Thanks!

Clean off the roof, find a better color for the shutters and door. I might choose a warm moss or sage green. Hide the garbage can and either put in some foundation plantings or move some of the ferns to your foundation. You probably want to wait until fall to do that.

I think the ferns might be a good source of color, but you might not want things that bright.

I think those few things would be easy projects that would make a big difference.

Such a cute cabin. 1st remember this is a place to come to relax and enjoy. Not to work. Keep it low mantaince. Forget about the planters and pots that need watered several times a week. Since it is wooded I personally would paint it an earthy color browns, grays or greens. Unless you want to go with the lake theme and then maybe a blue-gray of the water. In the front of the home put in shade loving plants boarder that will fill in and keep down on weeding. At my camp sun/shade I put in hostas, daylilies, iris, spiderwort and a various other low mantaince fuss free perennial plants. The deck from the pictures doesn't look in bad condition. I would power wash and apply a new coat of stain until you get around to replacing. Remember Rome wasn't built in a day. Enjoy your get away cabin.

I would remove the shutters; the only window that is amenable to them is the far right one on the front of the house. If the siding is not damaged or rotting, paint is a cheaper solution. Be sure to do proper prep. Unless there are areas of the deck where someone might fall through, I would look for DIY solutions on the web for refinishing it. Here's a favorite lake house of mine with a nice color palette that includes Crisp Romain as the green trim. Click the link for more info/pix.

Rustic Exterior · More Info

Crisp Romaine 686 Paint · More Info

If the siding is in good condition you don't need to replace it. Green is a popular color for houses in the woods, but it makes them blend in. If that's not what you want, pick a light to medium neutral. Or paint it blue if you like blue. You can paint the front door something cheerful that constrasts if that appeals. Does the roof need to be replaced, or is it just mossy?

I’ve always dreamed of a soft green lake cabin with purple accents. So that’s my suggestion. Example (in the PNW):

In caption:

Exterior colors are: Rodda Paint
Body: #8424 Rock Wall
Trim: #AC134 Plumbago

I like red cabins, too, if you want to go vibrant:

Where is this located? What's with the dead zone all around the house? Since you have plenty of deck, unless you have kids, dont bother with having to maintain anything resembling a lawn. Instead research and put in native woodland and/or meadow plantings (looks like you may need to amend the soil) and then have footpaths winding all around. Pretty much self maintaining once established, and you may find birds/wildlife enjoy the more natural habitat.

I too vote for colors of nature - greens, blues, grays, browns, or any combination thereof. Have fun!

I would look up beach cabins, or beach houses, and give it a pretty beach look. Its a cute house. Lucky you, to have a place right on the lake.

So nice!! As others have said, some natural landscaping will help give it a bit more curb appeal without needing a lot of maintenance.

Here are some ideas for lake house I made for somebody. I hope it helps.

or another options for cebine