Best Exterior Makeover

Previously, the home lacked curb appeal and felt a bit forgettable. Architect Stan Dixon gave the cottage a focal point with the front-facing gambrel roofline that houses an arched window, latticework railing, and black door. "Stan's proportions add a classic elegance," says Jessica Thuston. "The white-columned portico gives this simple cottage a stately feel."

"This makeover is like a pep rally for an older home. Stan's changes really rejuvenated the spirit in this tired facade," says Senior Homes Editor Zoë Gowen. Using quality materials such as a shake roof, crisp paint palette, and new pine siding (cut and cured from trees on the owner's South Georgia farm!) gives the home a more substantial look and feel. Additionally, Stan topped new nine-over-nine windows with cornices for a sculptural, one-of-a-kind look.

Here, the house pictured before the makeover.

To reinforce the home's architectural balance, two symmetrical rows of boxwoods line the front. Evergreen shrubs punctuate each corner, and potted boxwoods near the entry add sophistication to the home's entrance without complicating the color scheme. To continue the palette, Stan even whitewashed the stone walkway. He says, "I wanted that timeless look of a white house surrounded by lush greenery."

The curvy, crown-shaped roof breaks up the rest of the home's angles and hard edges—creating a much more eye-pleasing exterior.

Skip screw-on shutters for louvered styles. The iron brackets hold these new shutters slightly open, creating more depth by producing shadow lines.

"The door shows the quality and character of a home," says Stan, who custom designed this simple front door to offset the detailed portico.

Stan created a striking gable that adds dimension to the home. He also widened the porch, which now extends to 49 square feet.