I have a tile roof, and they make going mod kind of difficult, but they do add charm.With the sort of earthy color scheme i posted before, you could paint the bricks with masonry paint in a paler tone like sw ancient marble or wash them with a more grayed green so they add taupe tones if you do the chimneys the same - but really, the color resonates with the roof, so use it as color inspiration. Look at 100 year old homes with lines like this and their window mullions - if the upper elements and sides of the larger picture window had muntins / grilles, they would be more charming. Still, you are aiming at retro farmhouse with the muntins, not necessarily authentic historic . . but that gives you some concept about how to go and search for inspiration. You don't have to tear out the entire ramp - could widen "pad/porch" to left and put stairs right down the front depending on car park / depth to roadway design - have your ramp and stairs and just take off the old handrail too . . great for universal design when selling tho railing is not attractive.

You can go far enough out on your slope so the vertical distance from the ground at your existing terrace and the slope is 3' or less. There are lots of retaining wall systems you can DIY there at the 3' limit and backfill to level a larger area. You might take in dirt when someone excavates for a pool, for instance - contact the pool contractors in your area and offer to take dirt for them as spring comes. you can also borrow the dirt from your own land further out. Once you make a larger flat area, treat the area where it slopes off from it with some thoughtful planters surrounding 6-10 wide / 4' deep "stairs" . Your leveling above will make the transition area a bit more steep . . so use this area for kitchen garden / raised beds that you sit at from the terrace side and walk up to from the bottom. The slope between should be stairs and on the outside edges you can use groundcover or plant more edibles. Then you'll always have herbs near the kitchen. The stairs will be large and wide enough to provide more seating or even be a play stage with audience arrayed below. Consider shade and where you want it when you plant trees. Deciduous trees are wonderful in colder climates as they give shade only in the summer and then provide architecture but no leaves for allowing winter sun in . . . Think of the land as a series of "rooms" with functions. The larger flat area will allow you to provide a dining terrace behind the grill area and expand your seating where you have the french doors. Your dining area might benefit from a pergola / open frame / trellis above that eventually you grow some lovely pole beans up on. . .

Hi we need major curb appeal help! We are able to change the siding, we can paint and change the eaves or gutters, the windows have to stay in place but we can change the style or add grills etc... The roof stays (Timberlane Shakewood color) and our door is going to be moved. We purchased a 6 lite craftsman door. It will go where there is an existing window and will face the driveway and street. We do a lot of gardening so we were thinking of a cottage or bungalow look. We like the look of cedar shake siding and we also think a pergola in the front would help break up the space but would love any drawings or advice to help us visualize a changed look.

Is it necessary to have both a combination steam oven and microwave and also a regular fan oven with grill. Thinking about buying miele appliances as was very impressed by their products after visiting their showroom