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Exterior
Styling to Conform to the Lot
- Wooded lots require lots of large windows to let in natural light.
On all sides facing woods or Northern sides, consider using transom
windows, ganged double hungs or casement windows, long fixed vertical
picture windows, arched windows, and staggered long horizontal windows.
- Lot grades which are flat or slope down away from the front require
pulling the foundation up higher to enable the house and front landscaping
to show majestically. This also makes rear lower level walkouts and
higher basement ceilings easier to design.
- Fronts facing the North present difficulties for showing the house.
Consider selecting lighter brick and siding or light stone to lighten
the exterior front and smaller darker accents to add the required contrast.
Garages
- Side entry garages allow you to express the architectural style of
the house more effectively than front entries...and they allow the house
to appear significantly larger. If the lot is large enough, consider
placing the garage entrance to the side.
- Natural lighting in garages add utility. Consider adding windows to
the front and back or windows in the automatic doors. Windows in a pedestrian
access door also add styling and utility light.
Interior Trim and Built-Ins
- Everyone, from your guests to your real estate agent, loves built-ins.
But, they are costly. Consider placing built-in bookcases, curios and
corner cabinets, and entertainment centers in central locations like
hearthrooms to maximize visibility and enjoyment while reducing costs.
And, don't forget the hidden electrical outlets for connecting backlighting
fixtures.
- Stained wood work reduces maintenance efforts years later since it
doesn't need painting. Consider selecting light stains, though, since
more people prefer natural colors than darker woodwork; lighter stains
allow better color contrast when selecting lighter wall paint such as
pastels.
- Trim work such as base moldings, casings, door and hallway jambs,
crown and dentil moldings and other accents such as rosets add a splendid
touch throughout your interior. And, they are not as expensive as you
may think. Check our Trims and Built-Ins
page for supplier ideas and to see what others have done.
Interior Plan Flow
- Open floor plans lend to the first floor living area spaciousness.
Consider opening interior walkways and linking family areas, like the
kitchen, hearthroom and dining areas, in open designs. This facilitates
family communications and allows for easier entertaining.
- First floor master suites are considered a very desirable feature
in a home. Consider arranging floor plans to accommodate a first floor
master suite since you will probably retire in your new dream home.
**Remember to attend Homearama in Cincinnati and Dayton for
more ideas.
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