I would remove the shutters on the far left/right windows. Then, I would paint the remaining shutters black or a deep navy blue. I would also replace the entry door with a half-light door that has a similar window design to the home.

I would also continue the landscaping to the left side of the home.

We are going to look at this house today, and wanted to get some ideas on things we would need to change on the exterior. I am not sure why the Lab is on the porch lol

It’s a lovely home. I like shutters but am not a fan of that green. I also don’t like the oval door, so I would change that.

I agree to continue landscaping to the left. Later, down the road you can get better ideas for landscaping. But, that can wait.

I would definitely buy this home as it is lab approved ;)

We are not a fan of the green or the oval door either, so that is definitely a change.

I've always loved this home. Definitely balance with landscaping on the left. Good luck. It's beautiful!

CUTEST HOUSE!! Love love love it. I’d replace the door. Paint or remove shutters. Maybe continue the brick walkway. And definitely address the landscape. This is a lovely lovely home!! So well kept and just charming!! Wish y’all luck with the process. Would love to be a part of the interior.

Replace the door, change the shutter color, remove the rockers, add seasonal pots/plants. Done & done. It's really cute.

I would balance the landscaping on the other side of the porch.

I agree with above comments (remove shutters on left and right, new door, etc.) and think the idea of painting other shutters black is a great option. Obviously, balancing the landscaping to both sides of steps is necessary, but I would change some of the plantings...I am not a fan of rounded, pruned bushes, though I know that is a personal-taste issue. What I think would improve the curb appeal of this adorable home the most would be to add a large tree to the left side of the yard, at least 20 feet or so from the house. I would get one as mature as I could afford, for shade and a beautiful leafy 'frame' for the home. I hope the interior meets your needs, as I think this is a lovely house.

Consider a multi-level landscape plan that is not rigidly planted...a few trees, some hedging, some bloomers and some Spring bulbs for the changing seasons. Make sure you plant the trees far enough away from any wall or fence or rail or driveway or walkway that they will not encroach on those items as they grow. For example, if a tree you want has an mature width of twenty feet, plant it fifteen feet from the house or fence or driveway so that you have an extra five feet of clear space between the edge of the tree and the structure you want to keep in the clear.

@GeorgiaPeach 1970 That house is beautiful! Thank you for posting.

We have a very similar house and are looking for paint colors and adding to curb appeal and going in this direction except with a front black door. Here is our rendering for inspiration to the OP. Trying to decide whether to paint the brick. :(

Some option

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Oh dear...OP asked what needed to be changed to improve this darling house and the only thing I could think of was changing what MAY be a poodle on the porch to a labrador. I was trying to be amusing - I love the house but am awed by all the serious suggestions on the thread.

Good luck to the OP!

I pretty much agree with all of the great suggestions made, especially on the landscaping - does need more! That tree thing at right corner is too tall for my taste. What surprises me though is that no mention has been made of porch railings. Aren’t they required for the height of the porch? As is, looks hazardous to me. Railings added would definitely add to appeal of porch. I like the rockers but not sure I’d have 4 lined up with no tables between them.. is porch wide enough to hang a porch swing at left end & at a right angle to house?

I thought I would give a little update. We got the house!

Congratulations!! It's a beautiful home!

Wonderful! Enjoy making it yours!

I thought I would post some interior pictures and see if you all might have some ideas. This is the foyer and dining room. We are going for a modern farmhouse look on the inside. A big farmhouse table and paint is about all we are looking to do in this room unless someone has a better idea. What color should we paint?

The inside reflects the charm of the outside. Truly beautiful!! Love it. You can simply paint. If paint I’d go blueish. If you want something more. I’d consider some more wall molding. Wallpaper. Options are endless. I can keep going
( big table, new light, a rug...)

We were actually considering blue already so thanks for the comment.

Ideas for the bathroom? Paint color? New Vanity or paint this one? Definitely needs new mirrors in our opinion.

I really like the exterior option shown above by Celery. Painting the windows in a contrasting color and adding a stained wood door brings a ton of warmth! The dining room is very pretty as-is, but quite formal. Do you tend to prefer formal rooms or are you a bit more casual/whimsical/modern? With any of those three styles, the first thing I'd change would be the light fixture, which definitely sets the formal tone. If you like casual, I'd go with a bit less contrast between the wainscot and the walls to lighten things up. If modern, maybe a silvery grey that leans towards lilac. I am firmly in the whimsical family, myself, so I'd definitely be tempted to find a really great wallpaper. In any case, you're very fortunate in that a light fixture and fresh walls are really all you need! One note - the color blue is supposed to suppress appetite, which is why you rarely see it in restaurants. If you really like blue, I'd try to find a shade that leans a bit towards green to balance that out.

The bathroom is a bit more of a project, in my opinion. In a perfect world of unlimited funds, this room would benefit from a gut and remodel that opens up the shower, updates the tub, replaces the vanity and mirrors, new floor tile, etc. If you're just looking to freshen things up, I definitely agree that removing the mirrors is a really good first step. I'd also remove the columns, which really aren't doing anything but taking up space. I'm torn on painting the vanity versus leaving it as stained oak, but I'd definitely paint out the oak panel on the tub surround.

I would look at BM historic colors.

I love BM Wythe Blue

We are really just trying to make the home feel like ours without changing too much cost wise. It will be a challenge, but we think it can be done.

Are those pillars decorative or structural? If they are there for decor I’d remove. Paint. Or maybe wallpaper. Mirrors. And new flooring. That’s it. Obviously if funds were unlimited options are too. But I think hat will get you very far and look awesome!!

Ideas for the back area of the house?

I would definitely add some kind of handrail to those steep looking stair. Down the road you may want to add a pergola over the patio pad or do away with the patio and extend the porch onto a deck. Your home is lovely. Congratulations. I am sure you can enjoy the backyard without doing a thing.

The brick at the base of the porch may look good painted the same color as the siding.

I would have a conversation with a certified landscape designer. Have them walk the property with you and make careful note of their suggestions. Ask them to draw up a full yard planting plan. Pay for their design services. Then...over time, implement those as your budget permits. Many years ago I did this at our home. The two hours that I spent in my yard with the designer, and their subsequent plans, provided me with ideas that we have implemented over the last twenty years in our home. It is the best investment that you can make. Good luck!