Here are some suggestions for going coastal on a budget. Most of it is just wood add-ons, which are much less expensive than adding stone, and more premium-looking than just painting the brick... It's really all about the details.

1. White feels crisp and fresh. The cobalt blue pushes it toward the island style, mon.

2. Beefier porch columns with a diagonal cross balustrade bring it right to the Coastal Living style. Chippendale railings would also work.

3. Decorative exposed rafter tails add detail.

4. Bahama shutters add unique style, and do the heavy lifting, pushing it to coastal style

5. A decorative band with dentil moulding adds architectural flair and organizes the windows. Below it, you could do either lap siding with an alternating thick, thin pattern or silvered cedar shingles. You could remove the brick and apply it, or (for a thicker feel with more of a top ledge) install it right over the brick.

6. Board and batten siding would wrap around the top part of the whole house, helping it to feel more like a coastal cottage.

7. The existing gable vent is covered with a louvered grill, helping it to feel more styley and less utilitarian. Also added - a decorative, extended beam in the top of the tiny gable. You could also do this on the gable to the right.

8. In the original picture, there seems to be too much hardscaping, and no real soft zone, so I've added some nice tropical plants to the front of the house. The original photos also seemed too linear, so I've added some curves and different textures - a stamped concrete or stone sidewalk-/patio and a pea gravel drive.

The hardscaping is a little more expensive and could possibly wait for later, but I think it helps tremendously. At any rate, I would suggest removing the brick "curbing". They SEEM small, but actually are a substantial player in hindering this house from feeling more welcoming.

Your little cottage has quite a bit of potential. It could sing, if it's done right.