Up to what times? I would start by painting the pillar area all a dark color , remove the shutters and get a fab modern fron door Some cool coten steel planters filled with awesome plants , change the windows to no grids . The railing maybe glass and metal . All of that will make the house look quite different but maybe we need a bit more info from you .Most everything in your idea books is very traditional even maybe over the top traditional so I need to understand what you are wanting .