No shutters as none will fit properly. I think white would be stunning and window mullions and muntins in black. Leave the garage door white at first…it may look great. Front door, black like the new windows.

You're on track for a modern farmhouse look - very trendy right now. Cedar wrapped posts and cedar garage door, black windows, NO shutters. White paint for the board and batten siding already in place, and maybe a bit of a tweak to the landscaping - it will be a smashing success! These are 2- story, but posted for the concept.

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Yes, I love the modern farmhouse look especially since I already have board and battan. So, no shutters? I was thinking that could be an option. Do I need to bulk up the molding around the windows? I'm not sure they're 'beefy' enough for no shutters. Also, the black windows are much more expensive so I just want to make sure it'll be worth it. I'm kind of obsessed with real wood, stained doors. Would that fit with what I'm going for or only painted black? Lastly, any suggestions on landscape?

I also kind of liked the cedar shingles in the peaks, but mine would be much bigger than the pic here. Thoughts? If I did add them, should I stain them or paint them the same color as the siding? What would be a good warm white that wouldn't contrast too much with the all black roof?

I don't think I would do the shingles as it might make your home appear shorter. I would stick with the board and batten. I would never put gutters on a house again. I would rather address the water with a catch system around the house. Gutters always get clogged with stuff.

No gutters? I've never thought of that. I live in GA and it rains a LOT! Is it possible to not need gutters with tons of rain?

Don't know how much water rain chains can handle but they seem like a cool solution to me. No on shingles in the gables. Still prefer cedar for the garage if you wrap the front porch posts, but just for ideas and comparison...

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I agree that your house would be pretty white with black accents. I like a natural color stain for your wood door. Ideally, a wood toned garage door would look nice, too.

Got it! no cedar shingles. Does anyone have a color they would recommend for white? There are SO many choices.

redoredone - my garage is fairly new and I believe it's metal so not sure if I can stain it without replacing it. What about a wooden pergola over the garage to bring in the door?

Not a designer, but the simplicity of your home is a good example of what the pros on here try to steer people towards. It’s easy to see how a few updates will bring your home right in line with current design. Looking forward to seeing the after pics!

Leslie, great idea about a wooden pergola over the garage to tie in the wood tones! I've seen some in our area and I love that look.

Yes, I think I can remove the overlay on the garage. That's a great idea! It was always throwing me off.

You know when shutters do not belong on windows when, in your mind, you pictured them closed over the glass. Will the shutter cover its section of the window? If not…no shutters.

Vast improvement in the before and after, brick&batten, Both the color options look the same on my monitor, though.

It's subtle :). One is slightly darker. Look forward to seeing how yours turns out!

Just purchase a rancher identical like yours, looking forward seen your after photos! Doing exactly the same.