It's a lovely house already. If there's already too much going on for your taste, why add yet another surface texture? What is the purpose of the "wooden pitchfork" on the front porch.

Thanks! I don't know that there is TOO much going on right now, but the current trim color isn't very contrasting with the siding color so I'm concerned that the higher contrast (especially in the gables) would make it be too much. I'm also very used to the way the house looks at this point, so would like outside perspective as to what should be done for trim and accent if any, in the gables. Like would it be better to simplify things and go with all horizontal clapboard in the same color over the whole house. Or is my husband right and it will be boring without something different in the gables? Or, without something like stone added somewhere?

Basically I probably was too wordy, and gave too much explanation and should have just said, "using the teakwood and Antique parchment colors, what would you do with the gables and trim on this house"! Just looking for opinions!

The "pitchfork" is a dated version of a porch post! Ha! The sides are going to be cut-off, leaving just a straight post!

I like the way the back of the house is turning out, and I don't mind the white windows with the greige trim on that front arched double window. Continue with greige trim. I would want to negate the vertical lines that are in contrast, and it looks like your new siding is doing that on the corners of the house as it should on the dormers. Contrasting corners continue the busy look and box in the house as well. Painting your downspouts to match the siding will be helpful too. A door that is not Victorian style will help you move in a new direction. You might consider using "faux" gable vents on each of the gables that have the sunbursts. The shape could mimic the arched window if you want to replicate that style. I think the arched window provides enough interest on its own without doing anything contrasting in that smaller gable. I am uncomfortable with the porch extending past the house as much as it does. There is some awkward alignment that may not allow you to replace the "pitchfork" post and add two more on the ends. Not sure how to remedy that without some major work.

Gap area feels awkward and you don't have much room for more posts which you ndde.

Here's is a similar style of trim for a gable vent, but you won't need a real one. Maybe have a local cabinet maker do one for you with louvers in the center; match it to the arched window.

22"Wx32"Hx3"P, Gable Vent Louver Trim, Art Deco Style use With GVCA22X32 · More Info

Decoenthusiaste - thank you for the time you took to share your thoughts! The windows are a little difficult to decipher in the picture, but right around the white vinyl windows, the brick moulding is already wrapped in the off white aluminum. The was done when the windows were installed. The installer said he would just leave the window trim like that if it were his house, but he can build-out and wrap the rest of the window trim that's there (the greige color around the off-white on the windows), if we want. All the trim on the back and sides of the house (facia, soffit, window brick mould) is already done in the off-white color, so going forward, we are committed to that color. I understand what you are saying about the vertical trim, but I sort of feel like some vertical contrast helps keep the house from feeling so heavy and weighed down since the the house is so roof heavy. At least from the front view. Would eliminating the inside corner, vertical trim, help some?

My husband would kill me if I suggested painting the downspouts! They were installed when we had the first side of siding installed, so they are newer. He is all about "maintenance free" hence the steel siding choice. We chose the color because they match the off-white trim color and the downspouts are all pretty much over a trim piece/corner, so it made sense.

We do need a new door. Do you have a style suggestion?

Do you think the top middle gable has enough room for a faux gable vent, with those small windows right below it?

The porch is weird. We agree. It had a white rotting fence around it when we moved in. We sort of just ignore it for now. I'm not sure much can be done about it at this point without significant work/expense.

This area seems very busy to me. It’s distracting.

Littlebug any thoughts on how to tone it down?!

Well, you could paint it all the same color. Gable, trim, and siding all the same.