by flukechasr

Exterior Advice Needed on Cape Cod Style Home

House was re-sided with cedar shakes on three sides two years ago. They were left in their natural state and have aged over time and now need to be re-stained. The back of the house has the original siding along with new shakes around all of the windows. Although it's been two years, weathering has not helped them to blend. I'm thinking I will need to use a semi-solid stain on the three sides and a primer along with a solid stain on the back of the house in hopes I can get everything to blend. Does anyone have any experience with stains? Do you think I should keep the cedar look or consider changing the color to gray?

I have a huge picture window along with a double in the front of the house. I realize shutters are inappropriate but I still lack curb appeal. I was thinking of adding lanterns to each side of the front door along with the house number. In addition, I was also considering adding a window box to the huge picture window but leaving the double window bare. If you notice in the photo, the double window is new and is approximately 6" longer than the picture window. I'm afraid if I add a window box to that window too, it won't balance. Thoughts? I'm currently in the process of adding additional shrubery, plant material, boulders) My budget is shot since I just installed a patio and fence so I can't consider adding a porch, portico or replacing windows but hope someone can give me some direction to give this house more curb appeal. Photos shown were taken when house was first freshly sided. Things have weathered considerably since then. Location- Long Island, NY. Thank you for your suggestions- they are greatly appreciated.