I think adding a porch railing and brick walkway are good ideas--the house looks really good overall though and I would concentrate on making the landscape look as good as your house : )

I agree the house looks great as is. I might add granite posts at the end of the steps at the sidewalk. But yes beef up your plantings. Get some nice full shrubs and border plants

Also, you have many other choice.

From the picture I can't tell what is in the gable. Is it a window or a vent? A window matching the others is ideal. I like the colors and the general appeal of the home. Maybe add trim to the posts to dress them up? Definitely spend your time in the yard. With well manicured shrubs you can make a big difference.

Its a vent- that's a cool idea about the window- never thought of that before. Thanks for the suggestions!

you may want to consider an alternate siding in the gable (if historical neighborhood allows)

Lovely house. I would love a house like this. These are the items you could consider to make it over the top: Do a very lovely landscaping job. Maybe add some molding to the porch posts to give them more detailing architecture. Add some nice outdoor furniture in a black or gray color. Hang a period appropriate lighting from ceiling of porch and on the wall by the door. As mentioned the walkway needs to be changed, but put a slight curve to the street. On the left of the house, make a 4 foot high fence with an arbor to help hide the trash can. Depending on your location and sun strength.....add lots of Hosta and Hydranga plants. Any of these ideas...or all if you like...will add more character this house. Please update of all the changes. Love to see them.

Darling home. I used to live in an historic district in Chicago. I can't see your front porch because of the tall shrubs but I do think a wood porch railing would look good on the right side. Below are a few suggestions for the landscaping. In front of the foundation shrubs you could create a planting bed and add colorful seasonal annuals.

Windowbox would be so pretty on the non-porch window. Love the idea of a railing on the porch. (Speaking of railings, I would remove the blah ones close to the sidewalk). I'd also remove the hedge in front of the porch - it's too heavy and formal and boring for this adorable house. @216Sharon on twitter

Window boxes on both windows, additional ornamental trees, paint the current step railings white at street and on porch. New mail box and larger numbers placed near the door and on the house, not on the column. Beautiful porch swing or pair of chairs. Removal of the clumpy shrubbery. Replace it with a mix of dwarf hydrangeas alternating with dwarf azaleas for early and later color. If that is a replaceable or removable 'do-dad' on the gable above the porch I'd try to remedy its utilitarian look.

I agree with the rail, walkway, and lovely landscaping.

Me again.... I would not put up railing on porch. You want the look to be pulling one into the house and rails look like fences, etc. Let the new furniture and large plants on the back of porch be the structure needed to ground the porch. Just my insight on the railing idea.