I'd put my money into landscaping!!!

We are landscaping for sure, just as soon as the exterior of the house is complete!

Rina, actually, yes. We will be putting a window there in the future. That blank wall there is currently a theater (really a storage room since we don’t have a garage) but the plan eventually will be to move the master there and add a big window. Until then, I’m thinking of doing a big trellis with ivy or honeysuckle or something along those lines to break up the space.

Seeing it with a window like that really helps me visualize! Thank you!

Yay! Yes trellis and something pretty is a good interim measure.

I would prefer your lantern lights flank the door, rather than be outside the porch area. Can you square up those angles in the corners of the entry? They're a really dated look. Do you have to park on that leftover pad, or can you access the back of the house with vehicles?

Unfortunately, that is our only parking space. But I do agree with you on the lights! And actually we were planning on squaring off that opening as well, I agree it is very dated!

I think your house could be really charming! It's got a carriage house vibe. I would focus my efforts on the entryway, it's the natural focal point. I like the stained wood door idea with the grey, maybe one without a window. (try a salvage store for unique doors) Or play up the character and shape of the entry by using the stained wood for the ceiling and alcove walls instead! (cheap and easy diy) Not sure the white trim idea is going to accomplish anything, but I would address the awkward vent, maybe paint it out grey to downplay (free!). That whole outside wall should be open and clear, so you can look past it to the inside area. Also, (when budget allows) I would spring for a few oversized accessories, a statement lantern, possibly remounting inside the alcove, and something eye-catching and colorful for the porch! I would stick with black or bronze metal. As for landscaping, I would concentrate on breaking up that long stretch of exterior wall (with inexpensive greenery, color can be added later). Your taste may be different, but I would totally go with formal landscaping, to accentuate the carriagehouse/stable mews feel! Tidy trimmed hedges, that kind of thing. Paint out all the gutters and pipes and vents and uglies! And I would think about thickening all the trim just a bit all round (possible diy). Since the walkway, driveway, and porch steps are combined, I would redo them with nicer materials, brick or stone, (not cheap, so probably a future project) again keeping the attention on the entry and not the length of the house. Good luck and have fun!

Oh, I just saw the post about the window, that could look nice, too. Hmm, I didn't know you had some changes already in mind...

Plaid, I love your ideas! We have a few but have never done this before so we are open to all suggestions! I was thinking of doing something inside the alcove, stained wood did not cross my mind but of all the things that did I’ll bet it is the cheapest and can achieve the same style if done right! I also think changing the step and patio area to something nicer would make a huge impact, it bothers me that it’s all connected to the driveway, I had not thought of that so I appreciate it! I was worried that because the length of the house is rather flat and boring we might need some stone trim or something, but maybe just some good landscaping will help mask that area. We will begin some landscaping as soon as the house is painted, but next year it will be my main focus. I have hated our exterior since we purchased in 2010, I’m so excited to finally make some changes.

Yay! Fresh eyes are so helpful, right? What kind of style are you aiming for? That will make suggestions more on target. And do you want your house to stand out, or would you prefer blending into your neighborhood?

Whatever you plant, do not do ivy. It's very invasive and hard to get rid of at a later date. Nice hedge plants would look good against house also next to driveway. Then you can plant flowers - try to get perennials as they come back every year.