Don't chop it up by outlining it with contrasting trim; that just makes it look more boxy and doesn't add interest. Expand the porch and its roof so door and flanking windows are entirely covered. I think a more contemporary style of porch is needed. Don't use square, blocky pavers for a walk. You need to add some curves and natural looking elements like stone for the walk. Landscaping will be key to softening the house. Here's an interesting box style house. Do you see any elements you'd like to add to yours?

Seattle Box Style · More Info

Landscaping to add height and fill in space between the extremely wide spaced windows is advised.

decoenthusiaste I agree that the color variation for banding creates an odd feel. Almost like there are stacked containers. How you think black as an exterior color would look?

Consider doing a different siding on the top or bottom half of the house. A different color and or changing the direction of the siding.

Thanks, Allison LaBossiere. My sister just gave me the same idea...great minds.

Agree with Deco that the black "banding" adds to the boxy feeling. A porch across the front with a sloped roof would soften the boxiness. Here's an all-white house with a simple red-roof porch across the front:

Bathhouse · More Info

Another porch style covering:

Professional landscaping with deep beds and plantings of different heights would soften all the straight lines.

Modern cottage with low water frontyard planting · More Info

Or deep rounded beds to balance all the angles:

Since this is only a rendering, keep in mind it will have a better appearance in person. I would not do white trim on the windows. They need to appear larger. What type of windows are you doing? This shows them to look like awning windows - no detail whatsoever. Maybe get nice grilles or a different style.

I actually like the black bands.

I would also make the porch wider - it looks too small

And beautiful plantings in front.

Here is my lame attempt to modify the picture:

There are better folks on here for modifying pics than me! But I think you can get the idea

Congrats on the new home!

housegal200 I like the larger front porch and landscaping at various heights.

To my eye, the posts holding up the front entry canopy look too large in scale compared to all the other details on the home.

Taking a page from historical homes, the windows on the public floor are often taller than the windows on the private floor. I think this would add more interest to the home and provide more light to the first floor.

Instead of splitting the house in half horizontally maybe the 1/3 and 2/3 proportion might be more interesting.

BeverlyFLADeziner, thanks for all the ideas. Do you think I could visually divide the house with materials rather than actual bump-outs? Thanks

What about the roofline? You want a flat roof specifically?

BeverlyFLADeziner do you think the only way to break up the siding variations is to have a full front porch? I plan to widen the front porch per the suggestions on here, but I don't want to limit the light coming into the front of the house.

HU-187528210 it's not quite a flat roof, it's got a 4:12 pitch. The back of the house looks towards a lake and mountains, so we want the higher pitch in the back.

If you are in an area that gets a lot of rain or snow, you may want to raise the foundation a couple of steps. Will you
have a full-length covered porch across the back for enjoying the view. Make sure you can fit some comfortable
seating out there, maybe even a dining area (unless your inside dining area will have big sliders facing the view).

Charcoal and cedar could save it for you!

felizlady, I definitely plan to take advantage of the view. Check out the rear rendering.

decoenthusiaste that's a really cool look. Cedar is crazy expensive in my area, but I love the idea.

If you think it's plain why aren't you doing something about it - as in redesign.

Talk to your architect.

Got it. Very cool!! Loveee the style!!

Angel 18432 I think that there is room for design ideas and architectural ideas. Never hurts to get some different opinions.

Congrats on the new house. You may want to browse Houzz lake house or waterfront house pictures for ideas or check before and after photos on brickandbatten.com.

Susie, that’s stunning!! I loveee the farmy style now I see what your saying about the roof. Really nice

Putting a little peak roof over the front entry may be all you need to give the front some character...change the window layout above to accommodate that.. and plan on landscaping to break up the flat sections on each side.. maybe consider a little stone element along the foundation

The peak could have some added detail with open beams or decorative shingles

Perhaps a little railing detail around the entry pad