I'm not sure what you mean about modernize? do you mean up date? or move it totally away from the traditional look it has?

Modern - would require changing the roof and that would probably cost more than 5k.

House of Light: Chevy Chase, Maryland Home inspired by Hugh Newell Jacobsen · More Info

Update - Using paint and beefing up columns.

tiburon home remodel · More Info

Agree the posts should be heavier and I would add shutters and sconces on each side of the front door

I agree with the suggestions of lovliny and ajmomma. Your house is a classic design, whether one would call it New England Cape Cod or southern planter's cottage. In the first photo, the roof appears to be green, and I would keep it green and invest in green shutters once I had painted the siding white. The brick trim is nice, and you might use a harmonizing shade of light brown for the porch floor and beige for the porch ceiling and front door. You could use blooming trees and flowers in almost any color to accentuate your lovely home. If crimson king maples grow in your area, they would create a wonderful contrast from the green in the roof and landscape.

Definitely beef up the porch columns, add some shutters, and invest in a landscaping plan to increase curb appeal.

Is that T-111 across front? maybe do something with that? But what hits me right off is that the pickets on porch rail are too far apart. replace that with maintenace free aluminum or vinyl pickets and rail. ( white) Also, use decorative 6x6 columns, or circular vinyl columns. The front step looks too high as well. Add a concrete or brick landing. Then seal the drivewauy. i see all kind of cracks in the asphalt.

If you really want to make it more modern on a serious budget paint is the way to go. If it's possible to remove the columns and railings altogether, that would take it from traditional to modern (check building codes in your area to ensure you can) real quick, then paint the deck black. Paint out the brick to match the siding, all in one shade (grey tone or white), even the top dormer siding. Paint the door and window trim in a contrasting shade to make them stand out. Extra large plant pots in a stand out color by the front door, and new modern lighting and door hardware will change the feel too.

No shutters. They're a maintenance issue and look fake and they'll chew up your budget. I'd paint the house a more dramatic modern color - gold to pick up the brick or gray, even a creme. I'd put the money into modern fixtures, beefing up the columns and coming up with a unique rail system in a geometric pattern. The door should be a bright color to make it pop and draw you in. The current dark door looks more like a cave. Landscaping to lead you up the driveway and to the door would also make it welcoming. How far your budget will go depends on how much you do yourself and how much you hire out. If you have to prioritize, paint and fixtures would have a big impact. At least paint the door, put in fixtures, and put in welcoming landscaping. If you can't afford landscaping up the drive at least do it near the house. And shop craigslist, garage sales and thrift stores for some porch seating and paint it in warm colors that are visible from the street so people are encouraged to linger. Good luck.

I personally LOVE the current color but add the shutters, ditch the railing and thicker posts! I'd buy it in a heartbeat as is.

Here is another version of the Photoshop makeover with a grid pattern on the upper part of the windows... (which I think adds a lot to the look)

Kevin

Your rendering is stunning! Beautiful!

In addition to the great ideas provided above, consider removing the porch railing all together and expanding the entry pathway into a series of small areas that invites you and your family to use the space and enjoy the view of that gorgeous lawn. See for example:

The original post stated they were working with a $5,000 budget and for that amount of money, Kevin's suggestions are right on target. He took a tired looking house and turned it into one that looks fresh and new. Pretty unique for $5,000 in my opinion.

my design by photoshop

another design with lavender and flower carpet