I took a little road trip this weekend and happened to notice a fence that made me think of your post. It took some time finding what the style was called, but I think this is similar. It is not solid on the bottom, but has a second set of pickets that are so close together, nothing from the bad neighbors could blow through. And the advantage to the open pickets is a well aimed leaf blower will clear your side of the fence and will simultaneously blow their leaves away from your fence without you having to move off your property. I completely understand not wanting to access the fence or a hedge from their side. I have neighbors like that, too. Ugh! From what I can see it's called a puppy picket. I know this is taller than what you want, but this is the idea. Another example (I don't care for the top portion of this fence, but you can see the idea of the double pickets at the bottom, with more open pickets at the top). I am linking because the pic is large and I can't seem to reduce it. Here is a link that might be useful: puppy picket This post was edited by olychick on Wed, Nov 5, 14 at 11:17

You can replace the shingles; they are special order at Home Depot. I got some a few years ago to replace missing ones on my grandmother's house. They have all styles, including the wavy edge ones and they are cement. The originals back in the day were asbestos, so be sure you don't crack or break any of them. Shutters do need to go and you can beef up the window trim. Red would be pretty, and so would Crisp Romaine.

I never like black and navy together so white windows and the bonus is they cost less.Good call on the shutter removal and IMO a much nicer front door in a color would be good.Of course the landscaping and right now until you decide to do a porch all across the front I would do window boxes on the lower windows , you should probably get a mock up of how the windows will handle wider trim since the top can’t have that done and BTW make sure all the windows are the same and if you want a bit more modern look forget the grids. You could still decide a lighter color for the siding and then the black windows it will then have more of a modern farmhouse loo

What you have planned will go a long way! I would definitely remove the shutters but then beef up your window trim size. I would also add a larger column to the front porch. I see you painted the garage side door to match the entry door. However, I would paint the side-door and garage to match the siding --You don't want to highlight these, but rather make them blend in. I also think larger beautiful exterior lights will add a lot to your home. I've also loved arbors over garage doors, which I think will add a nice architectural element to your home.