Yes I agree, a new Entry Portal would be a nice and welcoming feature. We assume this is a single family dwelling with no Design Guidelines or CC&R'S? Also, possible to get a window transom or new entry door system to add light in the Entry Hall? Also helps with blank wall above the door!

Hey "Bens", by the picture on your profile you look like the most interesting man in the world! Sorry couldn't resist!

Thank you for feedback, Bens, can you explain what you mean? I don't know what a reverse gable, an elliptical or a cricket is ;)

I think Bens is looking for some pics to post. I think I know what he was thinking, I will see what I can find, hang in there!

Something like these entry examples might be what he was talking about. When he mention "cricket" flashing is how water is removed from up on the roof behind the new porch. Your General Contractor will know, but you can impress them with your new houzz factoids!!

BTW sorry about the blurry pics! Had to zoom in to capture the view!

Kevin, Missed you r comments earlier. Thought I would post something a little different. he he

My favorite commercials! Just ask my kids!! Any thoughts to the posts above? Did we get close to what you had in mind? Jump back in this thread if you have time!

You could try power washing your concrete...then possibly applying a stain to it.

Thank you. I was looking for ideas like 'power washing and staining', reconstructive updates are not in the budget at this time.

Ok....then maybe a nice bench ...some potted plants in a grouping with variation in sizes of containers..heights, etc...Brightly colored annuals mixed with fillers with some height...I like showy plants with large leaves! Maybe a larger, more interesting light on the house?

Variation such as these plants-I would add even more brightly colored annuals and trailing plants to containers.

You can also put grasses and shrubs in pots

I think Kevin saved me a lot of trouble. His pics are exactly what I had in mind. I think in addition the stoop, or step up should extend out to follow above. Please send pics when done, I would love to see them.

@Bens, glad we are on the same page! I figured I was doing OK since you let me run with the ball! BTW give my best to your customers back east, they are fortunate you are there to help!!

Example of a cool light fixture-but maybe a darker shade..with your light siding.

I am still thinking and researching..also think painting the door a bright, inviting color would help too! Also wider trim around door would highlight it more.

Jayme, maybe new door with sidelites? Transom window above? More light inside and better looking door system? Definitely a focal color!

A day late and a dollar short as always. Here is a job we just did. obviously not identical but as an idea

@kevin....agree..but don't think it's in the budget at this time according to last post by poster. I was also thinking something above door!!

What colors for the door?

From what I can see..a blue, dark grey, red, even maybe a yellow..Your brick looks reddish?

Blue door flanked by colorful pots/plants..adds to an entry....More substantial, white trim around your door would help too.

Add light colors to brighten it up. Hanging or potted plants would add life to the dark entrance .

Without seeing the full elevation of the house... I see the same general entrance as the ones above, but with some added more specific to the project ideas: 1) Move the stone wall over to get some elbow room to the left of the entry. 2) use a lattice between the column and the left corner to hide the exterior boxes on the side of the house. 3) add a dormer over the skylight to emphasize the entry (you could add a skylight to the top of the new roof the projects out from the house to add the needed light you spoke of). 4) add shutters to the windows to tie in the traditional motif. 5) extend the front porch out in a brick material.