I think you could pull it off nicely (using Hardie board & batten, that is). The problem is the columns. You could paint them the same color as the siding to help minimize them, but still, they just don't fit in. Can they be removed?

You might want to post this in the Home Decorating forum. They're more design-y over there. If you can post a full-frontal picture of your house, perhaps someone can Photoshop a design.

Those columns don't look as if they're supporting anything. If you remove them then you could build a porch with its own roof sheltering the entry area, though that might make this project bigger than you were intending.

I would look at a metal roof.

Michael

awm03, I'll post in Home Decor, too. Thanks.

As for the brick columns, we're thinking of taking them down. But there's an angled window that follows the roof line (above the door) that might look funny without the columns. Of course, the columns look funny anyway, so perhaps it would be an improvement.

jon 1270, I'd love to build a porch there. I'm just not sure how to negotiate the sloping roof line with a new porch.

brushworks, I'd *love* a metal roof. The current roof is only 7 years old, though, so it will be staying until we need a replacement (and until we have money to do it!).

"there's an angled window that follows the roof line (above the door)"

I see. So the roof line would have to be reconfigured and a new window put in. $$$. Might be worth the expense though as it would improve your home's curb appeal. Does the ceiling by the trapezoid window follow the roof line too?

Funny you see this potential in your house. There are some plain 70s high ranches here that I think with historical paint color & a few window changes would look great as a version of a Shaker style home! They'd fit into our New England area better than does their current California contemporary styling.