I think a white framed glass door will brighten up the entry inside and out in that corner and complement the style of the house.

Here are a of couple ideas. They both rely on repeating the door color elsewhere in the entry area. I also think you should consider painting the garage door the same as your siding. I would paint the door trim the same as the door color.

Ooh! I really like the idea of painting the garage doors the same color as the siding.

If you go with Gibralter on the garage doors, I would paint the trim of the door white and the door itself the color of the brick....Warm Stone 7032 in a gloss finish.

Then I would cover the pavers with more of the crushed stone and top with stepping stones.

I like that door color option. If we put crushed stone and stepping stones on top of the pavers, will we have issues in the winter? The snow blows heavily into that corner and we shovel and snow blow the area. Just wondering if crushed stones and stepping stones will be hardy enough for our climate.

White would be the best bet on a west facing door, IMO. Probably would say the same for the garage door since it gets the same harsh sun.

Exterior paints (some of them) have UV protectants. Or she can coat it w/a clear exterior varnish. Most exterior paint should have a color fading protectant in the formula. (the good brands will)

However, here's a photoshop of a white door (from Lowes)

this door is better looking

Beth, thanks for so many great ideas! I'll really have to think about this more. Normally we do have a plant by the front door, but only for about 3 months since we live in MN and that door corner gets tons of snow and ice--not plant friendly. Thanks for all the time and effort you put in. I really appreciate it! (Note: we are keeping the existing door which is a fiberglass door--just need to paint it and fix the bottom area. It really keeps the westerly wind from coming in our small entryway. We replaced an old hollow oak door which 3 rectangular windows that was the original. It was light purple when we bought the place; we stripped it and it was orange underneath; we stripped that and stained the door a wood color. Eventually we replaced that leaky door with the good winter fiberglass door--it has just faded so much over the years.) One more thing...if I may ask...if we end up keeping the garage doors white, is there one of your exterior door colors you mentioned that you like best with it? Thanks, again. :)

if we end up keeping the garage doors white, is there one of your exterior door colors you mentioned that you like best with it? Thanks, again. :)

Can I see a full picture of the front showing the whole garage? hard to say since I really can't see the entire thing.

I do like this look w/the white garage (but look into doing some iron carriage hardware)

The exterior lighting and the address is must for this look. and those funky white lights? can you do something else w/those?

I don't care for the wall mounted flower holder. in the warm months do a nice ceramic pot (or whatever) w/some annuals. maybe in the colder months switch to a wreath or some type of urn w/winter plants.

The red might be nice too. do a white plaque w/gold numbers

The white isn't bad either. But I'm not sure if I'd like it on that current door. (Why not sand that door and get it prepped and primed. Use Zinnser oil based paint. Take a picture of it w/the white primer. lets see how it looks.

all the other accessories would be a must.

My favorites would the darker combos

switch up you mat, and some other container plants (since the bougainvillea would be dead by october!)

I have an idea how to cover the pavers and I can attest to a product like this, as we have it all around our pool....synthetic grass. Last winter was our first experience with the grass and it is a winner. the shovel just slides along the turf. You have to get one that drains...holes on the back side of it. We went the whole 9 yards with the install, here the business is called Forever Lawn, but you can also buy pre cut mats...just make sure it can drain.

BTW, it is pet friendly and you can clean it with a hose.

Thanks. So, it works with like 3 feet of snow and ice (which is typical for our front entry in the wintertime).

Beth, here's a picture of the entire garage (early spring before any plants were put out or bushes bloomed). Although I like the idea of painting the garages a darker color, I'm wondering if it would make the whole house too dark (since we have winter for so many months) and also if we'd lose the nice contrast.

I think I'd add some iron hardware to them, get your new door, and reassess.

Here's a dark door w/dark siding. I don't think it looks too dark. (especially if you consider doing the brick white. I think then it look amazing)

Honestly though, I think painting that brick white would make your home look way brighter and more cohesive. The romabio is a single coat w/no upkeep. it naturally patinas and wears over 10-15 years. at that point you could apply another coat. It also lets the brick breathe and resists mold. just something to think about.

even a light limewash on the brick may look nice and tie into the white. you could paint the siding any color you like.

Thanks so much, Beth, for all your input! You have so many great ideas. Two summers ago we had our siding professionally prepared, primed and painted, and we upped and bought the higher level SW paint that is supposed to last 10 years. We chose that color and absolutely love it, and it goes great with our new roof we had done fall 2021. So, we won't be repainting the house. Before that, our house was a very dull green-gray.

We'll definitely look at adding metal hardware to the garage doors, painting the front door (once we pick a color), updating the lights, adding house lettering by the door, new doormat, removing the garage door coder (we never use it anyway), etc. We're leaving the natural brown chimney brick and brick wraparound as we like how it brings warmth to the house. Also, with large white garage doors, white soffits, white fascia, and white trim, painting the brick white would be too much white, too stark, and not hold much visual interest, compared to the texture and shades in the brown brick.