If you’ve been thinking about making some changes to the outside of your house, but you don’t have a lot of money to work with, and you aren’t sure what will give you the most bang for your buck, you are not alone. In fact, many homeowners in your situation end up putting their renovations off for years because they just don’t know where to start. Since you found this guide, though, you won’t fall into this trap. Starting with new shutters is an excellent, cost-effective decision that will truly boost your home’s curb appeal.
No matter what style of house you live in, traditional exterior panel shutters will work for you. These versatile shutters can completely change the appearance of your house without costing an arm and a leg. You might decide this single project is all you need to do to make your house into your dream home, or you might opt to do more work down the road. No matter what, shutters are the perfect starting point for homeowners throughout North Carolina and South Carolina.
- Two-story Colonial homes – If your house is a two-story Colonial, it probably has a lot of windows spanning both stories on the front exterior wall. A great way to add visual interest is to install two different panel shutter styles, one on each floor. Using the same color for both styles will make them look cohesive, but the diverse designs will add visual interest to your traditional, symmetrical facade. Generally, the less “weighty” looking shutters should be on the upper story, while the bulkier of your two styles should be on the ground floor.
- Craftsman homes – Craftsman-style houses are all about quality. This means you should pay special attention to the workmanship behind the panel shutters you select. Some homeowners even opt to have local woodworkers make custom shutters for them. If, however, you don’t have the budget for this, look for high-quality products that have unique detailing, such as carved cutouts or raised panels.
- Homes with second-story balconies – In both North Carolina and South Carolina, many homes feature second-story balconies. If this is a feature, your house has, consider using panel shutters that have 60/40 proportions on your first-floor windows. This means the bottom part of each shutter panel is smaller than the upper section, ultimately drawing the eye upward toward your balcony. This design tactic will make your residence look taller and more stately.
- Homes with oversized windows – Many Southern houses, especially historic residences in places like Charleston, SC, feature oversized windows. If this describes your house, consider investing in panel shutters with 20/40/40 proportions. These shutters are divided into three sections, which will work well with the height of your windows while maintaining aesthetic appeal. In essence, this look is a modification of the rule of thirds, which is well known in graphic design, photography, and journalism communities.
No matter what kind of panel shutters you’re thinking about putting on your home, the team at Hatch Homes would be pleased to handle the project for you. We can even recommend brands and styles if you’re struggling to select the perfect option for your remodeling project. We look forward to hearing from you and scheduling a preliminary meeting with you soon!