Thanks for your advice! I like your ideas and the photos you shared! The house was built in 1900 and siding is asbestos, but it’s in great shape, so I am going to paint it in the color scheme below. I would like to replace the roof with a dark gray metal roof. I like the new awning idea too. I also need to add some lighting.

You could put some nice big house numbers between the door/awning and the small window.

How about replacing the smaller window in front on the right side with a larger one to match the existing larger window? Ideally they would be symmetrically placed. How about adding a portico over the stairs with either round or square columns even one 5 feet deep would have more curb appeal than the aluminum awning to keep any visitors out of the rain when knocking on your door. After adding the larger window, maybe put window boxes? How about some low plantings. I would suggest Korean boxwood because they would stay low and neat but not conventional boxwood which would grow too tall and obscure your windows. For curb appeal, you could add a cupola with a weather vane or some doghouse dormers. The dormers would add some additional light to your 2nd floor or your first floor if you vault the ceiling. You have an attractive roof--like the architectural shingles and you have a good roof pitch, and that is a beautiful blue spruce in front!

Cute house, congratulations! Have you thought about applying for a variance to the front yard set back which is preventing you from building a porch? Also, you may have clapboard or German Lap siding under that asbestos. Restoring it would really bring the house back to it’s storybook cottage original.

Jackbe1 suggested a portico, and that could look really cool, especially if you made it wide enough to be over the front door and window just to the left. You have a set of steps there, so I would hope you could create a front landing as deep as you currently have, and wider, much like this photo. Love your color combo. Please show us a picture when you’re all done.

I love this idea! Thank you!

I would add a 2ft retaining wall in a "L" configuration from the house out and over to the walkway. Backfill with compacted dirt and fill in with pavers. Add seating and maybe a firepit, it will give you the feeling of a front porch without breaking any set back rules that a permanent structure has.