Some inexpensive changes: Remove the shutters. They look a bit silly on a window that size. Repaint the white lamppost and lamp black so it matches the new lamps on the garage as far as color. Find gravel that as closely color matches the driveway as possible and completely cover the graveled area. The dark spots aren’t attractive and if that is landscaping fabric, it will breakdown anywhere sun hits it. If need be, remove gavel and fabric, dig it a bit deeper so there is room for a sufficient amount of gravel, and then replace. Once the gravel is dealt with, where Yardvaark has the bright red in his sketch, add a pair of large planters (at least whiskey barrel sized) stuffed full with seasonal plantings. They will need regular watering per the particular plants’ needs and as they age will need periodic replacements. Or add a large, sculptural plant in each. Regardless, it is important the the plant(s) and pots are not undersized. Choose ones that suit your aesthetic and are eiher light enough to move into the garage for hurricanes or are heavy enough that they won’t become airborne. Do research into cost and plant sizes of replacement materials before removing boxy shrubs and start budgeting for all the needed plants and materials. In addition to plants to replace the current plants, you will likely want compost to dig into the soil since likely nothing has been added for years, organic mulch such as shredded bark to reduce weeds (not pebbles or landscape fabric, neither of which belong in a bed with plants), and a deep edging to keep grass out of the new plantings. Think about whether you are DIY enough to do the repainting of the house yourselves. It is best if you wait to replant until both the repainting and repaving are done to avoid damage to new plants. Start saving for some of the suggestions given above: Repainting. I like Beverly’s color suggestion or a sage green. When repaving, modify the walkway following the plan in Yardvaark’s most recent sketch to decrease the clutter and maintenance of the two graveled areas. Replanting

Thank you all!! Great feedback and very helpful! Will post pictures without snow. The front walk is asphalt and there is a parking spot there. The house sits on a corner lot and we assume most guests will park in driveway behind house. I had noticed the front deck rails and thought they didn’t fit. I had actually thought of taking them down-and expanding the deck around the side of the house because it is too narrow to be functional. We don’t know if a local variance will prohibit us from making it deeper. I thought if we took the railings down, the space might be more open and we could add planters etc. I agree it is more of a barrier as is. Changing out garage doors, front door and expanding side deck and patio are all on the to do list for Fall! Love the teal door and lighting suggestion! Keep the ideas coming. Thank you!

The siding is perfect as is. I'd get a new garage door to match and refresh any stain that needs it. If you must paint it, the color Judy suggests is trendy/current and would look good Tall vertical plantings would help, especially in the back which could use landscaping beyond grass. I'm sure if you gave a rough location people would be able to make planting suggestions.

Also Verbo, how is it different for a woman to change her hair to blonde and body, and a goth person dying their hair black purple or green and piercing their face? You would have to realize that if the blonde isnt confident and is insecure, certainly the Goth person is also. Be intellectually honest, you cant have it both ways. I always looked at your posts as informed, but after that preteen book prologue, Im happy to realize that you are as informed as the rest of us only you deliver it nicely. Putting down women for their style choices (only one one side tho) is small.