“Updating?!” Those who frequent this blog will know that the word is typically only used in a disparaging sense here. Last summer, however, I was contacted by a homeowner who had read my post about the Shed style. He and his wife happen to own an example of one built in the 1970’s. The exterior siding was showing its age and was in need of replacement. Would I be willing to help them select new siding and colors — modernizing the house in the process?
How could I refuse? While I have assisted many homeowners in the past in selecting exterior color schemes to complement the architectural style of their houses or business buildings, I had never done so as a means of making a structure look more modern. I was intrigued by the opportunity (and a bit flattered)… I saw it as a fun alternative and a break from my usual routine of working with late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century structures. Also, these houses still don’t really seem old or historic to me… I can easily remember when they were being built!
As the house is not near me, the homeowners sent me photos of it, along with a photo of another Shed style house which had been updated in a manner that they did not like (I didn’t like it either; the house had been “normalized”). Also included were a few photos of modern houses that they did like. They indicated a desire for Hardie lap siding and wanted to emphasize the angularity of the house and have a more striking exterior. They indicated a color preference of grays and blue-grays.
The existing T-111 siding was looking very tired and was not doing the house any favors. The default purist in me could not get even a bit enthused about replicating this look — even if stained in a woodsy manner. Because the homeowners seemed open to doing something a bit adventurous, I was excited to give it a go. I emailed them concept sketches which they happily embraced and shared with their contractor. The following photos show the house at the start of the project, followed by photos of the finished makeover. All house photos are courtesy of the homeowners. Let’s take a look!
Although it was a bit out of character for me, I really had fun with this. I couldn’t have suggested this kind of a makeover for a Victorian-era house with a clear conscience, but I’ve been able to sleep just fine with this Shed-style transformation. And it helped to reassure me that I’m not as much of a purist as I have been told. Win-win! Thanks to the owners for the opportunity to assist and allowing me to post about the results!