I agree with jen/Ida that it is a charming house. It just needs a few changes.

I like the idea of painting the railing. I would also paint the front door a richer color. A bright navy would look good.

The scale of the furniture isn't right for the porch. From a distance it looks like clutter because the porch is overpowering it. It's a large porch and it needs things that have more visual weight. Chunky white or dark wicker furniture would look good.

Thank you both for your advice and for saying it's charming. I think that with some help it can be even more so. We've just purchased it and aren't in yet, but I'm already planning my attack on it!

I'd hang some flowering baskets or ferns and/or window boxes on the railing. If you're ambitious, I'd plant some clematis.

Is there space for a swing?

Landscaping ... those heavily pruned muffin-shrubs need to be allowed to grow, and you need plants to anchor the house to the landscape.

There IS A LANDSCAPING FORUM

https://www.gardenweb.com/gardenweb/landscape-design

Clematis is a great idea. And absolutely yes to hanging baskets, etc. lazy_gardens, I can hardly wait to get that pea stone and those shrubs out of there; not sure yet what I'll put in, but our current home shows the fruits of my (novice) labor and I'm hoping to get the right things in in this new (to us) home. Thanks for the reminder about the landscaping forum; I'll wander around over there.

ETA: yes, there is space for a swing and I'd consider that. I don't see us hanging out on the porch because there is a large back ground-level deck. But I want my house to look pretty as people (including we) drive up.

Adorable place. So, so cute. Are you set on keeping the furniture? If not first thing I would do is replace it. I would put some white wicker chairs to the left and a porch swing to the right. Not knowing what climate zone you live in for landscaping I think just embellish a bit your existing landscaping with some native clump grass and a couple large boulder rocks. I like the dark railing.

Hi, Christy - the furniture isn't ours; it's the current owner's. We move in in a few weeks. So, it's kind of a clean slate! We are in zone 5b/6a according to the hardiness zone map I viewed online.

Would anyone recommend shutters?

I would put wider frames on the windows to beef them up.

The windows need help - wider trim as Yayagal suggests and muntins bars attached to all the windows. I think the second floor windows are too close together to add shutters without making them appear even closer together. I would add a pretty, not too tall tree on the left to fill in the empty space around that tiny window. Or maybe put an arbor on that side of the house at the same height as the porch roof. Maybe someone her can mock up some of these suggestions for you.

I echo everyone else's sentiments. I would also remove the " gingerbread" at the top of the posts. It is way too small. White porch rails, new furniture, and soft, wispy plantings will look great. That lone window on the left is calling for something, I just do not know what!

Is that water I see behind the house? Enjoy your lovely new home!

Oh, good. I also think the gingerbread trim is too small and doesn't add anything. And also that that window on the left is odd. Will add some detail such as a tree, etc.

Ok, so no shutters due to the closeness of the windows. Got it.

Yes, that's a lake behind the house. We're thrilled.

I appreciate all of the input. If anyone else has any, bring it on! I've cross-posted on the Landcaping Forum for advice, but I'm more familiar with this forum and your talents.

My thoughts are similar to above: remove gingerbread, paint railings and columns white, add lots more landscaping. I'd like a small flowering tree on the left. Then I'd run straight to the back of the house and focus on the lake! What a wonderful spot. Enjoy!

I have always wanted a wrap around porch! You could have several outdoor "rooms". Summer time and children...

enjoy!

Love your home, such potential. Others have given great ideas. Please keep us posted on your changes.

So happy for you Suzieq, your home is gorgeous as is but you will make it better. There is nothing like sitting out having coffee on a lakeside porch.

I would beef-up posts, paint posts and railing in white, floor and top of railing in cedar (wood color),paint the door in bright raspberry plus landscaping and decor.

Before

After

And please remove laces at the top of posts.

Disagree about removing the gingerbread.... You need more of it, though. It would bring the focus away from the tiny off-center window that's driving me mad. Otherwise it's a nice house with a beautiful view...

Plus a porch swing, please...