Welcome to the much-anticipated reveal of our incredible exterior house makeover! This is the day we unveil the stunning before and after transformation of our home’s facade. For many of you who have been eagerly following along, the wait is finally over. What was once a home shrouded in a dark teal hue has now emerged with a refreshing, timeless neutral color scheme. We couldn’t be happier with how this new palette has revitalized the house, giving it a contemporary elegance that perfectly complements our charming cul-de-sac and its neighboring residences.
This grand reveal marks Part 3 in our ongoing series, where we’ve meticulously documented every step of this significant exterior painting journey. If you’re just joining us or wish to revisit the earlier stages of this transformation, we encourage you to explore:
- Part 1: How I Chose the Perfect Exterior House Paint Colors – Dive into the detailed thought process behind selecting the ideal shade that would redefine our home’s character.
- Part 2: Why We Opted Not to DIY Our Home’s Exterior Paint Job – Discover the practical considerations and expert insights that led us to entrust this extensive project to professionals.
A Dramatic Transformation: The Front Side of the House
From the curb, our home presents itself as a quaint, modest brick ranch-style abode. However, this is merely a delightful illusion. What many don’t realize is that this house dramatically expands into a spacious two-story dwelling when viewed from the rear, particularly from the serene lakeside. This unique architectural character presented both challenges and exciting opportunities for our exterior renovation.
Before the Brushstroke: A Look at the Original Front Exterior
Prior to this transformative painting project, the front exterior of our home featured distinctly textured tan brick, accentuated by a somewhat dated, dark teal trim. While my ultimate vision yearned for a complete overhaul – perhaps painting the brick or re-siding the house with plank to achieve a monochromatic look – I had to anchor my ambitions in practicality and, more importantly, our budget. Home improvement, even for a seasoned blogger, isn’t boundless. Like any homeowner, I operate within realistic financial parameters.
The decision to embrace the existing brick and focus on the trim and siding was a strategic one. It allowed us to make a monumental impact without extending beyond our means. This approach underscores a vital lesson in home renovation: significant change doesn’t always demand an unlimited budget. Sometimes, the most striking transformations come from intelligent, cost-effective decisions.
The Aftermath: A Breath of Fresh Air for the Front Facade
The impact of fresh paint is simply astounding. Repainting the house has delivered an unequivocally HUGE difference, exceeding all our expectations for an exterior refresh. It’s a testament to the power of color in reshaping perception.
I genuinely adore how a simple coat of paint can elevate the entire exterior of a home. Our chosen shade, Glidden Premium Exterior Paint Plus Primer in Khaki Bronze, has infused our brick ranch with a sophisticated warmth that seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings while offering a modern edge. This specific hue was carefully selected to harmonize with the existing tan brick, creating a cohesive and inviting aesthetic that was entirely absent before.
The fresh paint represents the foundational step, the most significant change that will propel us forward in our quest to imbue the front facade with even more character and visual interest. With the outdated teal paint banished, the canvas is now perfectly set for additional enhancements.
Envisioning the Future: My Design Vision for Enhanced Curb Appeal
Leveraging my admittedly limited Photoshop skills, I’ve brought to life my vision for the next phase of this front exterior update. This conceptualization allows me to share the exciting direction we’re headed, building upon the fresh, neutral backdrop.
Immediate Next Steps for Our Front Exterior:
- Harmonious Landscaping: We plan to introduce new landscaping elements that will not only enhance the front but also beautifully coordinate with the existing, lush lakeside plantings. This ensures a unified aesthetic around the entire property.
- Striking Wood Slat Wall: A contemporary wood slat wall is envisioned to be installed in the space between the front door and the adjacent window. This feature will introduce texture, modern lines, and a distinctive architectural element.
- Modern Street Address Numbers: Oversized, sleek modern metal street address numbers will be prominently displayed on the new slat wall, providing a clean, sophisticated touch.
Considerable thought has gone into these additions for the front of the house. My aim is always to find ideas that are both simple to execute and affordable, yet profoundly impact the home’s character. The wood slat wall, for instance, is designed to visually tie the entire facade together, providing a focal point that is both modern and inviting. Crucially, it’s a project I’m confident in tackling myself, aligning with our budget-conscious DIY spirit.
Exciting Update: Progress on Our Vision!
I’m thrilled to share that the planned slat wall is now a completed reality! Its installation has brought a remarkable layer of modern charm to our home. You can delve into the detailed process of how I constructed and integrated this feature, along with other complementary updates, through these posts:
- Crafting Our Outdoor Wood Slat Wall: A DIY Guide
- Exterior House Update: Installing Modern Floating House Numbers
- Exterior Update: Introducing a Modern Metal Planter
Other Exterior Projects On Our Horizon
Beyond the immediate plans, several other key projects are on our long-term to-do list for the exterior. One significant update will be the installation of a new roof. We envision a lighter colored roof, moving away from the current dark black, to further enhance the modern, airy feel of the home and potentially improve energy efficiency.
In terms of landscaping, the groundwork has already begun, with some flowers in the front bed already thriving. The next phase involves planting three beautiful hydrangeas and several dwarf English boxwoods, which will serve as elegant foundation plants. These selections are not arbitrary; they are chosen to specifically coordinate with the more extensive landscaping found on the lakeside of the property, ensuring a cohesive natural flow throughout.
The front steps, for now, will remain as they are. We’re in no rush to overhaul them until a solid, affordable plan materializes. This patient approach is part of our broader philosophy: we value experiences like travel, and we’re committed to not becoming “house poor” by overspending on renovations. As my Momma always wisely advised, “Don’t hurry when decorating a home – let things evolve.” This mantra guides not just our decorating but our entire approach to home improvement and life itself. It encourages thoughtful decisions over hasty ones, allowing the home to transform organically and within sensible financial boundaries.
It’s fascinating to observe how the newly painted exterior responds to the sun. Depending on the time of day, our house can be bathed in full, bright sunlight or softly diffused in the late afternoon’s dappled shade. This natural interplay of light and shadow beautifully alters the perception of the paint color, showcasing its versatility and depth throughout the day.
The Lake Side of the House: Rustic Charm Reimagined
The lakeside of our home possesses a distinctly rustic presence, offering a dramatic contrast to its seemingly modest front facade. This side, with its multi-story design and integration into the natural landscape, tells a completely different architectural story.
Before: The Top-Heavy Look of the Lakeside
In its original state, the lakeside exterior featured a lower half of brick, topped by a darker, teal-painted upper section. This visual division created an undesirable “top-heavy” look, making the house appear less balanced and somewhat disjointed from the serene lake environment it overlooked.
After: Harmonizing with Nature
The transformation here is truly remarkable. By selecting a paint color directly from the subtle flecks within the existing brick – our beloved Khaki Bronze – we achieved a remarkable visual unity. This strategic color choice allowed us to paint both the siding and the trim, effectively eliminating the previous top-heavy appearance. The house now presents a more balanced, integrated silhouette against the backdrop of the lake.
The impact of this change was immediately evident. A friend who visited by boat shortly after the painting was completed remarked on how strikingly different the house looked. She also noted how vibrantly the green shrubs around the deck “popped” against the new neutral backdrop. Interestingly, she even thought the shutters were a brand new addition! We had actually installed them over a year prior, but they had previously blended almost entirely into the dark teal, rendering them practically invisible. This anecdote perfectly illustrates how a well-chosen neutral palette can allow other architectural and natural elements to truly shine.
The Side View: Embracing Our Home’s Unique Charm
Observing the house from the side offers yet another perspective on its unique transition from the ranch-style front to the more expansive lakeside profile. This angle truly showcases the blending of architectural styles that defines our home.
Before & After: A Unified Flow
The difference in the side view is remarkable. Beyond the dramatic color shift, you’ll notice that the Crepe Myrtle has been significantly cut back, allowing for more light and a cleaner line. It’s poised to burst into deep pink blooms any day now, adding another layer of seasonal beauty.
Throughout this renovation process, I’ve truly come to embrace the distinctive character of our home. It’s neither a stark modern farmhouse nor a classically traditional Georgian style, like the one I cherished for 22 years with its abundant white trim and grand architectural features. Instead, our home is a fascinating blend of architectural styles, nestled comfortably within a naturally rustic setting. While the meticulously maintained boxwoods around the deck infuse a touch of classic home elegance, the overall ambiance remains grounded in its natural environment.
The beauty of choosing a neutral color palette is its inherent ability to harmonize with such varied elements. It allows the home to integrate seamlessly with the rustic trees and the serene lake, rather than competing for attention. This thoughtful approach ensures that our home feels authentic to its surroundings, creating a tranquil and inviting atmosphere.
Looking Ahead: Our Future Exterior Projects
With immense satisfaction, I can now confidently check off “painting the exterior of the house” from my extensive “To-Do” list. This monumental task has set a vibrant new stage for future projects that will continue to enhance our home’s curb appeal and functionality. After the completion of the slat wall and the strategic landscaping for the front, our focus will gracefully shift to the next exciting endeavors.
First on the horizon is the essential task of re-staining the dock. This maintenance not only preserves the wood but also revitalizes its appearance, ensuring our lake access remains both beautiful and safe. Simultaneously, we’ll address the lattice around the deck. I’m contemplating a more significant upgrade here: removing the existing lattice entirely and replacing it with a sleek, board-over-board design. This modern touch will contribute to a more contemporary aesthetic, aligning with the subtle updates we’re integrating throughout the property.
These projects, while ambitious, will be completed eventually. However, with summer now fully upon us, a different kind of call is being heard. The shimmering lake, with its inviting waters, beckons for moments of pure enjoyment and relaxation. It’s essential to find that crucial balance between diligently working on home improvements and truly savoring the precious moments of life. So, before diving into the next phase of DIY, a little fun and relaxation by the water are definitely in order!
Explore More of Our Exterior Home Improvement Journeys
Our home improvement adventures extend beyond just paint. Discover other projects and insights that contribute to transforming our exterior spaces:
- POLYWOOD Outdoor Furniture For My Deck: A Comprehensive Review
- A Deep Dive into Choosing the Perfect Exterior House Paint Colors
- House Exterior: Our Mini Makeover with Stylish Nu-Wood Shutters
- Simple Solutions: How to Easily Fix and Seal a Leaky Gutter Seam