Hmmm. This is a tough one. A quick glance at the 'net found some photos of contemporaries that keep the board & batten siding but have an updated look. Of course, new windows & a pricey metal roof help, but at least you can get ideas for paint or stain & trim colors & doors.

{{!gwi}}

I wonder what can be done to contemporize the pediment over the door? I think if you had a great walkway/door/entrance area that would update the home a lot. That entails a little home remodeling and lots of landscaping, so maybe you should ask for ideas in a landscaping forum too.

Rustic again, sorry. But another good color combo. Brackets supporting the pediment looks cleaner, more modern. The dormers are cool too. Metal roof!

Something as simple as a trim color on the windows and eaves/rakeboard would make a big difference.

How about going for a cottage look by painting it white or a pretty pastel soft yellow or sage green or blue and then putting some low picket fencing around it?

Too bad you don't like the barn look, because it would be adorable painted red.

(Ha, ha - I just read what I wrote and summed up, it's paint it white, yellow, green, blue or red.)

I would be looking at ways to expand the porch so that you can fit a couple of chairs out there.

This article shows a nice simple contemporary paint scheme and gives a link to Sherwin Williams' Suburban Modern color palette for some color ideas. Keep in mind that whatever color you choose would have to work with the roof color.

Here is a link that might be useful: simple paint change

I think it's a very cute house, and could look fresh and sweet again with the right paint. As others have said, it could easily go in a cottage-y direction or in a contemporary direction.

For contemporary, you could paint it all sage green or light gray. I'd go with a strong contrast in the door color and maybe a more modern door style as the current door is very traditional. Plantings that are highly stylized, either low and horizontal or tight verticals, can enhance the contemporary feel.

For cottagey, you could paint it whatever color you like, with contrasting trim and door, and add softer shapes in the plantings like hydrangeas, spirea, etc.

Is it your home? Will you be the one living in it? Color and plantings can be very personal preferences so it might make a big difference whether you're making it appeal to you or to potential buyers/renters.

I believe I really want something contemporary or modern. Is there anyone that can help photoshop it for me to help out? It is mine right now, but dont know about the future. I want it to appeal to potential buyers / renters.

Here's my first and last attempt at photoshopping. Maybe one of the real PS'ers will give this a look, but until then, I've seen a really cute home done in a sagey green as was mentioned above (sadly I can't quite get the color on this), but it's a very cute house. So FWIW, here ya go.

{{!gwi}}

whoops--sorry, didn't see you wanting to go contemporary.

How extensive an exterior reno are you planning/ how much do you want to spend?

I think this house has a lot of potential. It's sort of a blank slate. If on a tight budget, at least get a new front door and storm door. The right one, in the right color, will make a big difference, I think. That, paint, and great landscaping (I'm thinking of some cool upright conifers, low spready evergreens, japanese maple, great foliage contrasts.. if that fits your location) would make a big difference.

If you have a bit more to spend, I'd re-build the porch/entry. The one there just seems a tad lean and mean; something wider and more welcoming would suit the house I think.

I'm interested in why you want to go more contemporary if resale is a key issue. We're in a similar spot... we bought a 1956 ranch and we're totally renovating it inside and out. We're removing the faux-colonial decor and vinyl siding, shingling and painting the concrete "brick". OUR personal taste is more contemporary. We originally thought we'd do more modern detailing, more like the second photo above (mid-century modern). However, after looking at the market we decided to tone it down, go a little more classic. We've settled on what we're calling "modern cottage". I guess the closest look above is the first photo awm03 posted. I think that would be a good look for your house. A "modern farmhouse" google search might also yield some inspiration photos.

But- it you really want to go contemporary, there are certainly cool things you can do.

Are you leaving the siding or changing it?

sujafr, I certainly hope that's not your last attempt at photoshopping. Very nice work!

Bravo sujafr!

Nice sujafr!

Kathi, I don't know if you saw it, but I did some basic PS on your exterior after I saw your post over in paint forum last week asking for color help.

Sujafr... Wonderful job. Loved the house. I wish I could photoshop. Thank You

Moonshadow... I am sorry I did not see your post... Those pictures were great.. Thank You

I don't guess I am going for the contempory look... Just something that looks "good." With curb appeal for potential buyers or renters...

I am leaving the siding... Wanted to paint it some color but just don't know what color.

I had the roof put on a few years ago. I did'nt go with the metal roof for a few reasons but wish I had now. Too late to change it now.

Sadler & others--that picture was crying out for some photoshopping, so I couldn't resist, but those images Moonshadow did for you are the real deal--and so many choices! Wow, some great ideas and my hat's off to you, Moonshadow. Just beautiful work that shows how pretty that home can become. Thanks to all for you kind support of my PS attempt. Have fun, Sadler with fixing up your place to make it more inviting.

Not this!

Here is a link that might be useful: House I had to pull over and photograph

torsade that is funny. Could be cute if it was a daycare or something though. But would be a bummer if a daycare in a residential area. That would be too crazy to come home to each evening.