So I ran across this article about 5 rules to design stunning homes and I thought I’d share them with you. Then let you decide for yourself if you think these are the big 5.
- Rule #1: Use more than one exterior material in order to get multiple textures.
- Rule #2: Try to keep the facade from looking flat. Mix roof types and window shapes to give dimensional relief. Add shutters and railings.
- Rule #3: Make sure all exterior colors are from the same palette, Johnson continued.
- Rule #4: Keep proportions in mind, Johnson advises.
- Rule #5: Don’t forget to save money for the landscaping, Johnson cautioned.
Hey how about that rule #5, that’s a good ‘un.
“I like to compare landscaping to the cabinets and finish carpentry in a house,” Nooner said. “If you skimp on those things, it affects the comfort and appeal of the house. In the same way, if you skimp on landscaping, it affects the appeal of the outside of your house.
How about this gem:
“People who invest properly in landscaping have a leg up with it comes to resale and overall aesthetics” Nooner said. “You don’t get a second chance to make a great first impression.”
You can find the entire article here at the Daily Herald a surburban Chicago newspaper.
One thing about that rule #1 that kind of bothers me is that mix and match thing;
“Don’t go with all siding, all brick, all anything,” Johnson cautioned. “Mix brick, siding and perhaps, stone, to get a better look.”
All of that mix and match is kind of a Heinz 57 type of thing. Just doesn’t do much for me. It seems to me that this is trying too hard.
I’m of the camp the simple style and elegance creates that classic look that really stands up over time. I would think that if you found an old stone house it looks as good or better today than it did the day it was finished.
Other notes;
***On another happy note in the country of Pakistan the city of Karachi plans to double it’s landscaping by the year 2030. I have no idea how much greenery there is in Karachi right now, heck 2 or 3 trees may double the landscaping. I’ll get some mail on this, no doubt.
***Finally a master plan for a park in the city of Hanoi. That’s in Vietnam for those of you who are geographically challenged!
From the article;
According to the master plan, the green tree park covers a total area of over 6,800 square metres. The building with French-style architecture will be repaired and turned into a pubic library with an area of 406 square metres. Existing works on the land area will be removed to build the park.
If anyone recognizes that software for the drawing program fill us in.
French style, very formal and quite European in its look. I guess the Vietnamese hold no grudge against France, a country that went to war with Vietnam in the 1950’s.
The Whispering Crane Institute 