New exterior colours, landscaping fix decades of renos
Original character of 1929 home has been lost over the years, but small, yet harmonious upgrades are still possible
The B. C. mountains serving as a backdrop to this home are simply breathtaking. The drying clothes on the line in front of those remind me of the ever flowing Tibetan prayer flags. I could just breathe and feel the air.
The nine steps of the imposing stairway to heaven are not as inspiring.
This home was a 1929 construction. Somewhere along the line, the original characteristics were obviously tampered with. The front extensions and the aggregate resurfacing detoured from its heritage. To recreate its historical value would be quite a costly project so I’m sticking to the established contemporary direction.
The easels next to the door are disproportionate compared to the stairwell. A connection between the small overhang and the ample steps area would help balance and unite the entrance components. It could be acquired with two square simple columns and new chunkier railing.
The existing turquoise colour used on the facade was too overwhelming for this part of the facade. I opted for a more subtle version in a dirty blue. This subdued tint is reminiscent of agitated water picking up some sand in the swirls of a beach wave. It’s a rich blue with a slight brown pigmentation. The front door, the lower fascia, the posts, the ramps as well as the thicker contours of all windows will adopt this toned- down hue in a low sheen finish.
Budget permitting, an additional window would be added on the angled left part of the extension on the right. This ought to make this projecting feature appear more symmetrical and look like a classic bay window.
Where the insulation was previously injected, some patched up holes were still showing scars.
The white and black specks coating on this surface should be painted with a specialized matte product in a soft neutral warm pearl grey, which wouldn’t have any green or blue nuance.
All the grey tones used on this facade should be in the same palette as the current horizontal gutters. The chipping paint on the wood siding near the foundation needs to be scraped and sanded.
For this part of the house, the next darker tint on the colour swatches will be chosen in matte finish paint.
The concrete stairs should also be resurfaced in the same light family of colours in matte. Vertically placed, inky address digits on the post and a large square — but flat black — light fixture will match the dark door handle.
The fence line on the left of the house should be moved backwards. Square lattice and a support for a climbing plant, would be installed on top.
This enclosure should be opaque stained dark grey without any green or blue undertones.
There could be a tall charcoal ceramic container on the porch hosting black bamboos. On each side of the property, three to five humid and well- drained vertical evergreens will camouflage seams between various size fences. It will also frame the property and instil a cosier feel.
There was an attempt to create an island. I decided to redefine it in a round shape and to place the little oasis at the heart of the left side of the lot but a bit closer to the city sidewalk.
To prevent the lawn from spreading inwardly, a border or divider is necessary in this new area and also in the bed on the right side near the stairs. Inside the circular shape, the turf should be removed and a blanket of geotextile should cover the exposed soil.
A good- size boulder, layers of different size, natural- coloured river stones, three ornamental grasses as well as a Japanese- style Shishi Odoshi water fountain consisting of mobile bamboo arms and a basin furnishes the space.