I would remove the tree on the left and remove the shutters from the bottom right. A portico would be a nice addition and maybe alarger stoop . I think actually better landscaping all the way across would be nice.I think if the siding was painted a darker color it would work better with the brick and a black door with some glass would also be a nice addition

Agree with Patricia -- yes, landscape will make a big difference, and you might like more of a greige color for the siding rather than the khaki/sage... Also, paint the downspout to match what's behind it so it's not so prominent.

Do you know if aluminum siding can be painted?

Yes, you can paint it.

Would any of you suggest painting the whole thing (over the brick)?

I think the brick is okay; its the siding that doesn't work. This is just a flat front kind of house. If you had the budget, you could build it out in the front and change the look.

I would agree that, architecturally, about the best thing you could do is add a portico or porch roof.

I would offer some graphic advice on landscape if you repost a new thread exclusively to the Landscape Design forum AND submit better pictures to work with. You'd need to move the camera in line with the door and step about 3' closer than your are for the above picture. Begin by taking a picture of the white house at the left. While staying at the same position, pivot the camera rightward and take a series of slightly overlapping photos until you have included the neighbor's house at the right side (that we can't see any of now.) Do not change positions for any of the pictures and do not substitute a panorama made by the camera.

Don't paint the brick. New landscaping is all that is needed.

Portico might be nice at some point but a purchased awning works too.

Strip the whole front to the studs and start over with fresh brick that matches. If it's just veneer pour a footing and use real brick. Widen the soffits. Put on an expensive roof.

Doug - I dig it!

REMARK--you hit the nail on the head with your photos: AN ARCHITECT was hired. Making a major change to the exterior isn't a small project, and a good architect is your best bet.

Thank you so much for all of your input. This is our first home, and unfortunately it needs many necessary repairs before we can put alot of $$ into the exterior. Therefor we are looking for some somewhat reasonable changes to spruce it up a bit. i.e. landscaping will be a huge thing for us.

I think the inexpensive fix to what irks you would be to paint the siding a color close to the brick, OR whitewash the brick and paint the siding a matching creamy white and plant ivy to clamber up both. I quite like the proportions of the house. There's something federalist about its boxiness. The lack of a porch or portico doesn't bother me at all, because that's how historic American houses were. I'd go with Doug's basic concept.

I would never want Hedera on brick or aluminium siding. Many plants are called Ivy. Can you be more specific?

I went over to Benjamin Moore and made a bunch of images to help you see various color looks.

Here are somee design elements that might be an inspiration