If you aren't happy with the finish, I would start there. Any money left over, rework landscaping.

Thanks Grobby. I appreciate your quick response. Thats exactly where we started. I'm getting a bid for smooth colored plaster. Paint-only will not cut it. Our painter says we should start w/ a patio design to lose the ugly glitter white columns.

Something like this maybe:

what color stucco?

With only 4500, I would powerwash the exterior, and use my dollars to replace the front doors with a modern door plus a nice modern sidelight - the double doors don't let light in, you only ever use one, so an asymmetrical crestviewdoor.com inspired mod door in a bright color - turquoise? would be my second priority / thing that takes dough. Use what I had left for plantings.

Thank you groveraxle for sending the positive vibes for the columns : ). After 13 years with this love of a house, perhaps it's time I embrace it's "uniqueness". I'm inspired as well by your design options and resources. Many Thanks.

Libradesigneye, yes. dead-on about the door. Plus the it might help to balance those columns. Any thoughts about what to in the "atrium" area to the right of the front door? Still go back to the idea of patio, so we can sit outside there. Can't figure it out. Cheers.

Looks like you have a big philodendron selloum to the right of the front door. It's perfect. Feed it and grow it bigger. (You might even name it Audrey.)

Is there a reason you want a patio in front? How about one in back instead?

Right. There's no reason to have a patio in the front. We have a garden oasis in the back. Just tryna justify spending money to demo and replace those columns and make that space work. Yes. I believe the plant is what you say. Ferns lived there as well. My husband dreams of having a water feature/possibly koi pond in that space.

Give hubby his dream...it would be nice there...

What you want the front planting area to function as is a kind of zen garden - pretty to look at, green and clean at all times. A water feature trickling toward (money flowing in feng shui) the house is a good option, a beautiful large natural stone, some pretty mulch or gravel, something that flowers and is architectural - succulents are great for that but pick a flower that complements the interior accent colors. Keep the plant you have and build on that with zen garden look in mind.

fish take work - is he going to do that? I dunno - fish at the front ??? I like the pillars - they're unique - the diamonds in window have to go (new window) - Im with everybody on the door idea and switch up the landscaping - maybe spend a few bucks on getting a landscaper choose appropriate plantings - beware though, nurseries will suggest double what you need. With good advice, you can do the landscaping work over time. I agree with libradesign - simple, clean.

y'all are init. I'm so appreciative of your input. damn. thx houzz. All y'all are giving me such an appreciation for my 70's neighborhood. and how to maintain the original design with a fresh modern approach. my house will be the first in my 70's track to sing and be simple, on budget, simultaneously.

you've seen the before pics. can't wait to show you the afters. btw, anyone please share window ideas and water feature planter ideas !

https://www.houzz.com/photos/2012-traditional-landscape-portland-phvw-vp~1822822

I really like thus house. A fresh coat if paint will make it beautiful!