I don't like the gray "insert" idea.

So you think it should stay i higher value as it is currently?

Here's a link to "Young House Love," a blog that features a ranch with very similar colors to yours:

http://www.younghouselove.com/2013/05/our-last-minute-siding-sprint/

They did a pale gray but painted their front door yellow. You could do that or a light teal. See how open their house looks with the light door.

Consider removing the dark hedges in front of the inset and putting two porch chairs and little table in the same color you paint the front door. You could do a low bed in front of the inset as time and budget allow.

I think before replace the shutters you should remove them and see how it looks...I think your ranch could be given a more mid century modern makeover...keep the dark gray front...paint around all the windows in the same dark gray...and give the front door a bolder color! If teal it need to be bo,set and brighter.

I actually like the shutters with the roof color. At least your shutters are sized right. To me, the recessed front entry area needs to be pulled forward with lighter color. The gray in housegal's pic appears lighter and the window is large. The bright yellow is hard to miss. However, it just depends on what looks good to you. Love the house and brick!

I agree you need to rethink the bushes in front of the insert, the shutters, and go brighter on the door.

And yes, we will trim the shrubs. :)

Lisa, start a new thread. You will get more help that way.