Unfortunately the "architectural detailing" that has been added (the shutters) are entirely inappropriate on the style of the windows. Remove those and then focus on the curved steps and landscaping which are its best features. Those ball hedges are killing it! Pressure wash the steps, walk and drive for a quick freshen up.. Since you're on a slope, this type of landscaping (minus any long rows of hedge) might look pretty. You could try this greige siding with a gray roof and a new, more impressive black front door.

I totally agree with deco. Remove the shutters, then call in a landscape architect.

Thank you for the advice. Unfortunately it's ugly here in the northeast in terms of landscape. Come spring there are huge hydrangeas and lavender etc. that help, at least I think...

so I have seen it mentioned on others posts about removing shutters. I'm curious how you know they don't work - is it the style of shutter that is wrong or just because of the type of house?

groveraxle - how did you do that? I had attempted changing color on a site but my results weren't very good. Would white siding work? Can you change the roof to a dark grey?

thanks for the feedback!

Shutters should be sized to close even if in reality they do not your double sided windows with the narrow shutters makes it not work. As others have mentioned you have a lovely home if you remove the shutters and the row of hedges. I would also add a beautiful light over the garage and a large one by the front door. Although some may like the row of rocks edging your landscaping imo they draw attention and I would remove them.

Thanks, with he new siding we are getting new lighting. Any suggestions for next to the door or over the garage.

We did our house last year in James hardie rich espresso, which is brownish grey, and arctic white trim. We took down our shutters and beefed up the trim around the windows.

White siding, dark gray roof:

FWIW, if you are definitely getting new siding, I would not go with vinyl. Do Hardie plank instead. It's paintable and very durable.

Here are the colors for the Beadboard Siding.

I would not use that siding. I would look to change the look of your home with vertical Board & Batten Siding See colors below and samples of homes with Board & Batten

I hadn't though of board and batten. A couple more iterations then:

You'll have to imagine the garage...

Thanks again for the suggestions. New roof going on tomorrow so I can update the pic. I'm hoping even a new roof will make a small improvement. Hardie siding was suggested - I wish we could afford it! It's lovely!