This is a simple, pretty house, and since you don't have a lot of budget, stick with that. The one thing that sticks out to me is that the horizontal on the right hand side of the photo joins up with the horizontal bar across the screen/storm door--please replace the storm door. If the front door can be painted a bright color, do it. (Maybe an opposite to the orange brick, like turquoise? Or, playing into the orange, a bright yellow?) I don't think you should paint the brick before seeing what you can do with it....

Also, a house looks sad with a front door that doesn't lead anywhere. Even if you never use it, please do a sidewalk or gravel path out to the street, and have it branch off to go around the house as well.

Finally, plant a simple but strong-colored flower along the front. I'm thinking big pink hedge roses! It will give your home that 50s/60s "my home is my castle" feel.

Wow so much of the inspiration house is doable for your home. Even the paint color seems to go with your roof.

Some of the things that are currently dating your house are the outdated front door, the storm door and three windows. Current storm doors with their full length glass and only a small toekick at the bottom gives you better view of a nice new door and vinyl windows with the larger trim look more updated.

Also, whatever widow treatments that are visible to the outside should hang neatly. The picture window drapes should hang more symmetrical within the window. Blinds in adjacent windows pulled up at the same level. It takes the eye away from the nice features of the house. Attention to detail often makes the difference. I know because I am the product of very detailed minded parents whose drapes hung in equally spaced rows like solders at attention.

STORM DOOR: http://www.lowes.com/pd_263642-62847-34952031_1z0x51q__?productId=50374620&pl=1

Maybe for now you do whatever affordable items that are on your inspiration house and do it in stages until you can do the portico. At least this way you would be moving towards your goal. You could do any of the following:

• Wood surrounds to the side and top of front door, etc. would give it a larger presence.
• Add carriage lights on either side of the doorway
• Wood shutters on small windows
• Window boxes under small windows
• Make porch into the size you want -- including footings and small stone posts for future columns.
• Walkway to the side of the house.
• Note that her shutters, door surround and window box all have the same unifying design.

On of the best improvements is a nice well cared for green lawn.

It will be nice to watch your home's transformation.