Good question! My daughter wants to change it but doesn't have the time being a paramedic so mom and dad to the rescue! Thanks for the advice as I'd forgotten about those colour scans.

Is the porch low enough to the ground you could remove the railing?

The railing has to go. It makes an already block-y house look even more boxed. Plus, the eye is drawn there and it's nothing you want the eye drawn to. I would then put a path going straight up to the door. the darker brown and windows look like very dark squares. Instead, I'd just lighten the colors in those areas. A lovely sitting area on the porch, some flowers and colorful landscaping up close to the house - to the height of the railing, would do a lot. It's a nice house. Have fun helping your daughter.

The railing is for sure going. She will be getting seating and large flower urns. Should the dark brown wood be done in a light brown or a grey brown? Eventually there will be new shingles and eves troughs. The dark brown is just so heavy looking. Thank you for any thoughts.

I would just choose something much lighter. A hint of grey might be nice. I would make sure any landscaping close to the house be of a good height. It's a tall house, so shorter flowers and bushes might look good close up, but do nothing from a distance. If there's room, even a winding path might be a nice rounded contrast to the square house. Paint the front door a lighter color? I love front porches, so this is all just my opinion based on what I like. But that's the area I'd put all my focus on. My favorite design element is grandpa peeking from behind the corn stalks. Ha! (that IS what I'm seeing, right?) Have fun!