I can't see a portico with this mansard style. Would a pergola tucked under the roof all the way across do anything for it? I would remove the bush under the windows. Visit a local nursery for assistance with the best plants for your area and don't clump up the landscape with bushy stuff. You might use something tall there on the wall between the door and garage. Looks to be a shady area so keep that in mind. Beef up your light fixtures. You pic is very tiny and doesn't increase, but if that is wrought iron railing, consider replacing it with something more supstantial on both sides of the stoop. I think the roof color will be key to the other painting projects. I would tend toward a color in the brick myself. If you're in the south you might not want dark colors. In cooler climates you could do the darker shades. When you paint the dormers, consider doing the same color on the gables and garage. I would not get more than three different colors going on a small house. The yellow door looks fun, but you might want to change it once the larger palette is in place.

Thanks for the ideas! I don't know why the picture is showing up so small. I have considered a pergola along with a portico, but I haven't thought about one by itself. Trying to visualize it... definitely an interesting idea.

I agree about that bush and we actually have a small maple between the door and garage, but it's small and still blends into the brick. Maybe we need something different.

Good idea with the railings. Yes, it is wrought iron. What would you recommend?
We are in a cooler climate. So far for the roof I've been considering a slate or a weathered wood.color.

Does the weathered wood color you are considering for the roof have color variation in each piece? You have color variation in the masonry. I would go for a solid color roof.

Please paint the rain gutters and the garage door to "disappear," by painting them a color close to the main house (masonry) color. Call attention to your windows and front door with a different color of paint.

Yellow flowers in the front yard are always good for curb appeal. If you get plants native to your area, they should not need extra water once they are established. I wonder if forsythia is a good plant for your area?

The brick is a timeless, classic look. However, there are a few things I would suggest. An updated paint scheme and color would do wonders. A new door an a craftsman theme, especially if you are thinking of a pergola or any type of wood structure above the entry door. I would also place a new landscape design with a fresh look since the old plantings have paid they're rent and are looking a bit tired and uneven. Finally, some soft accent lighting that keys in on the new focal points of the landscape and leads the eye to your new front door and entryway would be a great addition and lend some elegance to the whole visual scene.

I think that a Portico could fit the house and look quite attractive. Try looking here http://porticokit.com/

you may also look here

Here are a couple of pics

Great ideas, tipi! I'm especially glad you mentioned keeping the roof a solid color.
Any advice on a good shade? Grey, tan? When you say to make the windows a different color, are you including the dormers in that?

Lite, thanks for the landscaping ideas.

Shoreline, ballpark - how much does a portico like the one above run??

My home has a similar roof. I don't think it is exactly a Mansard. It's sort of '70s a cross between a mansard and a gambrel roof. I have decided to interpret my roof as a gambrel. :>)
We did add a portico and it looks much better because it interrupts the very strong horizontal line where the roof meets the brick. The vertical aspect of the portico also makes roof feel less heavy. And it is welcoming and convenient.

If you look at "Westover Landscape Design" you'll find a very pretty dutch colonial with portico. Try to imagine the house without the portico, and it wouldn't be nearly as attractive.

Along with the portico, perhaps a decorative frame around the front door and a charming pendant light.

Is the front wall of the garage in the same plane as the front wall of the house? Hard to tell from the photo. Usually it either protrudes or is recessed. So if the garage wall does neither, then I think it would be good to find some way to define the two distinct areas. Maybe a vine covered trellis on either side of the garage door. Just the right width to create a vertical line where the house ends and garage begins.

@ katherineevers - oh, wow! I absolutely love the westover colonial! Thank you for pointing me in that direction!

Yes, the wall from the door to the garage is flat and think that is a part of the problem. I had forgotten the previous owners had a makeshift trellis up, but it was an ugly chain link fence and we took it down immediately!;) I will definitely have to check into that idea!

May I ask what shape portico you chose for your home? I love the curved design, but I'm guessing it would be quite expensive so I'm looking at other shapes as well. Also, is your roof a similar color to your siding? I'm noticing that doing so may de-emphasize the mansard. I am drawn to the darker greys and tans, but unfortunately my siding is a light cream color.

Thanks again! You've been very helpful!

asm5656 The Portico Kit runs $2995.00 plus shipping (approx $150). You would want to have your electrician run the wiring for lights, and hire a carpenter for the install, so I would guess $5,000 ish.

Take out the plants and start with a fresh canvas. I'd build a nice pergola over the entrance side and create a large entry landing. Off to the left install a small decorative tree about 15 ft off the house. Create a planting of low plants under it and keep the look simple with lower growing plants. 2-3 ft height maximum. Pop in some color near entry. If you need a picture I can create one. cynkloeter@gmail.com

Our portico is shaped like the one shown in the pic from Shoreline Renovations. But ours is a little bit larger and has columns supporting it.

I think it would be a good idea to paint the siding a color similar to your roof color. As is, it does stand out. We haven't painted the exterior of our house yet. But when we do I will either match the siding to the brick color or the roof color.

You said you're considering either weathered wood or slate color for the roof. Your brick looks like it is is the browns family, so I'd guess the weathered wood would be more consistent with the brick.

But if you were open to painting the brick, the slate color could be elegant.

The Westover house's siding is quite close to the roof color. Also, if you search "Culligan Abraham Ayers" you'll find a handsome slate roof mansard whose wall and trim colors are all pretty close to the slate color.

asm5656, Yes, do paint the windows on the ground floor and the dormers the same color. Other Houzzers specialize in color, so I defer to them for which one(s) to choose.

I see someone suggested painting the brick. If you choose to do so, research paints specifically designed for outdoor masonry.

I prefer to build pergolas on the side or back of the house. I think a Portico would be a more traditional entry way on a smaller house. If you had a larger scale house I would say go for the pergola. Also I have talked to my supplier here in the Northeast and he told me that weathered wood is far and away the most popular choice in roof color. I happen to have it on my house and I think weathered wood would be an excellent choice. If you are thinking of re-roofing then that would be the perfect time to add your Portico if you are leaning that way.

Thanks for all the input! I see what you're saying about the weathered wood, katherineevers. Thanks, tipi for the clarification! Shoreline, I reallly do like the portico look but we may have to wait on it a little while!

There is a complete story that goes with this picture right down to the copper gutters which the homeowners chose. Even a portico! Hope this helps.

Thank you judyg! That brick is very similar to mine, so it's especially helpful!

Great....I was hoping this pix would help.