The Tuscan columns you want -- meh. They look like cookie cutter design, a bit of a decorating cliche. The support posts you have now look far better with the rustic exterior, and aren't the same old same old that too many tack on to their suburban boxes to "update" the look.

Colors are ok, a bit bland. Wood double door & wood garage door would be terrific. Love the stone and overall design of your house -- a real gem! Freshen it & talk with a good landscaper, but don't try to change it too much, please.

Beautiful home!

Switching to a neutral palette is a good way to go! Consider a body paint color with a but of gray in it. That will bring the gray of your shingles in for a stronger cohesive palette. Eliminating the shutters or painting them more of a deep navy blue would also help refresh the exterior.

Your plans for darker garage doors and an updated entry door- especially if it stays pretty dark- will help update the home and provide striking contrast!

Happy painting!

@awm03- really appreciate your honest opinion! Makes sense and yes I needed a reminder on not to change too much. I do want a fresh/modern look. You are correct about columns will look cookie cutter- I didn't realize it. Thanks again for your great input :)

It's a lovely house, jmv vt. Just needs a little freshening :)

I think replacing your current shutters with real board & batten shutters would be a nice touch too.

awm03 Love that idea!! do you think the new shutters should be wood finish to match the entry door/garage or something different?

I pity whoever paints your house. Doing it in Photoshop was a PITA. This is very close to Bleeker beige and I tried to match your shutters and posts to the door. I'm not sure I like the warm colors with your stone.

This is better. I painted your trim a warmer white:

And Bleeker beige with navy shutters:

Do you own this or are you shopping? If shopping, you should move along because this isn't the "fresh/modern" drone you're looking for. Its a charming cottage and while there are things you can do (doors garage) making it fresh and modern isn't one of them.

I’m buying this house eventhough I’m not thrilled with the exterior and because of that I was on the fence for a long time. The floor plan is perfect and overall quality is quite superior. It seats on a 25 acre wooded lot yet close to everything in the middle of the town. I also have to update kitchen and bathrooms. I sure have my work cutout. But it’s a unique property. I can’t/ shouldn’t change the “cottage” style but perhaps a flair of “modern English cottage”?

https://pin.it/jh4pazlestysoc

Can this color scheme work to freshen up?

I like the darker chat room and naval more than steam and beige which seem more bland than fresh.