Barefoot Bliss

A facade face-lift opens up the space to the outdoors.

Photography by Brian Francis

Barefoot Bliss

A facade face-lift opens up the space to the outdoors.

The homeowner is wild for nature and wants the inside and outside of her house to feel seamless. By replacing the back wall with French doors, she got her wish. To make room for the expanded entry, the heating and air unit was moved. A pitched roof with columns adds shelter from the elements, as well as an architectural nod to Greek Revival style, which the homeowner loves. Stone steps are naturally integrated into the overall design.

“I love having all three doors open and feeling the breeze. This is such a happy house now.”

Ten-pane French doors flood the kitchen with light. Aged-bronze door levers complement the lanterns and outdoor furniture. Screen doors could be added to keep the bugs out.

“It’s the perfect place to relax with my dog and my morning cup of coffee.”

Good To Know

"Updates to your home’s exterior can be a great investment. An upscale siding replacement averages 88% payback of your remodeling costs at resale."

SOURCE: Remodeling magazine
Cost vs. Value Report (2007 National Averages); costvsvalue.com

Design Details

Barefoot Bliss

  1. The homeowner chose to keep the new shingles natural for a look that will weather gently over time. For a different effect, the shingles also could be painted or stained.
  2. A pair of two-light wall lanterns with seeded-glass panes illuminates the back entry and adds architectural beauty to the space.
  3. Natural flagstone was selected to continue the rustic theme. Pavers also would work well.
If You Live for the Outside

Seven ways to bring the outdoors in.

  1. Make sure your windows are operable and have screens.
  2. Look for ways to access the outdoors—consider adding French doors or sliding doors off any ground-floor room, even a bedroom or dining room.
  3. Include overhead fans inside and out to keep fresh air circulating.
  4. Add pots filled with colorful flowers to your entryways.
  5. Install outdoor floodlights with motion detectors for extra security.
  6. Consider a pet door for times when entry doors need to be closed.
  7. Use all-weather rugs in entryways (both indoors and out) for easy cleanup after traffic.
Lowe's Installation Available.

Lowe's Installation Guaranteed Lowe’s can provide guaranteed professional installation of doors and exterior lighting.

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Project Details
Skillset: Advanced
Rough Cost Estimate Total: $5,375*

Building materials and lumber: $2,400
Lighting: $430
Doors and hardware: $2,455
Paint: $90

Rough Time Estimate: 1 month**
Building Materials and Lumber
  • round columns (8-foot, Turncraft, fiberglass, #11838)
  • cap and base kits for columns (Turncraft, #20370)
  • shingles (cedar, Special Order)
  • asphalt shingles (Owens Corning, black onyx, #10086)
  • lumber rated for outdoor use
  • flagstone (#73455***)
Lighting
  • wall lanterns (Sea Gull Lighting, Model 8463-46, Special Order)
Doors And Hardware
  • entry doors (Pella, fiberglass, Special Order)
  • dead bolts (Schlage, aged bronze, #133371)
  • door levers (Schlage, aged bronze, #118822)
Paint
  • primer (Valspar Exterior Latex Primer, #165219)
  • columns, trim, and doors (Valspar Ultra Premium, Polar White 7003-16, exterior
    semi-gloss)

*Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market.

**Does not include lead time for Special Order materials.

***Selection varies by market.

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