Updating Your Home’s Facade in 2022

​These past two years have had us staring at our walls…literally. The Covid-19 pandemic and it’s lockdowns have given home owners the opportunity to really take notice of their home’s appearance, inspiring some to give their humble abode a new paint job and others to wallow in self-pity. Whether you decide to renovate your entire home or add a pot plant and a new welcome mat to your front veranda this article will show you how to express that TLC. Giving your homes façade a facelift can be challenging. Taking into consideration your home’s design and era that it was built in and complementing this design with a garden and certain colours not to mention structural issues such as cracking wall or a leaky roof, may make you want to snuggle back into that blanket burrito you just came out of. But don’t worry, we are here to help. In this blog we will take the stress out of giving your home a metaphorical summer body.
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Identify the Major Issues – Structural or Otherwise

Like most things in life, it’s always important to take a step back and think (ahhhh heinsight). The first thing you, and unless given complete creative control, and any other bods living in your house should do is to take a step outside and look at your home. Take into consideration any major issues, things you don’t like about your home or any other things that have started to or will create issues in the future such as a very old roof. When looking at your home it is important to ask yourself the following questions;

1. What features of my home’s facade can I already work with?
2. What features of my home’s façade can I improve?
3. Can I re-use some of what I already have? If so, what?
4. How can I introduce new features into my home’s façade that complement the original architectural style whilst giving it a modern effect?

 
After taking all these factors into consideration, asking yourself the questions listen above and possible consulting your bank account and of course, assuming you are not in need of some civil or structural engineering or waterproofing (you know where to find us if you do ;-)), proceed to step 2 – creating some contrast.

Creating Some Contrast

Now I’m not one to give unsolicited advice (that’s a lie) but take it from me: interest is created through contrast. Of course the type of contrast seen throughout your façade will vary according to your home’s architectural style and era it was constructed in but, generally speaking, it is a good idea to have a variety of colours and textures. What your aim should be…and yes, we’ve never met but I’m telling you what your goals are…is to offset and counterbalance the features that you already have. 

Consider Aiming for a Modern and Crisp Look

Don’t get me wrong, older homes are gorgeous and glamorous but if you are going for a sharp or contemporary look they are not the way to go. A popular method of giving your home a contemporary and crisp look is to combine its old world, architectural charm with a new paint job and larger windows. Some other way you can modernize your humble abode include;

1. Using more earthy or neutral tones
2. Utilizing the power of mirrors and artwork (I am a huge fan of using mirrors, my house is small and using mirror, particularly in corners of rooms can make it look all that bigger)
3. Using accent colours for example, keeping a monochromatic colour scheme in your living room but placing a bright red chair in the corner)
4. Don’t forget the dining room and kitchen; the dining room and kitchen are your home’s nucleus. It is where all the members of your household, meet at the end of the day for dinner and at the beginning for breakky. If your dining room is a little pokey and small, I suggest you knock down a wall and open things up a little. Be sure to select appliances and décor that isn’t too large for this space as this has the potential to make these areas look smaller than they actually are.
5. Don’t underestimate the power of your hallway; like the dining room, your hallway plays a huge part in a person’s first impression of your house. It is the first thing they see when they enter and the last thing they see when they leave, I suggest adding some art, mirrors or even flowers. The aim is to make your hallway an extension of you. What I mean by that is, if someone were to enter your home without knowing you lived there, would they attribute the hallway to you and your personality? If your answer is no, you have some designing to do.
6. Indoor Garden; for all you green thumbs out there looking to include a splash of green in their older homes – this one is for you. Indoor gardens are extremely popular right now and only require small space such as under your staircase or a small pantry that you do not use. Remember to choose plants that cannot grow in or under walls as this may cause structural issues. Plants such as the Peace Lily, English Ivy and Devil’s Ivy are all my personal go to’s

 
Focal Point Creation

Your façade needs something that will make it shine out from the rest on your street. That’s why it is important to figure out what you are wanting to draw attention to. It is important to put yourself in the position of a passer-by. A prime example of creating a focal point to your façade would be those homes that you might see that are charcoal or are a dark colour but have a red door (is it just me, or am I noticing a theme here?). Your eye is automatically drawn to the door. Do you want your door to be the focal point? Do you want your focal point to be a large fountain? Regardless of what you choose to be your focal point should draw attention to that area of your façade.

Sticking to your Budget

Now I know you’re getting all excited but don’t just rush in. It is important to maintain your cool and keep your pockets in mind before breathing new life into your façade. To stick to your budget it is best if you decide on the one major thing you would like to change about your homes façade and make minor changes to the rest of the façade. When making this major change it is also best to consider what is most practical as although we all love to live in beautiful homes, what is truly the point of living in a gorgeous abode if it’s impracticalities make you dread coming home every night? This major change can be the construction of a car port or brand new paint job, it is completely up to you and what you need to make your life a little easier. Some major exterior façade changes you can consider;

1. Change the proportion of your home; When considering your homes functionality the overall proportions of the building you may consider extending your home outwards or upwards. This extension may create a more pleasing, proportionate sense of symmetry. You may also choose to add an extension onto your home as to give you more space and, aesthetically speaking, balance the homes proportions.
2. Consider swapping your facades finishes; The most affordable option to change your facades appearance is to paint the outside of your home. If you are wanting to give your home a contemporary or modern appearance, consider rendering and repainting over your home’s original brickwork, stone cladding or pebbledash.
3. Replace your home’s roof; The rooves of homes that fall under the architectural styles of Federation and Gothic, play a huge part in the homes appearance. One may even draw the comparison between them to a nose on a person’s face. As such, it is very important to know what compliments the style of your home.
4. Replace your home’s windows; Similar to the roof, your home’s windows are a central feature that have the power, when changed, to change the entire façade of your humble abode. As   such it is important to change your windows in a way that compliments the era of your home, whilst still giving a modern twist.
5. Updating the your front door; Yes, I know if said it but I am really trying to push this point home (no pun intended). When changing the colour of your door it is always important to look at colour associations as, unless you are anti-social like me and hate guests, it is always important to look at what the post appealing paint colours to visitors are. This is why colours such as blue, lilac and purple are usually the go-to as they are usually associated with calm, prosperity and spirituality. Colours such as black and grey uphold a chic, understated elegance to them whilst providing notions of anonymity and exclusivity to visitors. Teal sits dead smack in the middle of the between cool and warm tones. It is also is a colour that evokes a sense of calmness and cheerfulness. Some colours to avoid include; pink, brown, yellow, orange or green. It goes to say that using these colours on your door may even impact your home’s value.
6. Adding a veranda; Ahhh yes, the good ol’veranda. Veranda’s are function and add character to your home. They are great for socialising and, if designed correctly, can give provide an oasis for the home owners. When designing your veranda it is important to match it with the building’s original architecture and is in proportion to the home’s size. Architects and Engineers tend to look at the homes existing roof pitches and angles

 
Regardless if you decide to change the colour of your door or restructure your entire home’s exterior it is always important to make changes according to what suits you and your household. It is also important to make sure that your home is structurally sound and does not contain design faults that could potentially lead to larger more serious issues down the track. Just know that we are a short phone call away on 02 95180775 or send us an email at  info@bellmont.net