Just wanted to say that tat is a very cute house. Have you thought about making the front porch a bit wider and making the stairs in a half circle all the way around, that way it may give you better access to both walk-ways. I personally would get rid of the railing. If you need a railing for the stairs make it less dated. I just looked up xeriscape since I wasn't positive about what it was and there were a lot of ideas there. I guess the plants that you choose would depend on what zone you were in. I would also find a color for the front door to make it pop If you are planing to keep the storm door, I would paint in the same color as the door so that it doesn't stand out and ake away from the front door.

I think if the porch could extend to the right a little more, and you planted some pretty bushes and flowers and trees, it would be an adorable little house:)

I would consider enlarging the porch to the right under the large window and then adding an overhang or arbor over the new porch. You could add a window box under the small window to the left of the porch with plantings below to balance the new larger porch on the right. I would also consider painting the house a lighter color such as gray, gray green or gray blue. Then paint the front door a bright color such as red or yellow for a focal point. The curved path to the front door is charming and inviting. Consult with a local garden designer to help you landscape the front yard.

I like the idea of extending porch a little to right. It would look good to have a little planter on that side. I find the two approaches to the front porch confusing. If you unify paths, and redo porch, I think that would help. I also agree with bright pop of color on the door. I also think plants that pop against the brick would look nice, whether grasses or flowers.

You could do a cottage style garden with drought tolerant plants: http://houzz.com/photos/17752
Assuming you have sandy soils you could do well with plants like lavender, russian sage, coreopsis and grasses for accent like prairie dropseed or switchgrass.

Take a look at this story on RetroRenovation: http://retrorenovation.com/2014/08/05/midcentury-house-curb-appeal/
That blog specializes in homes from the 40s through the 70s and how to restore them without losing their charm and original character.

Here's another story where different options are shown for a modest brick ranch: http://retrorenovation.com/2014/01/08/exterior-paint-colors-brick-ranch-house/

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Lol! Didn't look at the date, just your cute house :) What you've done looks great! Thanks for sharing :)

Nice job Rina!!!! Totally cute!

I think your porch would look very attractive if taken right to the end of the house with a nice up-to-date railing....Widen the width of the stairs out a bit too....It appears you have two walkways so instead of the horrible task of removing them and putting new ones in, why not use that space between the two for a beautiful garden. You don't say what "zone" you are in so it's difficult to make suggestions for that. You could use something vertical in the left side garden but not something that is going to be enormous when it's finished growing....
We have gardens in front of our walkways so have attached a pic of the idea....these gardens never cease to "do their thing"....Phlox in Pink, Purple, White, Red and Coneflowers. In the front yard, I keep all the flowers and gardens in Red/Pink/White/Blue/Purple but no yellows or oranges....I save them for the backyard gardens....

Agree with creating that front sitting area.

I just noticed your original front door - does it have a circle or octagonal window? It looks cute! Could you just paint it instead of replacing it?

I like some of the ideas posted here - would anybody care to check out my house and make suggestions? https://www.houzz.com/discussions/storybook-ranch-needs-facelift-and-curb-appeal-dsvw-vd~1171845

So pretty, Flowergardener..

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