The white that is on the house right now, is a good choice for your house. The house itself isnt the problem. The landscaping and the huge front yard, with no trees, or anything of interest is the problem. If the white needs repainting, paint, it just like it is, and spend your money on landscaping. A yard that size could use several trees in it.

Thank you. Landscaping is on our list but perhaps it should be moved forward rather than the last.

How about all gray trim and the same gray for the clapboard on the gable front , black shutters?

I think gray would work well with the roof (which looks like it could do with a wash).

Thank you - I’d thought about black shutters. Would probably look better with darker roof, but we’re stuck with metal - silver :(

The white goes better with the silver, I think.

What I see is a house that doesn't know what style it is. Modern windows and rectangle shape to the building, with shutters (traditional) that aren't adding style, round columns (antebellum or greek revival?) that just look wrong, and a front entry that is overwhelmed by the gable with clapboard siding. And what is that to the right on the front? bricked in windows?

A good landscaping plan will definitely help with adding character and even out some of the above - I suggest going to a nearby nursery or garden center that offers landscape design (usually free or low cost if you buy the plants from them) - just watch out for the tendency to favor things they have in stock that might not be quite the best choice.

I would remove the shutters, and beef up the trim around the windows and also around the front door - to give it more presence. I can't see if there are lights flanking the door - I would want to put a pair that is on the larger side in a modern shape.

Then I would also change out the columns to square ones, and move the 2 center columns much farther apart.

I agree that a gray as shown above, or (my favorite) a gray-blue on the trim would be better than white - it will make the porch gable less prominent, and still play well with the silver roof - if you choose the shade of gray or gray blue carefully. (wish list item: change the gable vent to a rectangle or maybe a diamond shape)

However, I would like to see the vertical plank trim that is above the porch windows and door painted to blend in with the brick, or (better yet- another wish list item) removed and replaced with a thinner, simpler style that would leave room for new trim around the door and windows (or that would incorporate nicely with the new trim). That would depend, of course, on what is behind that trim, if anything. I'd paint the gutters across the front to blend with the brick also.

Sorry if that is much more than you asked for!

Thank you for the information - the more ideas the better. It appears the landscaping will help a lot. Had not thought of removing shutters, which we were planning on doing to wash or paint them, so we’ll see what it looks like without.
We were planning on doing something different with the columns but had no idea what - appreciate the ideas.
Everything about this house is original- down to shag orange carpet and wood paneling. We are still working inside but the time has finally come ( after a year) to begin thinking of the outside.
Everyone’s ideas are very much appreciated.
Landscaping was going to be last, but after reading comments will probably turn our attention to that as soon as we can.
Also, totally agree the door ( single) needs to be accentuated.