larryhinkle The stone may look more yellow because of the red....

The main issue is that there are too many colors happening. That accututes all the different finishes and makes it look like 3 pieces that have just been stuck together rather than a cohesive unit. It needs 2-3 that work together. I cant see it up close but the "rock" is the only thing I wouldnt repaint

ct design studio Visually your home is divided into 3 parts. I would suggest painting the red section white to bring it all together. If you like the black shutters, paint your front door, window trim and garage door black also. The rocks can be painted in grays. Even if you don't want the black I would still apply that general idea to unify your facade. A sagey green would be nice for your trim also. If it's in the budget, I would spring for a new garage door, updated post light and screen door.

ct design studio Also, once the bushes come out you'll need to replace some of the landscaping to the left of the entrance and along the walkway, even just a couple of decorative bushes and some grasses. Just to keep it from feeling barren.

linds1411 Thanks for the suggestions! I am thinking of painting the shutters and the red portion a nice green color. I do like that idea a lot. I'm still unsure of that rock. As larryhinkle suggested, the red color might be making the rock look yellower than it really is. I still think that I will dislike it, so I might still want to change it in the future! I know my hubby is going to limit me on what I can do with it though, no replacing it with new rock and no crazy colors on it....hmm. What to do, what to do..

fife2 IF the rock does have yellow tone to it, a bluer based green (soft) will balance out the yellowish color, not a yellow based green. Also - since you have said behind the bushes IS the same rock base - this might be tricky. I would leave the rock alone get rid of the stark red - and look at it for awhile. Then decide. I would also paint the garage door the same color used on the house to cover the red - just a different shade, perhaps one shade up?

Once you paint that rock - there IS no going back! What about using some varigated ivy's in the planter box, and some vining petunias - which will grow OVER the sides and sweetly hang down - then I would choose some plant materials which have soft grey foiliage like lambs ear, and some really nice varigated hostas? The vining petunias come in colors but, a nice selection of varigated hostas - bright lime greens, dark blues, etc. will add some color softening to the stone as well.

My other suggestion would be to definitely change the front door. Are you stuck on having a glass door? Do you leave the inner door open and use the screen? IF not, a nice wood door would add a LOT to the front of your home.

Would also like to add a suggestion of using something like a deep, almost black green for shutter color - there is one called Charleston Green.

YOU can get a can or two of Rustoleium spray paint - HIGH GLOSS black and paint the lamp post and YOU CAN look for just a different top! I would look for one with more glass and a somewhat larger - yet it could still be traditional to go with your home?

Additionally - try using a new front porch light - a larger one to brighten the entryway and make it look more updated. I know Lowes, Home Depot, etc., or a higher end lighting company (local) - have "suites" of lighting fixtures - and they usually have sales once or 2X per year - I would look around and wait - then purchase complimentary light fixtures for the front of the house. I would look at this in the view of detailing the front of your home.

As to what to do when you remove the hedge - look on line at landscaping ideas and I would purchase some landscape books. Definitely remove the large shrub at the left end of the house. unless you like it, and can prune it up at the appropriate season. It seems to need thining out and reshaping. But, I would also wait a season prior to doing this - early spring is usually best or late fall.

IF you cannot get a wooden door - what about a more traditional louvered metal screen door? You could paint this the dark green to match the shutters - or some other color? These are great for security and also provide a nice air flow?

Congratulations on your first home - I know this is an exciting time - but don't get carried away - there is always lots to do.

linds1411 Thank you for the suggestions!

decoenthusiaste Power wash all of the rock first. Sometimes the surface color is just age.