Do you have floorplans? Optimal redo might include rethnking the interior spaces as well. Assume the wing with the octoagons is a bedroom? Entry and stoop look pretty good, but where how do things lay out when you get inside?

The octagon and picture window does lead to a bedroom which I believe was a living room before the second floor was added. The other windows are to the kitchen.

We are trying to create curb appeal on exterior and avoid a major interior renovation since bathrooms and kitchen also need to be renovated.

You have a great house! Looks like white paint and a front porch portico would be a great addition that would instantly update and increase visual interest. White with black shutters always looks like a nice tailored suit. The closet windows are darling. I am not sure what you mean by "covering". A cheap window covering for inside is rice paper, there are several styles at Amazon. For outside maybe a shutter? I would hate to cover such a neat detail though.

Thanks for the ideas.

We considered adding a front porch portico but the roof pitch eliminated several options due to the steep angle and potential water trap concerns. Cost was also a factor so the hope is to avoid a major renovation. Instead, we would like to replace siding (gable in front and back of house has quite a bit), shutters (and maybe not have shutters), entry door, and windows( picture and octagon windows). For the octagon windows, I'm seeking a solution where you can't see in since the windows lead to closets.

Doors by Decora in Montgomery, AL, shows some products on this site. Might search under products in the box above. I'd replace the glass in the windows with custom stained glass with a light box built around it inside so they can be illuminated from inside at night (kinda the reverse of how stained glass works.) Redo your entry so there is a single level sitting area under the two octagons where you can center a bench under them. Build a pergola over the area and the octagons will be a beautiful feature. Search "pergola" under dropdown "photos" in the box too for ideas. If stained glass is a budget breaker, try window films as Manon suggested. You can get the stained glass look that way too.

Rawketgrl, I love the house you sent. We have been uncertain on whether to paint the brick or keep the yellow brick. We definitely need to replace the siding and thought a shade similar to the brick color may work (maybe shingle style for gable). In this case, not certain on entry door and color that may help add a little interest.

Hi Decoenthusiaste,

I love the stained glass idea also but am having a tough time finding a place. Any ideas? Also, I'm not clear on the light box idea. Thanks, kmdesign50

Yes, I agree with Manion Floreat that a charcoal gray or mid gray would look nice for gable and possibly the shutters. Your home will look great even without shutters so you may end up taking them off for painting and never puting them back on. Are you trying to keep the colonial feel or to add some modern elements? Does the wood under the windows go all the way to the ground? Here's what my neighbors did added stone under the windows I think I may have chosen a different color and of course they replaced the windows but you could also just paint the trim around the windows instead of replacing it. Gives the home a more craftsman look with windows and natural s tone elements.

I would like to accomplish a cottage look since from the front you can't really tell that a second floor exists (just a very steep roof)..

Under the kitchen windows, the use the same aluminum siding as in the gable. You can't tell from the picture but both the siding and shutters are pretty old/worn out. I was thinking about stone under the windows also but thought it would be too tough to find something that would work. The other thought was a having a stucco board in the same yellow brick color.

Dar Eckert, One other quetion on the house picture...do you know the windows used on the photo? Is the trim a brown? Thanks!

Sorry I don't know but I can ask them. Yes the trim is brown.

Thanks for the ideas.

We have been uncertain on whether to paint the brick or keep the yellow brick. We definitely need to replace the siding and thought a shade similar to the brick color may work (maybe shingle style for gable). In this case, not certain on entry door and color that may help add a little interest.

Hey how can you do not have a fence for that dog

The dog is very old and obviously by us when taking the picture

The dog actually adds to the already abundant curb appeal!