Was proposing not to render the left hand side top to leave some brick, that would tie in with front...

Since you intend to spend some money on the front I think it would be a pity to not employ an architectural designer, do it properly and reface the front and transform it.

I’ve been holding back ..but that butterscotch cladding is …distracting

Thanks for your honesty, the back was done like that when we bought it. Thought we could do something similar for the front, but if the concensus is no, then we won't.

Hi All, we'd really welcome your thoughts on the front of out house. I've attached the rear with windows in. Finished but need to paint the upstairs windows in Agate. The second photo show the existing front elevation. What are your thoughts on the third photo - proposed option? Many thanks in advance ☺️

I like the third image very much.
And I like the front door being there- moving it was a brilliant idea!!

I'll also share some other designs we did, in case any of these are thought to be better? (1. brick slips top right and render bottom right, 2. As 1 plus render bottom left. 3. cedral top right , render bottom right).

Option 3 of the latest pics but with the cladding part in wood like the back.

Hi Dee, something like this?

Actually think a natural oak with slightly creamier render looks ok

Based on these your initial option of the full bottom half of whole house rendered feels more cohesive.

The concensus is to render the lower left as well and think you might be right. With respect to the return wall, do you think that should be rendered as well? Have attached a couple of options.

Rendering the return wall looks good. However get some technical advice from your builder about how it will last because the top of the render on the front facing parts are protected by porch roof over hang and the cladding. The side part will sit proud of the brick above it and you just need to satisfy yourself that it won’t get rain damage.

Thanks Jonathan, I appreciate your continued support, that's a very good point you make. If they recommend not to render the return wall for the reason you make, does that option of just rendering the front left face still look OK?

I like the image with oak cladding and render on just the right. The left looks like it doesn't need render, so I'd leave it as brick.

Thanks Sarah

I prefer to see render on both the left and the right. In my opinion if it’s just one side it divides the house, suggests the two halves are actually two separate houses and also makes the total house look smaller.

On the right hand side, I was going to keep the column of brick exposed. Do you think that will be best or should it be covered with render,/cladding?

I think the column makes the house sit in the 60s. There is an argument to keep it because it will match others on the street but I think you should cover it since it’s only on one side of your house.

Hi, we're thinking of an asphalt driveway with paved edging and a small area of grass to the left of the door. Please can I check you still prefer the render on both sides of the house option?

Or maybe a greige resin driveway?

Should the Back of a House Tie in with the Front? While the front of a home often receives the most attention, maintaining a consistent design throughout the exterior creates a more balanced and visually appealing property. Matching architectural details, complementary materials, coordinated colors, and similar window styles help the front and back feel like parts of the same home, even if the rear includes features such as a patio, deck, or large glass doors. That said, the backyard-facing side can be more functional, with design choices that prioritize outdoor living, natural light, and entertaining. The goal is not to make both sides identical but to ensure they complement one another and reflect a cohesive overall style. For more interesting articles and inspiration, visit Anglia Bet.

I like the light coloured resin.

Separately I think you should put tall planting between the front window and the garage (instead of the grass) and then park in front of the garage- that way you will see the cars less from the house

Thanks Jonathan, good idea with the planting. That would help hide the fence too.

One slight tweak, I'm thinking to not render the garage as my eye seems to be drawn to that first, where as this brick version takes my eye to the house.

Final design...

I like the house and drive design.

just my opinion but the garage doesn’t seem to quite work with the aesthetic. I’ve just used AI so havent shopped for a particular garage door, I also changed the fascia to aluminium and obviously added a garden bed the other side.

I personally prefer the rendered garage in this image

The last image looks great Minnie, just a shame we had a new garage door last year in Agate :(

Oh sorry, i feel really bad now! It’s going to look amazing though

That's OK, will look like this, which is still an improvement on what we currently have