Tan house on one side, white on other, chocolate roof . . . try this cool neutral tone - http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6171-chatroom/
trim two shades lighter from the same card (and don't paint the trim around the octagon of the bay in contrast color - just the square around the window - this treatment makes it look like it could be a flying saucer landed in the house (). All the eaves and sidelights and window trim should be this lighter color http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6169-sedate-gray/ - lighter trim on a darker house is a bit more modern. Use the same window trim color on the railing at the side porch. Darling house - congratulations.

Then, for the front and side doors, try this smoky blue-gray http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW7604-smoky-blue/
If you have patience, use a small brush and use the same smoky blue

You can look for gray-blue slate and face the front stoop and steps eventually. The front door needs a light fixture, and maybe replace the side one at the same time. I'm crazy about these throwbacks - http://www.lightingdirect.com/kichler-9023-transitional-1-light-outdoor-wall-sconce-from-the-seaside-collection/p844977
maybe paint the old mailbox black. Bigger modern font house numbers set in line with the bottom of the window on that corner would be neat in black.

here are some other ideas to consider - I like the hunter green house idea with white trim and a cobalt door. I think a navy house with white trim and a yellow door would work too. Both of these are big color commitments tho. You could even go for a soft blue green house - like sw copen blue. Pale tan trim - like the sedate gray above. SW Bees wax doors. Verry cottagey.

Hopefully the old window air conditioner can be replaced with one of those really efficient new wall units, set into the wall just below the window. Like the shrub there, tho it needs trimming - maybe balance it with an evergreen shrub under the bay window ?

Thanks for your input...Very much appreciated. I will check out these colours. :)

Should we add a little roof thingy over front door to break up the front a bit???Small slightly angled roof over over front door maybe sticks out about 2 - 2 1/2 feet or so??? Hmmmmm???

I think the roof would look great. Also maybe adding some shutters.

Thanks we are pulling the shrub and putting hydrangeas on each side, parging the steps etc. :)

I think nice new front windows would greatly improve the look, especially the bay. The a/c is the tenants, so maybe a great Christmas idea for them, thanks again for everyone's help

There are so many different shapes and heights of doors and windows, I suggest painting the entire house/trim one color and then doing a WOW color on the front door.

I think you may have a modified four square craftsman. You can find exterior paint colors that were used on these homes at www.historichousecolors.com. These homes never had sliding glass doors or shutters or garage doors. It reminds me of a cuter version of this home:


The gray with brown undertones, the cream trim and cranberry door would look great on your home too. You were already thinking of the portico over the front door, there's an idea to extend it over the little window on the left.

The yellow flowering shrub is nice. You may not have to pull it out if you put the roof over the front door you'll be changing the walkway. Use the current plantings as a backdrop for the hydrangeas, they only look good a few months out of the year (I'm sure you know they look like sticks in the fall and winter), so the greenery there will be nice.

Great place, will you keep up posted on the progress?

thanks will do...great idea on extending the front portico, will check out the site

Be sure to incorporate a new color for the front door into your design!