I think that some fairly inexpensive things could make a dramatic difference. First I would replace the iron columns with some more substantial 6x6 supports (with some moldings perhaps) and add some railings. Also, I would not paint the porch, but stain it. I think taking out the concrete porch would be a very big project. I would also add railings and wider wooden steps to the front door. Paint or replace the front door for pop and in your individual taste. The shutters look out of place and out of scale for the picture window. Shutters should look as if they would actually work, these do not.

Once this is done the right of your house would be heavy and you would need to balance this out with a nice curved bed on the left with a fairly large tree to add balance. Zone 5 maybe a nice magnolia. Fill in the large bed around the tree with some nice plantings.

Towards the road cries out for a small fence with a gate or maybe some hedges with more beds. A flagstone path up to the front steps. A small tree (maybe a Japanese maple) on the right and curved beds along the walkway and driveway.

I think this would take your home from plain to fantastic with the least cost and with things that you can probably do on your own. I am sure you can.

I do like the idea of shutters, but think you should look at different sizes and styles. I don't like being critical, however I think that by asking for help you are probably looking for honest evaluation.

Thanks so much for your input jonnyb, I never noticed the smaller shutters on the picture window. You are right, they look to small for it! They are smaller because they would run into the front door on the left side, so I don't think I could make them bigger. I would like a different style of shutter though. I've looked at the pre-made porch railings, and they are all more of a colonial style, I'd prefer a more modern look, so maybe I'll have to get input from a carpenter to make some? I just picked up porch stain samples, that looks like a greata idea. Yesterday we ripped out all of the landscaping timbers and overgrown bushes and waiting to having the front yard graded and re-sod in the next day or two. It really helps to have someone with a good "design eye". The door isn't old, so I want to paint. I'm thinking of staining a gray/blue color for the cement with flagstone walkway. Would navy shutters look good, if so, would you paint the door the same color or a complementary color like a rust or orange red? Don't want to look too 4th of july, or anything. I like the classic look of black or charcoal shutters too, but that can look boring.

I like the idea of a midnight blue for the shutters with a burgundy or Bordeaux or rust for the door. I would be careful to take into account the stain you are going to use for the concrete to ensure a blend. Custom made shutters could be very expensive. If you look online you will find some nice ones. I particularly like paneled, but that is my individual taste. Maybe you could check to see if they will look in proportion by making cardboard mock-ups and set them next to the windows to make sure you get the right scale before you buy them.

You seem to be well on your way. I am glad you appreciated my independent view. Good luck with your renovation, I'm sure it will be the best looking home on the block!

Jon

dj, have you finished your project? If so I would love to see it. I too have a ranch. Blue roof, silver siding and barn red shutters (which I would love to paint a dark gray). My house looks too americana. I also need new flower beds and someone did mention to me to add a tree to the left corner of the house. I'm really anxious to see yours.
Carol