I found that brick & batten services were very helpful for just this sort of question. Perhaps they can help?

Congratulations on your new purchase. Remember that houses evolve into homes over time. Being an older home, I would focus on issues like plumbing, electrical, and insulation first, if the home needs it. I would also encourage you to pave the driveway, as it looks like mud will be a real issue. Cosmetically, the home appears to be a unique blend of a saltbox with some country charm with the oversized roof trim. I personally would put a door on the left near the driveway but on the front of the home. I would make the upstairs window rectangle to match the other windows. The shutters on the home are too wide for the windows. Also, not all the windows have them. If you want shutters, I would make sure all the windows have them. It is also important that the shutters are the correct length and width. As for paint, I would paint the home one color, I would paint the roof trim one shade darker from the home's body to keep your eye from wondering. The front door could be and should be a different color than the rest of the house. The front door should be your focal point. I love the idea of a porch but think a semi-circle front patio, ground level, would be an inviting element that adds curb appeal. Please remember, that these are just my ideas and opinion. I would, however, encourage you to google saltbox styled homes to get some ideas. Good luck and congratulations again.

YES to Anne Beswick's idea on painting! Painting the rake boards very nearly the color of the body of the house should help relieve how much they overpower the house. I would suggest painting the exterior window casings the same color as the rake boards. I also like Anne's suggestion of making the window on the far left an exterior door (if the interior layout will permit). If you do that you could build a small entry porch that might help the house look a little more balanced. Good luck!

I agree with Norwood's idea of an entry porch or portico!