If you are definitely replacing the siding a Fiber Cement Product (FCP) of which James Hardie is the best known would be a great option. You could do vertical like klyons showed or you could go with horizontal siding. They have some grays, gray/blues and even some greens that would look good on your house. A mix of wood style FCP and painted could give you a really good look. Also, if it would work with the interior a window over the second floor to the left of the front door would break up that large blank area.

If you're interested in seeing some virtual makeovers of your home check my web site, Creative Visual Concepts. I can show you how these changes could look on your home.

Thanks, all. I have a hard time envisioning it looking like the above photo since to me, the bones of my house don't even seem THAT contemporary with the exception of the slanted garage door and dark cedar siding. We have a handful of companies coming over this week for design consultations so very curious to see what they recommend.

I would break it up by color blocking it. Using the klyons11 photo above but two shades darker grey/blue siding on the garage portion and the lighter grey/blue color on the left side with a cedar color on the bumpout. Having the light color on the entry side will draw the eye instead of the garage. The garage being dark will help it recede. Remove the lattice at the bottom of the foundation. New lighting and door appropriate to a contemporary or cleaner style. In the future, a simple cedar solid panel garage door if you don't want it to draw attention. In the meantime you could paint out the garage door and it's surrounding trim the same as the body color on that side if it's not being replaced at the same time.

Exteriors · More Info

Langley Modern · More Info

house in the woods · More Info

King of Melbourne by Design Unity · More Info

Tallichet Residence · More Info

"Companies" are selling product and labor, they are NOT designers. Please get a Pro design (in person or on-line). A design will also afford you the ability to compare bids for your project.

I'm assuming your wood has discolored due to aging and soil. Before I made a decision about color, I would clean it. You have to do this before you stain the siding anyway. You might be happy with the results.

Your home could be quite nice in a natural finish.

BeverlyFLADeziner has the right idea. If the cleaning brings back the natural wood, you could use a product such as CWF to seal it to help it hold the wood look longer.

If the holes you mention mean you believe you must remove and replace the siding, save the lumber -- there's a market for it.

Thanks, all. I have a hard time envisioning it looking like the above
photo since to me, the bones of my house don't even seem THAT
contemporary

The contemporary is there. You may not have as many angles but with judicious use of materials you could definitely have something that looks clean and updated.

I've still got work I want to do, but here is mine so far... Hope this helps. I wish it had not been stained this dark. I've broken up the brown with greys and a sweet potato front door. The porch will be trimmed out in natural cedar. I am still working on the trim and new gutters go in this month.

As you can see, the siding is brightening some. I scrub it with a bleach and water solution each year and let the sun do the rest of the work.

Interesting bleach result, it looks great! Love your sweet potato door, new lights and house numbers. Fantastic!