That's really sweet. Would changing the windows be too big a structural change? The facade would be totally transformed with mullioned windows, and perhaps a grander front door.

Modern style in a traditional house works great - it is the juxtaposition that makes it fabulous. On your exterior, instead of fighting the great bones you have, use modern colors to signal your style. If the roof has blue (leave it this will be super expensive for no roi) use it!

Paint the windows in two tones. For the sashes of the windows, use a moody blue gray and contrast that on the square trim around the windows and the triangle over the front door a lighter tone of silvery dove gray. Paint the exposed foundation and stair concrete a mid-tone gray - two steps down from dove, and paint/ stain the railings the same silvery dove gray. Then, given the warm natural stone color that comes off like butter, go for a sunshine yellow front door that amps up that butter color to wow.

Buy some modern font house numbers in silver and hang them in the triangle over your front door. Use galvanized metal buckets as planters on your deck out back, and add galvinized metal chairs out there like this http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Silver-Tabouret-Stacking-Chairs-Set-of-4/5095638/product.html

Start reading YoungHouseLove.com - don't fret over the big fixed items - focus on a whole house plan. Butter cream and gray are classic, but also very much on trend now, and enlivened by the use of some blue at the windows - hope this helps you see the vision - congratulations and good luck!

Thanks for your suggestions!

Paint the windows and doors black. Then, to really do it best, get rid of the steps with the wood railing. Design and install a more open series of planters and landings that stair step down to hide the foundation and lead a person towards the walkway. You could even integrate a bi-level water feature.

Remove the large tree as it blocks your home's entry. Then replant a new airier tree (dogwood)away from the house to the left of the path to balance the house. Agree with mullions on windows and get black shutters. Remove entry steps and widen them as you step down to make entry grander. put large black pots on the widest points on both sides to bring the black down to the ground for more balance. Creamy yellow house is lovely. Paint door black for extra drama.