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Definitely start with an architect. He/she will know local codes, structural issues to deal with and improve and cost estimates using contractors to fulfill the plan. Architects have a designer relationship that will be available also. Lovely cottage!

I don't think the awning should be replaced but eliminated. Show us the architectural drawings when you have some. Lots of potential here. You could start by coordinating a new walk and retaining walls.

Cute house, but it is not a Cape Cod house.

Some inspiration

The yard suggestions are a starting point for a general layout ... not about color or a limitation of other plants you might add (other than to say don't busy it up to the point where it starts looking cluttered or junky. I think it's always better to have a simple layout that works and add from there.

For sure, I'd get rid of all the wood clutter on the front slope. If there were cheekwalls flanking the steps, it would be a superior look and lower maintenance.

I'm using your starting and ending points for the walk but if a person had a plan, it would likely turn out that straightening it more would be a good thing. It might end up at the other side of the lamp post but only a plan could tell.

I don't dislike your present walk material. But using the same material at the steps where its thinness is made apparent as its edge shows, cheapens the overall look. The steps should be a solid material or appear like it. Even brick, where each step nose is a rowlock course, looks nice and beefy.

I'd have a goal of eliminating one of the steps at the porch as it seems it would be easy to do by raising the grade a little there. Possibly, have a landing across the whole porch and get rid of the rail. Doing that would make it look more inviting.

You could add a lot of charm with a new paint scheme ... one with a medium/neutral house body color and white trim, and shutters that are less bright in color. A contrasting color chimney would make a more interesting picture.

Thank you, everyone! Yes, it seems like I need to start searching for architects. Love Dig Doug's landscaping and Yardvaark's idea of getting rid of the railing and making the porch more inviting. And JudyG, yes, I guess it's not a Cape :) What is it called? Cottage?

The awning--any awning--is really ugly on that house. Lose it. Completely.

I'd replace it with a nice, open pergola to lighten up that recess. And if you need a bit of protection above the door, it could be disguised in the pergola.

And bring at least the chimney back to the bare brick if it's presentable.

You sure don't need an architect or the high fees associated with one to improve the looks here!! A landscape designer (or design-build firm) can handle the entire package - removal or replacement of awning, reworking the sloped area and any planting designs.....much like the visual mock ups provided. The house itself is adorable and other than the awkward awning, doesn't appear to call for any of the attention an architect would provide.

And yes, the architectural style is more of a cottage or bungalow. Cape Cods tend to be very symmetrical in layout and facade with a centered chimney and paired roof dormers.

Thanks, tatts. I hate the aluminum awning. I think we lose a lot of curb appeal because of it. I think a pergola would like really nice.

I agree. The awning is killing your curb appeal.

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