I think your house is beautiful, and elegant, just the way it is.

I had a friend put this together for reference on adding the black. I think it gives decent contrast. I know there are plenty of people that like all white, we're just not. And since the time has come to replace windows anyways, we're exploring options on revamping the facade.

Looks very good. I could also see a dark wood/finish for garage door. This was done with a gel stain.

I like the black details. What would also help the house is landscaping which is not so very dark in color. Adding yellow/green perennials will punch of the white of the house.

Adding a flag and window boxes would create more interest and color.

We do have flag hardware already behind the smokebush, and not opposed to keeping a flag there. I have no faith in my ability to keep window boxes alive, and I think that would take away from the cleaner look the house has.

BeverlyFLADeziner, I agree. I'm thinking of moving the dark smokebush to where the rhododendron is on the far left to balance the darker colors across the whole facade (mostly to balance opposite a dark garage door), then go with light greens and yellows across the rest.

I agree with the dark (I prefer black) window frames - I would also paint the window trim to match - as well as the trim around the door to make it more important/stand out more. A bright colored door with matching trim would be striking also.

I also agree that painting the garage door black will make it too important and a "black hole" - detracts from the lovely balance of the rest of the house.

I don’t care for the black garage door or the railings. Keep the garage door white and maybe do wood railings and posts.

so that would look more like this.

Shutters, you need these! To me, your house is crying out for them.

Add some black shutters on the windows, and paint white in between the window panes, and you're all set. That fits a farmhouse.

See this image: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/54746951694851846/

I see that your windows are somewhat close together, so you can put skinny shutters, to still have some white show between shutters that are side by side. Even better would be to install real shutters, that could actually close. These would be attached within the window frame, thus when they were open would look great.

If you're crafty, you could make your own shutters!

Look how beautiful yet simple these are, not too fancy but add a lovely detail, that would fit perfectly with your house:

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2311786/working-exterior-shutters

And a tutorial:

https://thecraftsmanblog.com/how-to-make-board-and-batten-shutters/

Beautiful house and with trim and paint can look outstanding. Here are some inspiration pics. Your home needs horizontal delineation.

Use the front edge of the front door overhang and continue that line across the entire house, including the garage. See the pics below.

Accentuate the trim.

Beef up the columns at the front entrance.

If you go for stone, add it all the way across the, at the same height. Consider 1/3 the height of the window. Don't skimp.

Remove the rail at the front porch, beef up columns with stone at base, having the front door stand out and welcoming.

Whatever you do, don't add stone all the way, on the 4-window face. It will detract from the farmhouse style and good proportions of your home.

Maybe consider painting the front door a bright red (or any. other vibrant colour you like) so it becomes a focal point and add grey shutters. The garage door should match the dark grey window trim and shutters for a cohesive look.. Good luck!

Here is another idea if you would like to change the exterior colour.

The idea with the red color added for the windows is better. The black will not add up that much. the grey color making it dull. The other idea is to paint the windows and garage door wooden brown.

Here's a pretty amazing make over to all white: https://mariakillam.com/all-white-makeover-from-an-exterior-masterclass-student-before-after/

That little tree blocks the porch and is too big for the space. The hanging baskets also block the porch. Removing them will open it up. Are the porch posts load bearing or decorative? It would be nice to remove them and the railing. I like the black windows. What about a gold front doors to match the flowers, or even pick up a green from the landscaping?

What you have is a classic Federal Farmhouse. They are found throughout New England and what was the Connecticut Western Reserve in north eastern Ohio. These homes were painted white with white trim. And all porch rails, etc. were white, too. They also had functional black shutters. Classic black and white. They typically had darker sashes on the windows. Your rendering with black sashes would be appropriate. Originally, the panes would be eight over eight, but your version of two over two makes it look more modern. Your house isn’t boring. It looks authentic. Classic. As has been suggested, look at enhancing the landscape. And study up on this classic style home. Yes, you can modernize it to suit your taste, but I suggest you try and remain true to its historic roots.

We had considered shutters originally, but the windows are too close together.

Its the garage and gas light that are boring and disconnected from the house. I like the black window idea, and I would square up the trim piece above the garage door, adding square windows to the door. Then upgrade all the lighting and the pole light. A bright front door would be a nice touch especially if it picks up on some color from more landscaping.

I agree with other posters - it is a handsome house already. Have you considered painting the gutters and downspouts also? This would add some pop to the house. I might suggest another color for windows other than black or bronze. You could get wild and paint them red and install a red front door. Landscaping will add a lot of texture and color to you home also. Good luck!

I agree that the plain old garage door and teeny light to its right need updating. A new garage door with handsome windows would be great. Not in a popping color. Why draw attention to your GARAGE door, for heavens sake?

I also agree with cleaning up the landscaping and removal of growth in front of the door and front windows.

You have a charming, traditional and distinguished home. It just needs a little love and cleanup.

What about a light gray body such as SW Repose Gray? Whtie trim on the windows and a black front door?

I would remove railing, widen steps, making open and inviting front entrance, wooden doors.