the best solution is probably a new coat of paint like a bold red with the white framing

I would use paint on the existing front door and save a little more for a carriage garage door with windows. Because of the stone color, I would not paint the front door red, but a nice burnt orange / rust / copper tone to match the warmer element in the stone. Look at this historic Mayflower red - http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/mayflowerred

Your new landscaping is an improvement, though you may want to layer in flowering groundcover or small flowering evergreen shrubs so you don't have to tend the bed.

I just realized that my original post had lots of spelling errors! Sorry about that!

I am really liking the idea of a red front door, especially with the black door hardware. I was also thinking new house numbers would update the front.

http://modernhousenumbers.com/product.aspx

I'm going to look into a new garage door, I think that would definitely make a difference.

I am still trying to find an image of a front garage house with character.

I am wondering if you could achieve something like this with the front of your home. Not sure if you have any neighborhood restrictions. May not be particularly budget friendly but if your husband is a carpenter maybe the pergolas are do-able. Mainly I think a new garage door more would make a big difference.

[https://www.houzz.com/photos/gary-m-lane-traditional-exterior-los-angeles-phvw-vp~146138[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/gary-m-lane-traditional-exterior-los-angeles-phvw-vp~146138)

I would suggest painting the garage door a mid range gray, add black brackets and handles and that will give it a coach type feel and I would spend the money on a new front door with a large window instead. Then add a pergola or frame like the picture below in stained cedar and add two large coach lights. You could add cedar shakes and add these to the area below the window by the front door. On the garage as you go up the walk, add a large trellis for interest and you could add an urn near the door. Landscaping is also impactful..maybe plant a tree and you could lay flagstone on top of the cement walk - we had the same walk and did this - it may a difference re: curb appeal.

Pulaski Carriage House · More Info

Hi Rebecca,

If you really like red for the front door, be sure it's an "orangy" red so not to conflict with the burnt orange in the stone.

Had another thought on the door however. What about bright blue to bring out the blues in stone, something like BM 2061-40 Electric Blue or 775 Poolside. Paint the trim around the front door all in white and the blue will "pop"!

Brenda

Here are some different options on door color. I think it'll be really key to match the shade of blue.

Hi Rebecca,

The grey for the garage door is also important. There has to be enough contrast between the garage and front door, so I would choose the 2 colours together.

Regards,

Brenda