Wednesday, March 24, 2010

CURB APPEAL

CURB APPEAL --- House Exterior: paint historic yellow-ochre, replace rails with Chippendale pattern, place oval shutter at oval window, trim + Chippendale rails + picket fence painted 1 tone darker of the same yellow-ochre. A new owner, above, in this youngish neighborhood.
Though youngish the neighborhood looks OLD. Why?
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Sheared, circa 1982 style, green meatball builder's plantings. Homes colored in timid builder's whites.
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Sheared green meatballs are pustules on the face of neighborhoods; lowering property value.
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Happily, this small neighborhood understands. As homes are painted owners are choosing colors suited to their bricks & interiors. Overplanted green meatballs are being removed. Upgraded gardens installed.
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Note: Color & Chippendale were easy to choose for this home. Interior walls are yellow-ochre and beautiful antiques fill their rooms. Floors were being refinished while I was there, alas, no pics.
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Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

8 comments:

Maggie said...

haha, I've never heard that term ~ "green meatballs"! I love it! Let's rid the world of green meatballs!

The houses are lovely, but I see your point about the timid white paint.

Lori Buff said...

I love the "green meatballs" name and will use it. You're right, they look ugly and lower property values because the buy would have to consider how much landscaping needs to be fixed.
Builders seem unimaginative with these areas of new homes. Their creativity lies elsewhere.

Brenda Pruitt said...

One of these days I'm going to have to think about curb appeal. I seem to only want to work in my side yard, (garden homes, you know how they are) which is where you see all my photos. The west side is all grass, and we are on the corner. Have to get over on that side and have some work done too.
Brenda

Connie in Hartwood said...

We've all been led to believe that a well-maintained landscape means shearing our bushes into meatballs, or cubes. Most homeowners (and builders) want a mature landscape, and they want it NOW ... even if it will outgrow the space in two years. Sadly, a well-planned landscape that emphasizes the natural shape (and size) of shrubs is considered unkempt by many a neighborhood association. Meatballs will continue to be the standard, I'm afraid.
... Connie

the gardener's cottage said...

Hi Tara,

What is a sheared green meatball? Is it boxwood, because I LOVE boxwood?

~janet

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said...

I'm still trying to figure out what makes the neighborhood look older...I'm thinking you're either referring to the cast iron/aluminum sign posts etc OR...the outdated 'meatballs'. LOVE THAT NAME Tara LOL!! I like boxwood in the natural shape although I do like a trimmed boxed hedge in some yards. Looking forward to seeing more pictures. I hope you're getting some sunshine today..enjoy!
Maura :)

S Golis said...

Sheared green meatballs what a fun way to identify a neighbor with undesirable curb appeal. I enjoyed your post and your photos are such a nice touch.

real estate ph said...

Like the architectural design of this properties. Wish my home is like that too. :)

Arrielle P