I think just changing the color of the siding to more natural tones is a good start. You can consider using black metal railings for the deck to update the look.

Here is the front. What do you think?

I like the idea of a wire or glass railing for the deck and a stone treatment to replace the lattice. Something like this might work for you. I like how the siding color compliments the stone.

Interesting pop of unexpected color at windows. I agree with the wire or glass railing to finish off your look. Exciting have fun!

Seems to me that glass would be beautiful but who is going to go out and clean it every other day?

I would consider an updated neutral color scheme and material.

Good point Carolyn - and it would be a lot of glass looking at the size of the deck, lol! Steel wire like in the pic I posted would be easier for maintenance.

I was actually going to post the same photo that betsy posted.....love the color combination and will likely use it if/when we ever find our lake property :)

On the front, I'd remove the shutters and use a more substantial white trim and I'd paint/replace the garage door. The color it is now looks a little out of place.

On the back, I'd change the current lattice to stone or stone veneer (if in budget). I'd also redesign the deck railing and stairs. I'd maintain high contrast by either doing it in white painted wood or in aluminum/iron, which would less maintenance. Glass sounds really nice, but the constant cleaning would get old fast.

A lower cost option for the deck skirting is to keep the lattice, but trim it out for a more finished look. If you stained the lattice darker and then added a wide board across the top that was painted, the darker lattice would fade to the background (at least that's what a designer I had over the other day told me about mine).

Good luck!

I would love to see this house with shingles in a pale gray color. That one change to the structure and new landscape will really update this home. Hope that helps.
Charmean Neithart

An economical and modern alternative to replacing the lattice is horizontal boarding in Merbau and also staining/replacing the back steps, front door and garage to match. This will give you warm reddish tones as a contrast to the gray you were considering.

For the front, consider replacing the windows with longer and wider ones (minus shutters) to balance those at the rear of the house and lower landscaping plants.

Thanks all for your ideas! I'll post as progress is made!