adding a "hip-roof portico" should have been done when you replaced the roof.

Have you considered adding an awning over the door?

Do you have room for any roof over the door???

You said you are replacing siding and "leaving the existing trim". Will you be replacing the dental moulding trim, etc. Changing out light fixtures?

What colors are you drawn to?

I'd choose something that did not look like anything else in the neighborhood.

a colonial style home has real curb appeal when the trim is wide. It would make a real statement. No shutters, the correct size would seem crowded.

Trim back the shrubbery. A front porch landing with the steps leading to the driveway rather than strainght ahead. How about a photo of the whole property from the street?

What a great project - updating a 1980s Colonial has so much potential while preserving its classic character.

From a contractor/design-build perspective, a few thoughts:

Keeping the Colonial style intact is key. Fiber cement siding with a 5–6” reveal is an excellent choice it modernizes durability while respecting the home’s proportions. If the existing trim is in good condition, keeping it can absolutely work. For color, staying close to the current tone is safest architecturally, but a warmer tan/greige can soften the façade beautifully without drifting from Colonial tradition.

For windows, maintaining double-hung units is the right move stylistically. Grille pattern and trim detailing will matter more than many homeowners realize they strongly influence authenticity.

A solid wood raised-panel front door is a perfect upgrade. Medium wood tones typically pair very well with Colonial exteriors. Suppliers many of our clients like include Simpson Door, Therma-Tru (wood line), and local millwork shops if you want something truly custom.

Adding a hip-roof portico is one of the highest-impact improvements you can make. It adds depth, shadow lines, and a welcoming focal point. A black steel roof tying into your existing roof sounds visually strong. Extending dentil trim is a beautiful detail if executed carefully.

For landing, stairs, and walkway:
Stained wood can look stunning and warm, especially if it relates to your back deck. Just plan for long-term maintenance (sun exposure matters). Mixing wood rails/posts with iron balustrades is often a great compromise classic yet elevated.

Columns typically look most cohesive when matching the trim rather than the railing/stairs. It keeps the vertical architecture visually clean.

Regarding shutters:
Colonials traditionally benefit most from shutters on the front façade. Adding them selectively (front + visible side) usually feels balanced. Wrapping all sides can sometimes feel excessive unless the architecture strongly supports it.

Overall, sounds like a thoughtful renovation. With careful proportions, color balance, and detailing, this could look exceptional.

Best of luck with the transformation!

If you need more help feel free to give us a call - +1 (818) 262-9224

Some option

Shutters might be problematic. There might not be room for appropriately-sized shutters on every window. 1) No, don’t buy smaller shutters so they will fit. 2) Shutters on some windows and not on others tends to look odd. Do All or None.

Wider window trim could be a better option.

The entryway is underwhelming. At least 50% bigger (both in width and depth) would be a good improvement. Is there already some brick on the property somewhere? If so, a matching wide brick sidewalk would be awesome.

The stairs and landing would be stained wood and we would prefer to keep the railing stained wood (similar to the back deck) rather than painted to match trim color.

- I don't see stained wood looking right on the front of your house.

- Match the trim and railing colors. Match colors on the front of your house with other colors on the front of your house, not with colors on the back of your house.

- @Celery. Visualization, Rendering images pic is beautiful. But, remember that the size of your house is nothing like the size of that house so you have to scale all of your choices to the actual size of your house. Don't enter into McMansion territory where you make a portico and supports larger than what your house calls for.

- Appropriately sized shutters are ones that if they actually closed would cover the windows. If you put appropriately sized shutters the ones between .your two left windows would meet each other. The front of your home would be come mostly shutters. I think it won't be a great look. HOWEVER, you need to be careful to not make your portico with such visual heft that your windows then seem naked. SCALE, SCALE, SCALE is the name of the game here.

- No shutters on the side of your house either.

Looks more like a cape built into a hill than a colonial. Look for ideas to update a cape. As .lovely as @Celery. Visualization, Rendering images looks that portico will overwhelm your home. I also wouldn't like stained wood for the front. IMO Brick steps are more traditional for capes.

Here's a cape with an awning style overhang. Again may overwhelm your home.

Hardie Board Cobble Stone, Monterrey Taupe & Light Mist look like nice colors (on my monitor lol)