I will check with my client about the colour of their exterior and get back to you. Plants that are hardy for your area that are the same "feel" as the ones in my garden: Shrubs Deciduous: Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum (Japanese Snowball Bush) Syringa vulgaris (Lilac) Rosa Rugosa (Hardy rose) Hydrangea paniculata Hydrangea quercifolia (nice foliage that turns colour in the fall!) Shrubs Evergreen: Buxus microphyllus 'Winter Gem' Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil' (tall and very narrow) Rhododendren yakushimanum 'Yaku Princess' (dwarf rhododendren) Daphne x burkwoodii 'Carole Mackie' Sarcococca (Sweet Box) check with your designer about this....possibly borderline hardy. Ask your designer about hardy conifers for your area for more low care evergreen plants. Perennials: Salvia superba Peony Iris lily Daylily Iberis sempervirens 'Snowflake' Helebore Royal Heritage Pachysandra (Ground cover) Cimicifuga (Dark leaves,white flowers, narrow) Flowering Trees: 'Prunus subhirtella "Autumnalis" (Cherry Tree) Cercis Canadensis, is also known as the eastern redbud Prunus serrulata "Kwanzan" Star Magnolia Your designer should be able to tell you the larger plants to put in first...start with the structure first and then you can follow up with additions to the borders. As long as you have a good plan you can phase in more planting next year.

This Bungalow's got beautiful lines. It would be a crime to remove any of it's historic features, like the brick balusters. To add a pillar in the middle would ruin the flow of the front porch, needlessly close it in and obstruct your view from the inside. That massive span is meant to be there. It feels strong and the mass of the brick feels sturdy - one of the characteristics of a craftsman bungalow. What your house does need is color and some landscaping. The Craftsman style is known by its earth tones - colors from nature. A dark sage body color and a light sage trim with a Cherokee red would be a correct historic look for this house. The main body color should complement the brick, not match it - hence the sage. The Cherokee red gives a nod back to the brick and adds a little punch. A darker architectural shingle would also feel correct. The rectangular details on the top of your pillars are begging for another subtle architectural detail on top of them. This extends the shape and gives these light blocks some meaning. The horizontal band that connects them helps the arch feel a bit less stark and goes a long way in giving your house the interest you're looking for. Shakes on the dormer are a nice-to, not a have-to. But the interest they bring draws the eye up and just adds more architectural detail. Vertical muntins in the windows and a door painted the same color as the window trim help to make this cottage a little more charming and tailored. Taking the storm door off sure would look nice. It does look like it's sheltered enough to do so. Part of the reason that it feels like there is too much brick, is that there is very little landscaping...well, what you've got is a start, anyway. Typical Craftsman landscaping is not too fussy. It's usually hardier plants and bushes that add texture and color. Just flowers might feel a little light and a little sparse in front of so much brick. Different heights will make it more interesting, with the taller plants on the corners to frame the whole vignette. P.S. Reading through some of these suggestions almost makes my heart break. I've seen too many of these bungalows ruined by shortsighted people who try to match these great houses to the latest fads by taking out the very things that make them charming (like the brick railing...I can assure you, it's original and integral to the design). I had the privilege own a 1914 bungalow for 10 years and to nurse it back to health. When we sold it, I was impressed with the fact that we are only caretakers of the houses we own for a relatively short period, and then we pass them to the next caretaker. This makes me want to enhance only if it's sensitive to the original intent and character. Here's what it could look like...

Consider eliminating the shutters. Authentically, they are not doing what they are intended to do and aesthetically don't have the weight to balance the façade with the large portico. Instead, they are being used to try to enhance the window profile and it's not working Remove the shutters. Add cornice molding to the top of the 1st floor windows referencing the details of the portico to balance the effect of the lower panels. Widen the side casing on all windows and even consider a detail on the casing. This will add stature to the window and offset the weight of the portico and expanse of the façade. Once you have decided on your details, hire an experienced siding/carpentry contractor to do the work. He will know the proper techniques to be used for weather proofing/flashing the new details where applied to the house. Photos follow for concept only. Also included a pic of a very nice way of doing planter boxes that are resting on window panels.

Start with your decision on the roof color. If you choose grey imo the grey roof and brown brick will never look right together. I would start with a very dark brown expresso color roof, which will give you contrast with your brick without clashing. The gutters should blend with the color of the brick so they disappear. You can use a warm white for your window trim and another color on your door. Currently, your roof is the same tone as your brick, which is the reason it all seems the same. Also, gutters can usually just be painted, unless you need to replace them for some other reason.