Hardscaping 101: Design Guide for a Facade Facelift - Gardenista
A facade facelift can be accomplished with a strategy as simple as new house numbers or as ambitious as a paint job. Photograph via Marston Langinger. For facades and other outdoor surfaces, use an exterior paint instead of interior paint, because exterior paint is formulated to withstand rain, wind, hot sun, and mildew. We are admirers of a specialized line of 84 exterior paint colors from London-based Marston-Langinger (makers of bespoke greenhouses and conservatories). Photograph by Meredith Swinehart. Wondering whether paint or stain is a better choice for your facade? For more, see Meredith’s list of our 8 Favorite Exterior Stain Colors. When choosing a paint or stain color for a facade consider the style of your house and the color of other existing hardscaping elements including pavers... Photograph courtesy of Mark Reilly. ...the roof and awnings For tips on how to pull a look together on a budget see 11 Ways to Add Curb Appeal for Under 100 Photograph by Michelle Slatalla. Meredith asked architects for their go-to colors of exterior paint; they revealed their top paint picks for Gray, White, Black, Green, and Red. See The Ins and Outs of Dutch Doors. Photograph by Eric Piasecki via OTTO. Updating your house numbers is a quick fix that adds instant curb appeal. Photograph by Douglas Lyle Thompson for Gardenista. Does your house have a stoop (or need one)? For design guidelines, see Hardscaping 101: Front Stoops. Photograph by Matthew Cunningham. Another design element to consider is exterior shutters. Photograph by Douglas Lyle Thompson for Gardenista. Window boxes can curb appeal to your facade if you choose a style that complements your house. With window boxes, there are many materials to choose among. Photograph by Erin Boyle. Photograph courtesy of Tortus Copenhagen. Does your house need rain gutters? Ellen explains the options and prices for different materials in Hardscaping 101: Rain Gutters. “Downspouts are one of those items that homeowners like to ignore. And who can blame us? Downspouts are not very attractive,” writes Janet. “They can be loud when they are effective, and troublesome when they aren’t (think leaf clogs).” As an alternative, Janet rounded up her Favorite Rain Chains.