This is an adorable house with nice symmetry. I am far from an expert, but I wouldn’t change a thing about the building. Start with landscape. Yes, the oompa-Loompa bushes need to go. I’d replace them with something that will stay lower than the windows. Also, plant enough of them that they extend out to the corners of the house. The brickwork along the steps look like they’d give you a great place to add some decorative pots. Without knowing what zone you live in and what direction the home faces, you won’t be able to get any concrete suggestions as to specific plants. My advice would be to visit an independent garden center or nursery in your area. Most will employ designers who can help you put together a plan based on your local weather and your tolerance for upkeep. It’s generally not a particularly expensive service and often a portion of the cost is rebated back to you if you purchase the plants from the nursery. Remember, you can always do this in steps- over several months or over several seasons. After you’ve tackled the landscape, then you might consider making changes to the house. Then again, you might find it’s simply not necessary. Remember, it’s a first home. Your likely to sell it someday. Don’t spend money over improving the building. Landscaping updates will give you the most bang for your buck.

First just want to say what a cute home!

I just love this cottage that is similar to yours...would paint out the brick steps white and add thick white railings..would paint top of steps and porch in a dark charcoal or black...small flowers beds hugging the porch and stair area with hydrangeas would be so sweet and charming...Depending on your zone a Japanese maple would look beautiful close to the house.

i like your white front door but a wood door in a medium brown stain like walnut would be beautiful.

Great ideas! We live in the Seattle area and the front of the house faces south. I wasn't aware that some garden centers have designers. We'll definitely look around for a center near us that has one.

Love the idea of painting the stairs and porch and adding a railing. Would you suggest painting the brickwork on the sides as well?

I would not paint the brick as it ties to your chimney and adds some needed texture and contrast down low. However that brick looks like it is in a serious need of re-tuckpointing. Find yourself a well recommended and qualified mason/tuck-pointer and you will be amazed at how much better it looks. I'll emphasize that this is not a place to skimp; someone who doesn't really know what they are doing will just smear white mortar all over everything, which looks like what actually happened at some time in the past.

As far as everything else, I agree that all of your improvements can pretty much be from the porch floor down. The main part of your house looks great! New steps from the sidewalk and upgraded walk to your front door would also be on my recommended list of projects.

Yes paint chimney and stair post all white to match new railings.

Definitely fix the cement stairs. You'll probably have lots of pretty trailing plants in your retaining wall come spring. I see a tulip on the left there and maybe there are more. So evaluate the landscape when it is growing.

House is perfect..love the windows that reflect Craftsman style.

Inspiration:

Strawberry Hill · More Info

Fill the front sloping yard with tall grasses.