I think your reaction might come from the dark trim above all the windows -- it makes the house look a little angry and shorter than it is. Would changing it to either the main house color or a lighter accent color make a difference? It's a lovely house

That is a huge tree and is very close to the house. The house is very nice!! Navy might be dark a color since you live in an area of the country that gets dreary winter weather. If you decide to paint anything, put a bright color on your front door.

I agree with sjb2814. That will help visually raise the house lines. I'd love to see your roof color before I give an opinion on the exterior color choices. I think this is a really gorgeous house btw!

You also may want to trim back your shrubbery -- again, the shrubs and small trees are dark and kind of overwhelm the wall space...by the looks of them, I'm guessing you live in Virginia (lots of azalea, holly). While you'll want to wait until after they bloom to trim the azalea, they respond really well to being whacked back a good bit. Before spring growth is the right time to prune evergreens -- so you'll be able to see results soon! If you're unsure of which and how to prune, a landscape company can help either advise or complete the job. (If you happen to be in Richmond, I know a few good ones to recommend).

I like the bones of the house. It is tastefully done.... concentrate on landscaping.

I love it. I would not change a thing about the front of the house. Concentrate on the back. It looks a little sad and lonely with such narrow trim around the windows.

This is a classic house and the cream base color is a beautiful neutral tone. You can do a lot of different things with your trim and shutters. I agree that the header trim being the accent color is not ideal. It wants to be the body color.

To make the result look high end, I would keep a unique color on the front door but shift the window trim, shutters and the posts / door trim to a at the entry / rear to a more classic warm gray / dark taupe. http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/ironmountain

This is a little more interesting than the standard black and will work well against the body color. You might go to a red front door or a deeper bronze / brown black tone like bm deep caviar http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/deepcaviar

The use of all neutrals would elevate the exterior to be more stately. You might also consult a landscape architect for additional site suggestions that would provide you with the look you want.

Just saw that you posted the same "question" last summer, with a summer photo of the house. Those Houzzers answered the same way we have -- not sure the reason for the repeat, but, hey, it's a snow day, so why not

Add a pergola in back

I think the house is gorgeous. It just needs help with the landscaping.

I like libradesigneye's choice of colors. The caviar might appear too black though, so I would go with the red suggestion. Best of luck to you!