Nothing about this house says MCM to me, and it feels like painting the brick is just adding upkeep where none was before. Are you sure you can't get the improvements you'd like while working with the house you actually have? Landscaping, beefing up the columns, deciding about shutters and door color...

You all have good points, but I'm not sure a cottage style house really appeals to me. I do have a fairly substantial budget and am willing to make major changes to get there. This is the photo that inspired me, and I find it somewhat architecturally similar to my house:

Front porch/Exterior · More Info

If appropriate for your climate to prune now, you can prune the existing
shrubs to a foot below the window ledges, then take new photos. That
will show the architectural lines much more clearly.

The house was built in a more traditional style than the mid century modern houses in the photos in your ideabook. I think you could add an MCM twist with color choices for the front door and trim, but working with, not against, the style you have will be true to the period. Painting the brick is not going to make it look more MCM. Add a terrific professionally designed garden with geometric lines (knee high angular boxwood hedges, for example) and a single choice of flower color.

Sometimes the best thing to do is accept the exterior design and then do what you want with the interior colors and furnishings, like opening a jewelbox to reveal bright colors within.

A simple porch railing would be fine. Check local building and safety code to see what kind of horizontal rails are permitted, if any, for this situation.

Photos · More Info

Modern Porch · More Info

Before you do anything, consider a consult with a local architect who specializes in MCM homes.

I like your inspiration photo but painting brick which is original to the period of the home is sad to me. Try googling MCM ranch red brick homes. Lots of inspiration for unpainted brick.

You mention the cable porch railing. We spoke to a homeowner who installed a cable railing and the city insisted a full glass panel be installed behind it to avoid children climbing it and falling off their porch. Huge expense and really changed the look. I would imagine any horizontal style that could be climbed would be an issue for you, so check with your city first.

Beautiful treed backdrop. Make sure you hire a qualified arborist if you need anything done to your trees. It's well worth the cost.

If you have more photos of your home, maybe you should add them. Is there a garage visible to the street? Are your neighbours more traditional or cottage/look homes?

Midcentury Exterior · More Info

Here's more recent photos of the house for anyone who is interested!

Your house was not built in modern style and I think what you are doing is wrong but it's your house. I made an image of some changes.

Would something more like this look better? I guess I'm just not sure what other options I have other than MCM.

Ranch Style Dressing · More Info

Actually do really like that! What style would you consider that? Replacing windows is definitely an option—haven't made any decisions yet so I appreciate a variety of suggestions.

It leans towards a 'transitional' style I guess? And it doesn't offend the traditional neighbour homes at all.

If you expand the after images and study them, it's really just simple clean lines. The dark windows, dark fascia and bold dark soffits really update it. Take a look at the before photos. door, nice home numbers, recessed lighting. Even the railing on the back of this home just disappears into the house. You could consider a similar railing on your front porch.

Keep your roof color in mind for your color choices on the house itself.

Bungalow or bust · More Info

Bungalow or bust · More Info

If you want a MCM house you should have looked for one. My neighbor attempted to transform their very contemporary house into a , not really sure, but I guess country French, looks very out of place.