I would be curious to see what the house would look like without the awning (seems redundant with the existing roof overhang provided), no storm door (let the color of the door show), and paint the shutters to match the front door (whatever color you select).

I like the 4 brackets but with their current color they seem to get lost in the mix. I wonder if painting them a lighter cream or white color would help.

I am sure others will have good suggestions.

I agree about removing the awning and the screen door. Do the metal posts support the awning or the roof overhang? Could they be removed as well so that just the brackets remain?

I think deep dark green, red or blue would be great for the door, but I'm not sure that I would paint the shutters to match.

When you say you would remove the awning, does that include the two metal lattice posts? I think they really obscure the porch and don't match the style of the house.

The metal columns are only supporting the awning.

If you are good at Photoshop, or have a friend that is good at Photoshop they could take that photo and show you what colors look good on the house. I have never mastered Photoshop or I would give it a whirl for you.

Cute house. As already suggested remove the metal awning and posts. And also remove the 2 bushes blocking stairs (yes, I read that you are not doing landscaping now). Remove the shutters, they serve no purpose and the design above window will stand out more. There are many paint colors for door that will go with the stone. Glossy paint would be nice. Black, dark brown, charcoal gray....... If you feel you would like a storm door go with a full view and have it painted to match new door color.

Once the awning, metal posts, and shutters are removed you will get a better feel for what you are working with. Paint the door and storm door a dark gold/mustard like the color in the stone.

Even though you are not doing any new landscaping till spring at least remove the two large bushes as suggested by someone else. Otherwise your improvements will be overshadowed by the ugly bushes.

Paint the shutters, install a gutter , trim and shape shrubs, fix flower box and plant more flowers , example bulbs for next year bloom. taking care of the lawn will give it an instant boost.

Painting the shutters chocolate brown would be what I would do :)

Bryn Mawr Stone Colonial · More Info

With a Michigan winter on the way, you might regret removing the overhang and especially the storm door. Could you paint the overhang the same color as the roof? Maybe remove the scallop trim from the front of it?

I like the gray stone work trim above and below your window. Is it possible that there is also stone work at the side of the window, which the shutters are hiding?

Your house style is charming. If you search Houzz for "stone cottage' you'll see what others have done with this style, and maybe find some inspiration. For example, even though this house is very different than yours it has a similar stone color and a brown roof. I like the trim color, Spanish Moss by Cabots.

Misty Valley · More Info

Happy Hollow · More Info

I know you said you didn't want to do any landscaping before winter, but you might reconsider and remove those 2 yews on either side of the steps. Your house will look better without them over the winter, with a more open, welcoming entrance way.