After some hail damage, we need to make some updates to our exterior. The house will be getting a fresh coat of paint, and we’re getting new windows and doors. The roof is less than a year old, so that won’t change.

Now that we’re about to get started, I’m worried about making mistakes that can’t be easily fixed by picking details that don’t match the traditional style of the house. A couple of things we’re kicking around:

Wood versus painted door? My husband really wants a wood door, but I can’t quite picture how that would look and what we would do for the shutters if we go for a wood door. And if we do a wood front door, should the mudroom door also be wood?

Tenessee Home · More Info

Door style? Our house is very shaded, so I’d love to bring in more light when we replace the door. Does a door like this fit the style of the house?

Hilltop Colonial · More Info

Number of lights for the windows? We both like the look of windows with divided lights on top and clear glass on the bottom. Would this look OK?

2014 Spring Home Parade · More Info

I don’t think it looks bad now, so I really don’t want to mess it up. I’d love to hear your suggestions on paint color, windows, door style, etc.! Thanks!!