Much like porch alterations, replacement doors have the ability to change the way a house looks or is perceived. Unfortunately, most people just buy what they like and give little thought to maintaining the architectural integrity of the exterior when purchasing a new door.
In 2017 I posted about replacement doors and the mixed messages they often send. One of the houses in that post recently came on the market and and we are finally afforded insight into this particular situation.
Photo source: zillow.com
The exterior is definitely interesting… a period-appropriate color scheme could help to unite window trim and siding as was likely the original intent. Want to see inside? Trigger warning: “updates” ahead! Here’s a link if you are curious! Photo source: zillow.com
Looking at the listing begs questions… First, the outside (doors not withstanding) is actually quite lovely for the era. The inside? Well… It looks as though the exterior architecture would have carried through to the interior, but alas, it does not. I mean no disrespect, but the interior is about as ordinary for the era as you can get. The developer was trying to capture a ‘Brady Bunch House’ feeling upon the outside, but was then forced to stick to the budget for an uninspiring interior.
Thing is, there were so many chances for not much expense to have brought that feeling through. But then that may have reduced the pool of buyers because people are terrified of different.
And then the doors. You are very correct when you it wasn’t a very graceful alteration. At the very least, if they had opted to replace the doors with plain flat solid doors, it wouldn’t stand out hardly at all until you got up close and saw the difference in the reveal. This just looks like they found two different doors on sale at the big box.
One more thing…. Is that furnace really installed on its side? It must be electric?
Too funny… I hadn’t even looked at the furnace before! It does look like it’s on its side, but if the motor within was reoriented it shouldn’t affect normal operation.
I also like the exterior! A period-appropriate color scheme could do wonders. I’m guessing that since it was built in 1966 the interior was toned down a bit from the more adventurous designs of the 50’s which clearly inspired it. Also, this part of the country never really embraced modernism… the house may have even be considered extremist when it was built! It really wouldn’t take a whole lot to play up its modernist form and make it a real stunner… inside and out. This could be a really fun project for someone who is passionate about mid-century modernism!
Never underestimate people’s creativity in poor taste and kludges, I guess.
I do dig the MCM exterior. I’m generally a fan of glazed brick, which is a bonus.
“Kludge” sums this up quite well! The exterior would make a revamp of the interior worthwhile, and if it were mine I’d start by returning the entry hall to its intended width. The brick needs a complimentary and contrasting color (not brown or beige) to show it off… the masonry here is very nice.
I am disappointed – not even an A for ingenuity? of course, I guess that’s balanced off with an F for laziness and another for ennui and disregard for architectural integrity of any kind. except for the color, they would have been hard pressed to make a more jarring collision of (I won’t use the word “style”) ?????????? here. as Tom of click and clack would have said “Sonja Hennie’s tutu”
I think the phrase you are searching for is “unfortunate retail options”. As jarring as it is, it could have actually been worse… it will be interesting to see what happens (if anything) after it sells!
That is hilarious. Just when you think you’ve seen everything…