Dear Danica, How Would You Add Curb Appeal To My Cottage House?

One of my favorite topics to discuss is how to add curb appeal to a home’s elevation. There’s rarely one answer that applies to all scenarios, and I love to dissect what each home’s strengths and weaknesses are. Today’s reader has a cozy cottage and is wondering if a porch addition, cobblestone path, and patio would boost her home’s curb appeal. See my recommendations below –

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Dear danica,

I’m looking to add curb appeal to our exterior and am wondering if it makes sense to extend the porch where the hedges are or if that will feel too big for our house. I’d also like to add either a brick or cobblestone pathway and patio instead of the painted cement we have. Would love to hear any ideas you have to spruce up our front porch. Thanks so much!

– Ali

The first thing I notice when I look at your home is the roof – both the roofline and the roofing material. One of the benefits of a side-gabled home like yours (side gable = when the roof slopes towards the front of the house) is that the roof becomes a prominent design feature. You have an opportunity to choose a roofing material that’s not only functional but also adds character and curb appeal. It’s like the 5th wall, and it’s best not to treat it as an afterthought.

Roof Material

I’m personally not a fan of metal roofs. They’re noisy and look unnatural on most homes. Aesthetically, they have a harsh feel that counteracts charm, so I would recommend replacing the metal roof. Cedar shakes, slate, or clay tiles are my personal favorites. If budget, climate, or structural integrity are a concern, there are some asphalt shingles that mimic the shape and color of cedar shake and slate.

Porch Roofline

Rather than investing in a porch extension (which I agree would look too large for your home), I would invest your money in adjusting the flat roof over the porch. Currently, the porch looks disjointed from the main house because of the flat roof. To soften that transition, I’d recommend slanting the porch roof. A shed roof that meets the main roof 1/2 to 2/3 of the way up would connect the two portions of the house.

Landscape

Your landscape looks great, and the pillars/fence are really beautiful! A brick or cobblestone path would be the cherry on top. I personally would forgo a patio in your front yard and plant some flowering plants and shrubs instead. A pair of taller ornamental trees on either side of the porch would hide the electrical boxes! Here’s a rough rendering of what these changes could look like –