Really love this style...

Improve shape the house ,add a porch.replace the windows.

More contemporary then? Thoughts on going with darker siding and dark windows? The roof is brown. It will be replaced in a few years with whatever we want.

RE: Magnolia Residence. Great look -- colors tie in well with the brick, and I'm in for darker windows.

How does your brick compare?

Our brick isn't nearly as pretty, more of a flat red. We will likely reface the ugly concrete steps to create a front poach, perhaps clad in flagstone. But the dark windows are so nice. Maybe a black garage? Thanks for your thoughts.

Hi Katie,
I would suggest siding in a color like this blue/gray shade:
http://houzz.com/photos/1214165

Then since you're not enamored with the red brick, paint it white and put new white shutters on. Garage door same white too. Then you can do a red or black door.

When you do your roof, I'd go with charcoal.

Start with the windows selecting a color from the manufacturers choices. Use the window color for trim and garage door. Then select your body color to complement the windows/trim and brick.

You could use black as an accent color, the bit of trim around the garage door, the door jamb at the entry.

How about a silver gray for the front door -- something to tie in with the mortar in the brick.

Right now you have aluminum windows with diamond muntins - sliders - traditional but not high end and grids not usually available today. Have you shopped windows? The cottage style you first posted is white trim against a mid-tone. That would work with double or triple ganged single hungs - with muntins on top only makes them look like high end custom windows. Use grid paper and sketch out the openings in the brick then divide it into vertical thirds, run a sash at mid point and sketch in the muntin dividers above. You could get these in white vinyl which will save $ and might make upgrading to aluminum clad wood possible for the bow window. Expect to pay more but it will be worth it to keep the traditional muntin divided bow window. That is a lovely architectural feature of the house you don't want to lose. If out of sight you have smaller windows - you could do them in vinyl / awning or slider style with muntins all.

If you like the cottage look, with white windows, a gray siding that is a tad deeper than the grout in the brick will unify the tones - the red brick and gray siding will have the same depth and look great with crisp white windows, trim and shutters. Then you could try a crisp yellow entry door, or a bright navy. The way the brick runs on your home, staying with a traditional look, I wouldn't paint the brick. Look for a gray that has the same depth of color as the brick when you select it.

Love the tip about considering the grout. Will have a look tomorrow. Not sold on shutters just yet. I love a well framed window! A navy door would be fun.

charcoal or black shutters work - or a dark blackish navy with a brighter navy door