I don't have photoshop, so this is a crude attempt at what I'd do--sometime of a meandering path to make it inviting. I'd also try to bring the landscaping out a little on the right side to round out the corner (didn't draw that part in).

{{!gwi}}

A more welcoming front door could help Seems like adding sidelights would be difficult/way too expensive, but maybe a door with glass panes in it would help. And with landscaping (color, full shrubs, etc.) the charm factor could go way up.

I'd paint the shutters a brighter color-maybe slate blue or tan or butter. Door, too, could be a brighter color-but different from the shutters. I'd put a weeping tree in a large mulched bed in the center of the area left by hilltop's redesigned front walk. Add annuals to the bed for more color.

The large pediment is the central strong feature of the house. It needs to be supported in a similarly strong manner but the columns look temporary and timid; try making them larger with some taper (entasis). Square might be nice.

Thank you guys so much! I like the path idea. Hadn't noticed the pediment/column problem. Sidelights are a great idea too, maybe out of the budget. What would make the front door more welcoming?

kj
You don't mention budget so I'll just throw some ideas out there w/o budget constraints
- I like the idea of a walkway - perhaps a bluestone in a hopscotch pattern
- Some new foundation plantings - I like holly, 1 on either side of the portico - set back - train them to stay lean and grow tall . Mix some everygreen low plantings with some nice blooming plantings
- I agree the posts to portico could be heftier - the existing ones could be wrapped
- The ctr there could also be toned down a bit - perhaps painting the siding a light color you pick up in the existing brick which would help it blend rather than stick out.
- Are the shutters wood or vinyl? they appear to be too small in scale for the size of the house, so wider ones painted different color -

Posting a larger pic of the house may help, trying to pick up some of the colors in the brick

good luck

Landscaping!!! Put a nice shaped tree off to the side of the house. Bring some planting beds forward, surrounding the tree and along side the walkway.
Diane

The pediment is too large and blank. Get rid of he louver vent and add a ridge vent on the roof. Add a round window in the center of the pediment. A pent roof or some other treatment of the lower chord of the pediment would help. Then add larger square columns with modest capitals and bases and railings.

When you photograph it use a longer lens (100mm+) and get on a step ladder so the pediment doesn't look too large for the house.

You've gotten some great ideas here:

- Oculus (round) window in the pediment (sample in link below)
- Beef up the columns--and the railings! Definitely do this
- Different front door color
- Landscaping and walkway

I'd also add--replace your shutters. The window shutters are too skinny. The proper width for each shutter is one-half the width of the window.

And if you can't afford sidelights on your front door (understandable with a brick facade) then put full-length shutters next to the door, too. This will widen the door and make it more welcoming. Add tapered cypress or something in urns on either side of the door, too.

Don't forget flowers on the porch.

Here is a link that might be useful:

Maybe a darker paint color for the pediment, columns and rails.