Your house has great potential in both changes to the house and the landscape. However, obviously much of it comes down to how much money you are willing to apply to the project. If your budget is 15k you are pretty limited compared to a budget of 150k ( or more). If you are looking for major changes I would be searching out an architect to be involved. If your budget is small I would start by addressing any items that need maintenance like new shingles, flashings, does brickwork need any repointing etc...

Thanks for your comments. The brick is actually in great shape. We are considering the possibility of painting it.

The two things that strike me the most are the serious landscape issues ( the whole walkway from the driveway to the door is poorly executed and get rid of the old shrubbery along the front). The second item for me is what looks to be badly stained roof shingles ( unless it's just how the photo looks).

Rip out those bushes, pressure wash the whole thing. Maybe cedar in the eaves along with recessed lights in the eaves. Take down the spotlight for the garage and get something more streamlined. Start researching more modern style landscaping/plants. That house could be really cool. I think painting the brick is a mistake. Oh, remove that un-matching brick from the walkway. I'm sure I don't even want to know what the front door has been swapped out to. But a walnut or similar grain door to compliment the aforementioned cedar in the eaves comes to mind. Throw in some more modern windows and you're all set. Would warm up the whole thing.

Here was a very modern update that we did on an old mid-century modern that also was terribly overgrown with landscaping. You might want to start with clearing some of the overgrown landscaping to give you a better idea of what you have to work with. Agree with previous posts.

Very nice-looking house. Especially since you say the brick is in great shape, how about keeping it original, but updating the trim colors, landscaping, and hardscaping?

I'd keep the brick as is and remove or edit the shrubs. Then post updated pics. Is the roof ok? If not, I would replace with dark grey/black shingles.

Your house is lovely. Congratulations on a magnificent purchase.

You might wish to do your trim in a darker color than white and since I presume you are going to do the bit right under the roof line, it is a good time to get the rest done too. you mentioned painting the brick. I know this can be done, but i have never met anyone who is happy in the long run when they do this. The most basic thought is, you have taken a high quality, no work material and changed it into something you have to paint every few years.

I also would like to see something other than the spot light, maybe you want to move it in the carport, pointing out. not so obvious except when on. I also would wish to move at some point the gutter drain from the center of the front, why should that be the focal point right? You know all about the garden, so why repeat.

When it comes to the planning for the future, I would put a walk that runs from the top of the driveway straight to the door. Although you probably have one in the carport, no? If you are having a hard time negotiating, you will probably be like me and have a hard time going far too.

Let me help you plan for the very near future, October is almost upon us. Little ones, in little light in long difficult costumes. In our small town they descend upon us every year from all the outlying areas. 100s of them. you do not want them negotiating those steps so set up a table and chairs right before the steps and get comfortable for the next few hours. enjoy, you don't get to do this everyday!