What an adorable house you have! I love the style and front porch! You're off to a great start with your curb appeal. I would not add shutters because I think they would make the look too crowded. I think the singular decorative molding is fine. If you wanted to enhance it, maybe you could add them to the posts on the porch instead, something like this:

But to be honest, I think to add much more than what you have will start to give it the look of a Victorian Gingerbread house and that's not necessarily a good thing with a newer build.

I think I might focus more on the flower beds and adding interest that way. I can see why you would want to put something above the garage, that is the one area that seems to be begging for some attention. I don't know what your budget is, but have you considered a small window or even a decorative vent?

Could you add thicker trim around the windows in lieu of shutters? The trim looks like the thin type used with shutters, rather than thick trim that stands alone. I think that repeating that decorative trim on your garage might be ok...I'd be interested in seeing a mock up of that. A period style garage door might be nice, too. Your house is very charming!

Thanks luckkiirish. Never thought about the trim on the porch, that's certainly something to consider. As for above the garage door that space really bothers me - thought about decorative "wall art", maybe a window, but want whatever I do to be appropriate and not call even more attention to the area. Any suggestion you have for the flower beds would be great. The house faces south if that's helpful.

Thanks nini804. Like the idea of a thicker trim around the windows. Do you know how much work is involved in doing that as I assume all the windows on the house would need to be done ? Is it perhaps a trim piece that fits around the window or would the existing siding need to be removed , re trimmed and then the siding reapplied. I agree on the garage door but trying to identify what the appropriate style would be.

That's a good idea Nini! You wouldn't have to do all the windows. The back yard windows don't have to match. Pricing would be subjective to the area and style you end up choosing, the more detail, the pricer it gets. This style is simple to do and would beef up the window

Or you could go fancier and do something like this:

If you google a search for "exterior decor above a garage" and look at images, you'll see most garages with a large space like that have windows. You might also consider putting a star there? Or a sun medallion of some sort, google a search for exterior wall art there are several pieces that may work

I really like the window trim idea and thanks for the photos. Above the garage I hesitate the expense on putting in a window in a non-occupied space but agree that it would look much nicer.

Love the ideas already given .... and I think a window box/iron planter would look nice on the small window right of the garage.

A window with a curved top might look nice over the garage to echo the one over your entrance. I really like the idea of the trim at the porch posts. I think the garage door need to be darker or perhaps changed to one with windows or a coach door look. Others can probably give you a better suggestion of the right color or if the coach style door would fit your style house. Is the front door red?

Thanks Mizgg, terrific idea about the window box. Something I never thought about or considered but agree it would complete that space.

Hi Anne. In answer to your question the front door is wood stained in Walnut color. Not sure if there is a rule of thumb or guidance on the color of a garage door ( i.e. Should match the house trim color, the color of the siding or the color of the front door ) ?

Perhaps Google Carriage style garage door? If you could get them it might look nice in the same Walnut Color. Would need to see a mockup but I love carriage style. I had real ones years ago in an detached former carriage house and they were a total pain because to park in there you had to get out of the car but I've see nice looking replica roll up ones that dress up a house a bit.

Thanks Anne, I think carriage doors would dress up the front a lot more than the current set does.

A small round window would look nice above the garage. It would echo the curve in the other window with a better fit for the space.

Diane

I like the idea of a round or arched vent above the garage. I guess it could just be bolted on for decoration? I think it would be an inexpensive thing to add.

(I didn't do the circle here, it was on the google image.)

Thanks powermuffin and MizGG I think the vent would serve the same purpose but be less expensive than a window. If the space was occupied I would definitely do a window but since it's not think the vent is the most viable option

I did suggest the vent in my first post. Maybe you didn't see that. :c(

Oh yeah, yes you did lukkiirish. There were several good suggestions in your post and must have overlooked that one in particular. It seems like many others agree as well. Appreciate everyone's suggestions !

Maybe these for your garage door, without having to replace the whole door?

faux decorative garage windows

I am not sure about the vent, since there already is one just to the right.

Maybe a light; eg something goose neck to clear the rooflet.

Good point MtnRdRedux, something I did not previously pay much attention to may now look more obvious if there are two similar vents located nearby each other. Now I'm conflicted; a vent, window, light fixture, wall art of some sort, Other. Decisions, decisions...

Okay - I know you will think I am crazy and it might not fit in your neighborhood, but I would think about painting the house a pretty blue or yellow. I have always loved houses in that style with those colors.

Your house is adorable exactly as it is. But if you have to change something, I like the idea of making the trim around the lovely windows more prominent. I honestly don't think anything is needed over your garage. It looks really classic as it is. My eye is drawn to the center of the house with the lovely gable decoration and porch, which seems like exactly what you want. Very cute house!

Thanks pricklypercactus for your comments

Your home is lovely. The first thing I noticed (and the only thing I don't like) is the little roof over the garage door. In my view, it sticks out like a sore thumb and I am not sure why it is there. Do you have to open the door manually? If you have that roof removed, the garage will not stand out so much. Also, you may not want any shutters, but obviously we don't observe the shutters on every window rule at our house (attached).

Sorry -- photo failed to upload.

Hi goldenhat thanks for your input. I expect the roofs there just to provide a bit of cover from the elements when it's raining or snowing and the door is open. The door is powered, not manually operated. Thanks