Curb Appeal for a 1950s Brick Ranch: Porch, Courtyard, or Paint?

A long, low, north-facing brick ranch in Nashville with a circle drive needs an inviting entry. The owner plans to whitewash the brown brick and wants a Nantucket-cottage feel.

Key Moves

1. Whitewash brick – Acceptable if done properly (lime-based, breathable). Test a panel first.
2. Expand the entry stoop into a 6–8 ft deep porch with a shed or gable roof, exposed beams, and columns painted to match shutters. Skylights in the porch roof bring light to the front windows.
3. Curve the walk from the circle drive to the porch—meandering, not straight. Use brick or stone pavers.
4. Low seat walls (brick, capped in white/beige) along the walk define space and reduce horizontal mass.
5. Arbor/gate at the drive entrance echoes the porch roof pitch.
6. Vertical accents: ‘Sky Pencil’ holly, ‘DeGroot’s Spire’ arborvitae, or Italian cypress (if zone allows) at corners break the horizontal line.
7. Deciduous shade trees near the porch cool the entry in summer.

Paint the front door a bold color (navy, red, black). Keep the garage (rear) subordinate.

References: Walpole Woodworkers for pre-fab arbors/porches; ranch-with-circle-drive examples at newlandhome.com.