definitely paint the door a bold/your favorite color!

What type of shop is this?

Definitely new paint job and maybe not so many flowers out front maybe just the things that hold the flowers just that

Start with a nice colorful welcome mat. Paint the door the color of the purple flowers in the pot.

An architectural detail to tie windows with door and adds debth. A painted front door. A large welcome rug. An ice cream parlor table and chairs.

The building is the orginal fire hall in Orono, ON and I will using it as a bistro

Get a nice chalkboard stand to highlight your bistro specials.

In my view, the main problem is the door's style. You've got two flanking windows that are quite different in style from the door. You might consider going to a stile-and-rail door with a full height glass panel to approach the simple, large windows on either side.

The siding looks out of place next to the brick walls. I'm not sure what the material of that siding is, but if it is going to be changed in a year, I'd paint it one of the colors you see in the brick, and then paint the door a green to pick up the plant green, perhaps going to a lighter shade of green than a darker one.

You could add a bench to the equation with colorful pillows...

Paint the door red simplify the front with adding a bench or a chalk board sign with specials made from old picture frames the chalkboard needs to be eye catching and cute. Although pretty there are two many pots out front remove them and add something like a old bright wheel barrel or small bathtub and olantnallmthose plants in one large unique planter. Add a welcome Matt or cute hand painted sign above door to welcome guests.

Paint the front door red, put color in the flower boxes that match and contrast the door, place a wood bench outside, put a sign above the door of the name of your bistro, and a welcome mat out front. Viola!

I agree. Red door and two planters in bright colors. Super cute!

I think it needs an awning over the front door to add some dimension to the building

An awning like this.
2 large planters instead of a lot of small one.
Bench and menu ideas are great.

thanks everyone and a special thanks Nancy for showing me how it would look with the brightly painted door and flower pots. My job this week-end will be to paint everything and to check the condition of the tounge and groove that is under the siding. I will post again on Monday

Thanks Judy, I don't want to spend the money on an awning because next year I would like to replace the whole thing with glass and a retractable front.

Good job, Nancy Reese Redesign!

Check our website for project ideas: www.vancitytiles.com

Thank you, Plumbed Elegance.

Nice medium blue siding with red door

As far as the plants I would definitely place contrasting flowers in the window planters with herbs. Remove all the different size pots and replace with a tall green shrub. Either a topiary or a 7 gal Arborvitae 'Schmard'.I agree as well painting the door. A bench would make it inviting, and signage is important. A cafe table and chair would be inviting if not the bench. I owned a cafe and had three cafe tables for outside dining, depending on local ordinance. Also I went to the city who paid for half of the cost of my awnings with a facade grant.
Painting the door is a great idea. The siding needs replacement or to be removed.

Signage is so important in retail. With the other changes, I would put a "Bistro" sign above the door (balancing the height differential between the top of the windows and the door), rather than the one in the window. Even an inexpensive wood plaque artistically done could tide you over until you remodel the front. For future, you might consider a transverse hanging sign visible to people walking the sidewalk both ways, similar to that you see in Ye Olde English pubs. :)

Great ideas, pick your favorite color for the door and I think color is the key.

Switch many small pots for two large ceramic or fiberglass, paint the door. I lke the JWinteriors's idea to add architectural details around the door. Not as big and fancy as on the picture, but something like molding prifile to make door frame wider.

I have painted the door, great choise in colour Nacey, thank you. Now I just have to find the perfect mat

Great red door! Can you also spring for two red geraniums and put them in the center of the planters? That would really complete it!

I adore the little place! Looks sweet and cozy. The responses you got are spot on! Can you put some charming lighting on the brick (and maybe with a hanging chalkboard of specials on the left side?) columns?

Here's a "frontal assault" for your enjoyment.

But I felt like I couldn't stop while under a drifting rain shower . . .

and the skies opened up

caboom!

And now the skies are completely different.