How can I make my house look more modern?
taff taff
5 years ago
Our house seriously needs to be bought into this Century! I would like to upgrade the facade - cladding or rendering? In a bold colour with white shutters? I want to change the front door and amber glass and redo the garden. Are there any products that can go "over" old driveways? Your comments would be greatly appreciated.
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Comments (15)As you are only looking for ideas perhaps a starting point would be a modern, square style of entrance that you could get ideas from. I couldn't find what I wanted exactly for a photo, but I think if you took points from this photo and adjust to your budget it might suit?? Eg. I think if you can get a nice wide door with a bit of glass on either side, it would really present well. Raising the height of the concrete at the front door with decking tiles or stone tiles depending on your style could really enhance. Concrete pavers you could even make yourself! They can be smaller or larger and if scaled right to the proportions of the house can make it a little more formal. As you have the driveway on the side, I would put a screen on the left and emphasise the left column making a feature of it as in the picture. The column on the right does not align with the entrance, I would not emphasise that column? But perhaps hard to gauge from one photo. If you went for wood this might be an idea....See MoreHow can I make my rental room my own?
Comments (18)I would start by looking at colours you love. Plants and greenery is not everyones taste, but it may be yours. You can put it in a vase, basket or something that adds texture and also keep in mind the size needed for the overall picture. It is better to choose things you can easily move if and when the time comes, so heavy earth filled ones will perhaps cause you some issues if moving on your own or if you have a rental with stairs. Getting back to colours - if you want a neutral colour scheme then make that the foundation you start with (like a blank canvas). In the photo, your room appears to have a neutral colour scheme at present for your bed, cushions, carpet etc. You can make it warm and cozy with contrasting cushions, throw, or plants but this is not necessary if you want to stick to all neutrals. Neutral colours generally have warmth added with shades of darker colours that enhance or act as contrast. These can be variations of one colour, picking up a flow that is good to the eye. Brown can be the contrast if you choose or you could have another choice that adds just that bit of dark and light. You may want to choose items that bring in texture as well as colour contrast. Pick out the colour of your accessories (wall art, flowers, candles or what you like) and have them work with, instead of being totally alienated from the whole. Drapes/curtains/blinds generally come with the rental property, so if these are neutral in colour, they should work with other colours you choose. If you are looking for warmth, choose warm colours; if cool, then choose cool colours for bed linen etc. Warm colours generally go with warm colours and cool colours with cool ones. Often they do not mix. As mentioned previously the same colour can be used but perhaps different shades, to produce light and dark. Tidiness is a habit we all would like to adopt, not always easy if you lead a busy life, but when time permits, put things away that need to be and it will make the whole picture also a bit clearer for you to work out what you want to create. Going to shop displays or searching the internet for ideas is also a great help. Often one can immediately say you like something or you don't. By doing this you will learn what your taste is and work along those lines. Photos are an excellent help to yourself as well as to shop assistants who are ready to advise what may work. Let us know how you get on and would love a photo too....See MoreHow should I make my driveway entrance more appealing?!
Comments (23)Hello Anna , Camellias are a beautiful tree and they come from the cooler regions of Asia and are more suited to a humid / cooler conditions. I have them on the southern side of my home here in Sydney where they have protection from the hot sun . Flowers will burn as will some leaves from hot winds and dry conditions are not really to their liking . I’m not saying they won’t grow, they will but will struggle and need to keep roots moist . They become quite broad and will eventually brush against cars etc as your driveway is narrow . Crepe myrtles are from India originally and the warmer Asian countries. They do lose leaves and with this comes a change of view as the leaves turn a bright orange/yellow and give you completely different look . After this the tree will be bare for a few months exposing the stunning bark ( more mature trees ) that you just cannot walk past without touching . Then in spring the new growth is like green ! They don’t really NEED to be pruned but you will get lots more flowers . As you are using this in a driveway i would just let the grow naturally and as a narrow, tall ish tree =. Great for drive way . Let me take a picture of mine here in Sydney . I will send it next . Also , as you are driving around your area keep an eye out for trees that catch your eye , ask your local nursery man , if you have one . Crepes love hot dry areas and will not need watering at all after established . That’s why some councils in nsw use them as nature strip trees = low care !! Most important of all ...... enjoy yourself !! Gardening very rewarding...See MoreHow do I make an old kitchen look modern while keeping the timber?
Comments (6)The whole place has that 'of a certain period' look , but I suspect it can be done . The 'reverse' side of the bench in pic 1 has to go -- it looks cheap veneer that has overstayed its welcome ! Black or white gloss Formica or similar would lift that . The lino would need be modernised -- maybe tiles , maybe just 50 year newer lino , or wood planks would look mutual and modern , and reference the benchtop too . The wall tiles ditto -- remove and replace . Gloss white or black or charcoal . Or a colourful splashback , either the full width or maybe as a centrepiece 1.5-2 metres long , in a red or green or yellow or similar . Above that paint in ( I shiver as I write this ) grey . Maybe a 'frieze' of contrasting but complementary subway tiles , attached vertically to add some bulk . Ordinarily , I'd suggest cupboards or even shelves or a display cabinet above that , but anything added would look so out of place it would be hard to pull off , unless you matched the timber benchtop , and that would be difficult . And presumably change the cupboard handles -- a trendier stainless or chrome design would tie in with the sink unit ....See More
dreamer
5 years agoDepends on the type of look your going for. Contemporary, country, mid century. Maybe make the front entrance more substantial.
taff taff thanked dreamerdreamer
5 years agoThere are great products on the market to paint driveway. This is a job that could be done by yourself, if handy. Otherwise there are professionals that can do it for you. This website may help http://www.berger.com.au/how-to-and-diy/how-to-paint-your-driveway-or-garage-floor/.
taff taff thanked dreamer
siriuskey
5 years agoThe biggest change to bring the house more up todate will be to paint the roof,
You then could keep the shutters and paint them the same colour.
I would choose a shade of grey for this to work with the classic cream bricks and white windows
Paint the front door black
Add timber posts
Remove the sectional window strips.
Resurface the concrete
Landscape as per Julie H suggestions using lots of gravels and stones adding plants to suit your area. My rough idea for the house update
taff taff thanked siriuskeytaff taff
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoThank you all for your comments, photos and links.
Thank you all for your comments, photos and links. This style of house is what I like but I only have a small budget -$5000.00. I have researched roof painting and read several forums where people have painted their own roofs with good results as long as they were meticulous with the preparation. I will remove the shutters and definitely engage the services of a garden designer. I live in Perth and we haven't seen rain for awhile. Seems sensible to get rid of the lawn. And I will further research painting or re surfacing the driveway and change in the future.But, where do I start? What should I do first to implement change? Thank you for any further comments.
julie herbert