I like the break in the roof too.

I would do the opposite of what you currently. The bottom of the house should be the darker color and the top lighter.

Thanks! May I ask you what app you used for that? Thanks!

I used photoshop to make the changes.

I like the direction Crystalpea went with changing the color of the house. I would add a large intermediate landing as part of the staircase leading up to the main entry. Getting rid of the stone mulch would be a good idea and adding a planting design. I would recommend hiring a design professional who is familiar with finding reputable local contractors and building codes.

Here's a more subtle one I forgot to post. Also, forgot to say I love that stair railing.

Definitely hire a landscape architect if you're able.

Crystal, I really like the color of the first one. I was thinking of adding some cedar tongue and groove accents somewhere. Maybe on the wall between the door and the window? As for the landscaping, maybe a fence with horizontal slats. Thoughts? I wish I had your photoshop skills!

I think it'd look unbalanced with just cedar on the one side.

Love horizontal fences. They add a really nice touch.

Fence could possibly even out the cedar accent. Where are you thinking it would go? In place of the current fence or further up?

When I have a minute, I'll see if I can photoshop something for you.

Just for fun. I like to help people visualize and it doesn't really take any time aside from finding other houses' fences, sidings, plants, etc to include ha.

Much better picture! I think a cedar horizontal fence would be a good touch plus practical for your kiddos. Entry break or gate where the sidewalk is. It would also hide a bit of your stair elevation.

I don't think you'd need to add cedar siding to your house, I really like the look of the exterior with just some paint and a fun entry.

Where are you located? There are places that are dry enough to make having a gravel yard practical, but if you live somewhere with a more average amount of rainfall, you will need to use an application of weedkiller at least a couple of times a year or get a flame weeder. A flame weeder could be an issue if it is underlain with weed fabric which might melt. The other issue is that gravel + kids can be an problem (so tempting to throw), depending on your kids.

I like the gray tones for the house so much more than the current brown. I would remove the shrub at the base of the stairs and replace it with a low-growing flowering plant. I would want to break up the expanse of the side of the stairs with evergreen shrubs and face them with some lower flowering plants. Choose your shrubs so that the ultimate size can be kept below the level of the stairs.

I would want something bright to bring attention to your raised front door, either the door color or if there is space, a large, low flower container planted with bright flowers or foliage. Don't do anything to hide that gorgeous railing!

Most houses of this time period have walkways are too narrow, so if there are funds and the walkway isn't at least 4'-5' wide, widen it. A lower cost way to widen it is to add a band of a contrasting color pavers that are 8"-12" wide on each side, and a full replacement would be more expensive. The more generous walkway, along with the more visible bottom of the steps from removing the current shrub, and a generous landing at the base of the steps will make the entry more welcoming.

I like the way the fence breaks up the expanse of gravel, but the dissonance between the roof line and the line created by the top of the fence is a bit disconcerting.

Hmmm, you might be right! I thought it seemed off in the mock-up, but figured it was because of the angle of the photo. Hard to say since I'm not seeing the house and setting in person.

Were you wanting a full height fence or just four feet?

I also think you need a tree on the side right of the path.

We decided to add a bedroom to the basement downstairs, so now we have to keep the area directly underneath the front entrance clear so that we can place an egress window there. Thinking of new floating stairs... Anyone have any input on stairs/bigger landing? =D

some ideas:

I think floating stairs would be an improvement. If you have young children they may find it frightening. They scared me when I was a tot.

I like the red door. How about a curving slide from the door to ground?? It would be useful and also add a modern sculptural element.