontage of the home. Remember, how a home appears to the street is not just about the front of the house itself, but everything that sits between the facade and the street.

A more contemporary security screen on the front door would also be great.

Best wishes for a great reno - there's truckloads of free info to help you on my website if you're interested,

Warm Regards

Amelia Lee

www.undercoverarchitect.com

(ps this blog may help you ... How to renovate a home with character)

Re formulas for what to paint each section, I remember that in Bunnings and especially serious paint shops there are brochures and sometimes computer aided planners for repainting Period Homes, and yes there are rules. Good luck, at the moment the building looks quite stiff with the stark colours of just blue and white, so a well selected colour palette of period pastels will make all the difference. After that put a "beauty tree" in the middle of the lawn and sit back an enjoy your house.

Hi, this is a beautiful house, I with the others don't change the facade, I cant tell from the photos if the house is on a square block? the only change I would make is to create a new path in line with the front door and re-do the drive, and just freshen the paint up and any maintenance that needs to be done. all the best with it lynne

Why are people obsessed with making changes? This is a beautiful home, even the colours, that are a bit at odds with what you would expect, have been really well done.

Usually I can pick the daylights out of a garden, but even this has been well done.

Leave it alone. Current resale value would be high on the external picture alone - it has been so well done.

Put your energy and money into the extension. The front looks great, and I doubt if anyone will notice the difference.