I agree with Susan. I would also get a landscaping plan. You've got a nice neutral base. Adding color and texture with landscaping would really help. Also maybe larger lights at the front door.

Maybe consider a two-tone home.

I like the color of your front door and I think that same color should be used on the garage doors, shutters & the bay (which appears to be an afterthought on this building)

Yes to the larger lanterns & landscaping plan.

Thanks everyone. I agree we need some landscaping work as well to add color. As for making the house two tone, that's not realistic for us as we're not sure this is our forever home.

You could also consider adding plants that will contrast, Purple foliage shrubs and trees would compliment it nicely. For example some shrubs like ninebark, weigela, or PJM Rhododendron and perennials like Heuchera.

Thanks! We're definitely interested in making updates to the landscape, but first wanted to tackle the exterior of the house. Anyone else have any other ideas?! Thanks!

The shutter should definitely come of the windows and door on the first floor


Shutters on paired windows are tricky. Ideally, shutters will be functional (or at least look as though they are). So sometimes you will see a small window with a single shutter that can cover the whole window. However, when you have two full-sized, paired windows you would NEVER have shutters big enough to close over them. That would look insane. For paired windows, the shutters should be sized for ONE window, even though it doesn't make sense functionally. Personally, that is why I don't love shutters on paired windows. But in the case of your second floor, I think it adds a little interest. I think the existing shutters are about the right size, they just look a little "glued on." And the tonal paint scheme makes them seem ever flatter.


So I would start by removing the first floor shutters and painting the front door and second floor shutters a dark color like navy blue or black (even before you paint anything else). Then re-assess.

Thanks JaneDoe12 - would you recommend painting the screen door in addition to the main door?

Yes, I would paint the door and screen door the same dark color. But I would do it almost as a "palate cleanser" to get away from what you have now and evaluate with fresh eyes. In fact, I would probably paint the doors and second floor shutters myself with just one coat of paint and plan to do it over after a final decision.

Any other ideas?!

Hi vjordan18,

You have a lovely home. Some larger lanterns would definitely add to your curb appeal.

We are the oldest open
flame/electric copper lighting company in the U.S. and hand make every one of our
fixtures in New Orleans, LA. We have hundreds of different lighting
combinations and offer a complimentary design service. From your picture, our classic French Quartern lantern or the Governor Carriage lantern are just 2 of many great options. Feel free
to email us plans or pictures of your space and we will be happy to make style
and scale recommendations. Happy updating! -Lindsey

Paint the shutters a color, and the front door a color, maybe the garage doors too? Or just paint the house a color!

You could paint the door a dark color, remove the shutters, and paint a trim the same color as the doors around the window

Htpps://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl= https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/38/af/53/38af53201f95a9b8dfa53fd31bdb1013--black-windows-red-doors.jpg&imgrefurl=https://www.pinterest.com/explore/black-window-trims/&docid=H86alONP4uCF9M&tbnid=5wZyc246jmV0KM:&vet=10ahUKEwjF3IH7qtXUAhVEPD4KHYhUCUUQMwg1KAYwBg..i&w=640&h=480&hl=en-us&client=safari&bih=704&biw=1024&q=cream house with dark window trim&ved=0ahUKEwjF3IH7qtXUAhVEPD4KHYhUCUUQMwg1KAYwBg&iact=mrc&uact=8

Go for yellow around bay window and door cheery colors