Not a Pro.

Some inspiration:

Willow Dutch Colonial · More Info

Thanks NJmomma, I am trying to get completely away from Dutch Colonial style (if possible)... prefer new construction look. Appreciate the response!

If you really want to obliterate the house style, have the facade redesigned by an architect. If you just want to minimize the Dutch style, have the front painted in a single color so that nothing stands out in contrast. Then install some fabulous landscaping that will draw attention away from the house itself.

I would paint the shingles.

You've got shakes and brick on the front and, what appears to be, vinyl along the side. Was the house built like this in the 1980's? If so, then just paint it all one color.

Or remove the front brick and shingle and re-side. Or just re-side the whole thing in fiberboard if your budget allows.

If you want to play with the roofline, then that's going to require some input from a professional (like an architect).

I think painting it all one color is the answer. However, I am reading a book on Bungalows and Craftsman homes and they painted the upper and lower floors different colors specifically to make the homes appear lower and wider. So maybe that's an option--but you don't have a visual divider between the 2 floors on the sides so, again, I would just go with all one color.

You don't need to make it look less like a dutch colonial, you just need it to look like the prettiest Dutch Colonial.

You need nice landscaping.

The Fiberboard idea is giving me some inspiration, thanks.. I googled and saw this house and like the look of the Fiberboard. Will need to call an architect and hoping to be able to share some ideas of what I envision... my issue is I have no vision and am a visual person. Simply buying another house 'sounds like' it'd make best sense but I will get killed trying to sell this outdated look in my neighborhood. Most houses have updated or built new in recent years so my house looks like a sore thumb.

It should have read "fiber cement siding" but I think you got the idea.

A couple of options:

If you remove the bush in front of the bay window and plant something low and colorful instead, it will bring the eye down to the lower level. Dark siding and trim on the upper level will make it recede.

I love what Grover did - maybe also paint the trim on the lower level the same dark color as the second floor windows.

FWIW, I think your home is charming and I would embrace the gambrel roof.

Your lawn is pretty.

Get an architect and an engineer involved in pulling off that second story DC gambrel facade. It looks to be about 2 feet deep, so you could get it out of your way and just rework the remaining box behind it. I figure the bay window should be pulled out too, and you start with a flat facade and add whatever porch, windows and second story reno make it work for you.

Paint the brick too. It’s a small enough area that the lovers of original but ugly brick will tolerate it. Honestly it’s not a nice color and it will look forgotten if you paint the rest of the house.

A huge thanks to everyone on all feedback received. Groveraxle, Wow, I really like what you did there and impressed with your skills!.. was also surprised to see what a difference the simple change in landscaping made! Thank you and appreciate everyone's feedback. I do plan on bringing an architect in - I also want to get rid of that octagon window on the right. decoenthusiaste.. yes, I have been wondering if there's a way to just remove the gambrel and create a new look, again though adding some demension/updated style.... ShadyWillowFarm, agree on the brick and to those that complimented the house and lawn, I appreciate it. You guys all got me thinking more and I'm now seeing there's some options - really appreciate it.