Desperate for curb appeal

by Debbie
(Coalmont, TN)

QUESTION: The gable end of my carriage house is the first thing you see coming down my driveway. I need a porch to keep the rain off and give the place some curb appeal. The building is 24 feet across and is quite high. I'm starting to talk to contractors but would really appreciate some feedback. Shed roof, peak roof, posts or brackets - lots to consider. I'm also thinking of making some modifications to the window (add shutters & a window box). Photo enclosed. Thank you

ANSWER: Debbie, thanks so much for visiting our site. You have a wonderful carriage house - we are envious!

It's always difficult to give real specific ideas without a lot more information, but here are a few ideas you may want to consider.

First, I'd try to stay with the same architecture if at all possible. That said, I'd opt for a gable roof over any addition you plan. It appears you have sufficient space between the door and window for one although the slope will be considerably less than on the roof above.

A shed roof would work also (and should be less expensive) if that's helpful.

Second, Mary and I would choose a wide (at least 8 feet) open country porch, much like the one in the photos below. (I also like the large hanging glass wind/weather panel)!

We'd choose the same type columns as in the photo also which would complement the carriage's architecture. If adding trim, brackets, etc., I'd choose a simple design rather than more ornate like a Victorian (see below).

Outdoor furniture comes next. Porch swing on one end for sure along with a comfortable seating area complete with sofa, chairs, cushions, and outdoor lamps. Don't forget the ceiling fans; you'll need one one each end. The idea is to create a real welcoming sight as you come up your drive; one that says, come and sit a spell!

For real appeal I would have a wide step or two (can't tell how many without measurements). Normally, steps are a minimum of 4 feet wide but in this case I'd go 6 to 8 feet with rounded steps. That should nicely divide your porch into sections, one for the swing area and the other for conversation with friends.


Finally, I'd landscape the front of the porch with a mixture of perennials and annuals (you can see how the landscaping affects the appeal of the porch in the photo above). Complement your landscaping with similar plants/flowers/hanging baskets on the porch.

I would do walkways in small pavers to mimic cobblestones.

Whew - not done yet!

Another option is a Victorian-style porch. The porch roof options remain the same. The difference would be the addition of trim work and porch railings. These can be as ornate or as simple as you prefer. They can also be as colorful as you like. Dress the porch with a hanging chandelier over a table and chairs on one end and conversation area complete with table lamps and an outdoor rug on the other.
We have some really beautiful Victorian porches along with excellent trim ideas on our site to give you lots of ideas.

Here's an example combining country open and Victorian-style porches.


If you decide to go Victorian with your porch, we'd recommend you carry that theme throughout that side of your carriage house (brackets, trim work). Plus we'd recommend that you paint your carriage house a Victorian color.

Having stated all that, it really comes down to how you want to use the porch. If it is just for curb appeal and won't be used much, then you can do the same but with a much narrower porch.Again, accent your porch with landscaping as that will boost the curb appeal along with your porch.

Depending on the extent of your overall investment, you may want to consider having 3-d drawings made with several variations of porch roofs, columns, etc., along with landscaping ideas. It may well be worth the cost as you will know exactly what the finished addition and landscaping will look like. Here's a link with some examples and to a landscape architect featured on our site who can do the drawings. (We do not receive any compensation from him; we offer the referral only as a courtesy to our site visitors).

Hope this helps and we'd love to have some before and after pictures to feature on our site!

From Nashville,
Dave and Mary