Wow! Thanks so much for the great ideas! I never thought about using such bright colors like that DE green hour or blue for the door. I would have never thought of it myself...and I really like it! I love pops of color but i’m always scared to take the leap! Not sure why. Lol I guess it’s cause it’s our first place and it feels risky, but in the end I really should just think of it as paint. I can always change it up! Thanks for paint color suggestions as well, sometimes it’s overwhelming to see so many colors. It’s nice to know what has worked for others who’s homes have the same color palette! I really love the dark trim ideas (for now, our windows have a light color screen over them, but the window itself is actually a dark brown/bronze) and landscaping ideas- I never thought something as simple as deepening flower beds would have such a dramatic effect! Thanks Dig Doug! Our flower beds are pretty shallow and rectangular, the curved beds are a fabulous idea! NHbabs and debbie1000 I totally agree about the tree between the windows and the narrow walkway (its mix matched half with river rock half smooth concrete), they are definitely on the ‘to do’ list. emmarie- I love your idea of the trim on the left window, I agree it needs some bulking up to match the others. I really like your post idea, and i know it’s hard to see from my photo, but it’s acually a brick wall. Right now removing is probably more than we’d like to do, but it would definitely give it a more open feeling. Love your rendering makes my house look cute! Definitely has me thinking about that blue door color! I’m not able to upload more pictures of the house since I’m currently on a trip, but when I get back I’ll upload more, but I can’t say THANK YOU enough. The pictures you all posted definitely have my creative wheels turning! I feel like I now have some direction in looking up design ideas. We’re not in a huge rush to redo our home, but i’ll definitely keep everyone posted with picture updates as we make changes here and there so you can see how we implemented your ideas and suggestions. Thank you again for taking the time to help us out! I really didn’t think i’d have this many people respond in just one day. You guys are AMAZING!!

Agree with so many previous comments. I'd change the backsplash.For sure. This one is not a fortunate choice for the kitchen at all. New backsplash would make an immediate impact. (I'm usually not a fan of lowering the two tiered islands to one level because I like some sort of separation in open plans and I don't like everybody seeing my sink from the living spaces. True that I also don't like high bar chairs, so there are pros and cons to everything) But I saw your other thread where you try to figure the overall style of the house which you love a lot but can't see your favorite styles in it (you mentioned I think modern farmhouse, boho and industrial..this house is traditional/transititional .. a bit too grand for farmhouse(?), not a bone of industrial in it..boho on the other hand can be pulled almost anywhere but it's harder that might seem..). So when you consider changes, even relatilvely minor and very beneficial like backsplash-keep in mind all your plan for all the house. Specifically for backsplash I'd go for something simple in either white or light silvery blue, to play off the lightest color in granite, in ceramics or maybe glass (I prefer ceramics, personally)-but I'd check how it works with walls..do they need to be repainted? A bit hard to see the color, at some pictures reads a bit warm. On others, reads like a perfect color that can be paired with almost everything. Do you have already furnishings you take with you, and if yes, what are they? Or you start from scratch? If you start from scratch you can use backsplash color etc as an inspiration too, to the color scheme you prefer. In short, don't look at your kitchen as separate space, consider it as part of the whole, and when you decide on backsplash take your time. As your overall plan becomes clearer to you, you'll feel much more confident about your choices. It's a great kichen to work with-wood floors, granite is attractive and not too busy..it's relatively easy to find tile that will enhance it instead of dragging it down, just keep in mind all the pieces of the puzzle while doing that. Congratulations of your new place! There are few rules in design one can't break-but I find that one of them is useful indeed, and I'd call it "don't be in a hurry".

I agree we need a to scale floor plan and you do not convert that garage you actually build a new addition to include that space You need an architect and depending on the rules maybe some permissions too . I have found in the UK many homes are listed even when you can't imagine why. I have never been one for keeping items that do not work with my design aesthetic so if modern is the aim those windows will need to go but you really need an architect to help make this happen and we need that floor plan.

Brick is a wonderful no maintenance exterior, so don't create extra work and expense for yourself down the road (repeatedly) by painting it. The siding doesn't look bad, but the roof color is a little unfortunate. Until it needs to be replaced you'll have to live with it. Remove the shutters, you don't need them (they don't fit the windows) and they're probably not original. Get rid of the curlique door. Whether you remove the whole screened in porch is up to you. If you're never going to use it you might as well get rid of it. Then work on the landscaping until it's time to replace the roof. When it is time, you will need to stay in the brown family because of the brick, but you can do better than what is there.