Do you have some examples of what you mean with modern clean lines? The reason I'm asking is because the elements you added have me a little confused.

I think removing the scalloped edge and shutters is a good one towards modern. Not so sure about an arts and crafts door though. Doesn't read 60's or 70's to me.

Also the garage door doesn't seem to be leaning towards modern and clean lines with the windows mullions. Seems more cottage or traditional. If you want windows there try removing the mullions.

I was looking at images searching ranch door and came across this website. I realize they are trying to sell their product, but I figured it might use as inspiration for some more to me modern looking door styles.

door examples

I like the idea of losing the shutters and the scalloping. Like Lyfia, though, I think the choices for the door and garage door are a bit off. The garage door that would be most period appropriate would be four flush sections -- no raised panels, no windows. And take a look at Crestview Doors. They are pricy, but have the look for the period. Also, hit your local Habitat and other resale stores. Most folks are tearing out just the door you need.

It would be great if you could continue the planter all the way across the front, but I'm sure it would be difficult to source that brick now. Not everyone can be me, with a pallet of original bricks sitting in the yard where it was put down and left in 1978 when the house was originally built (not joking).

Also, check ebay for old Sunset, BH&G, etc. landscape books. A lot of what is in those books is geared for the California climate, but you can get some general ideas of what might work.

Here is a link that might be useful: Crestview Doors

Both the front and garage door in the example above do have more A&C or Prairie elements. Perhaps check around again to see if other styles would fit a 60s type vibe.

Good call to remove the shutters -- the clean-lined windows present a more modern feel!

As for colors -- perhaps choose a more mod-and-groovy steely gray color to the overhang and garage door (closer to the roof color) -- and add stainless or silver mod lighting.

Perhaps (just for now) simply paint your present door in high-gloss black -- and add a silver doorkick plate? With a black door -- your storm door would "disappear" -- and the whole front would look a bit more visually cohesive.

As for planting -- of course -- check with your local garden center for your area planting zone and your soil type. Then create mod flowing lines for your gardens. If possible add a larger focal rock or stone. Then add spiky grasses. A very clean-lined fountain can add a lot of visual interest too.

IF you are able to do so in the future -- perhaps add a long patio area to the front -- with modern seating.

I think more planter is a good idea. The brick will be unmatchable but an aggregate pebble or sleek concrete could work for the planter. I happen to be sitting next to a stack of old landscaping books, one from 1975, and I have to ask, are you SURE? :P Kidding of course--there's a lot of neat stuff.

What about a fenced courtyard? I love a fence built from 2x2s spaced a half inch apart.

Perhaps invest in some bamboo, clumping variety please!

Here's a possible replacement for the outdoor lights .... of course -- check at your local home stores -- there are usually lots on sale ....

Here is a link that might be useful: bellacor.com -- possible outdoor light

Lyfia, GREAT DOORS. You guys are all right! I have an idea of what I like, but can't put my finger on it. I didn't love the front door choice, just searching for something geometric. I think I got Big Boxed looking at some websites that only sell a couple styles of door. I'm going to post pics of houses I like from the time period to see if they help you guys make suggestions. My mom wants me to explore teals and corals as a paint motif, but that kind of scares me... to period maybe. I like artsy and fun, as well as clean and modern.

Ok, here are the ranch houses that are definitely dreamy. The challenge is to make my house a shadow of one of these on a budget... or make it remarkable in some other sort of way via front arbor/pergola, paint and doors etc.

Would a low deck or patio be too expensive? If you take all the shrubs out the left side screams for a seating area.

Okay. Much better. This is more a 50s thing you're after. Whew. Not that the Brady Bunch didn't have a great house, but your house IS a 50s-ish house and it'll be much happier that way. What about some modern posts holding up the gables of the porch? Perhaps asymmetrical.

You sort of want to turn your plain sensible ranch into an atomic ranch. Tastefully. Try googling images of mid century modern landscaping.

I'd think twice about painting the garage door a color that makes it stand out. I'd paint it to blend with the brick and "disappear" if possible. You want the entry to stand out more than the garage. I don't care for the intense green on the gable, though removing the scalloped edge is a good start. A neutral color that blends with the orange-y brick might look better.
Continuing the foundation plantings across the entire front, and maybe even extending a bit out past the ends of the house will cover some of the blank brick area, and emphasize the horizontal. If you do plant, make sure your beds are deep enough to accomodate the plantings when they grow in, and select plants that won't grow tall enough to cover the windows. You could trim to keep them low, but selecting ones that are naturally short will save some yard work.

somehow get rid of the black and white outlined windopws....pick a color and paint the whole window surround that color....and paint the downspouts to blend with the brick. Down spouts are not a design element.
The shutters are too small....but leave them for now....paint the shutters, all the window trim, the door and the garage door a glossy black. saw off the scallops and paint the triangle a color as close to color of the brick as you can....leave the trim on the peak white.
By having large blocks of the same color you are elongating the line of the house.