Ha ha! Want to know something funny? When I first saw the yellow house, I thought how nice and refreshing those rich colors looked, then I read the post. So, obviously, that look is not for you. Based on what you have told us, you are, er, conservative (doesn't have to be boring), and a bit more traditional. That said, you seem to be dismissing the advice to repaint the front door out of hand, but IMO that will give you The Most Impact, and for the least $$! Please reconsider. A pale blue or gray that plays off the white and the green colors while do much to brighten the entryway. Let's talk about how to hide that hose. You can either a) remove it when not in use (never gonna happen) or b) replace the hose with one that matches the paint color of the house or c) move the spigot to the driveway side, this being the most obvious permanent solution but also the most expensive, possibly necessitating tearing up the front walkway and replacing it with either new concrete or pavers. AND you could landscape. Landscaping is a process that involves a few key steps: defining your needs and setting your prioritites (as with all house-related projects) and, next, choosing a style or theme, based on your personal likes/dislikes. Before we go there, when it comes to specific plant suggestions, do you know what zone you are in? That will determine what plant material is hardy to your area, if you choose to limit yourself to (mostly) hardy plants. How is the drainage, since you will be planting close to the house, how and where the water goes is especially important information. What direction does the house face? That will determine how much sun or shade the area gets. Finally, ask yourself what is the mood you want to create? Do you have any inspiration pics? We need to know what you envision in the Big Picture. Then we can help you reach that goal.

Patricia43... "I think there's a real need for someone who can marry an architect's vision for asthetics with a builder's ability to do things affordably" It's called an interior designer with a degree, not the ones who claim to be interior designers who are decorators with a continuing education or trade school, or OJT on where to place a vase. do you really think so? in my experience an interior designer doesn't know much about construction or building economically? i think the other piece missing is incorporating green building - to the extent that you can save money beyond your initial cost outlay especially - and someone who can answer the question as to whether it makes more economic sense to move or add on. Have you ever actually met an interior designer or just someone who told you they were an interior designer? They are required to have many hours in the building construction sciences and budgeting. I don't know where these interior designers you met with 5-year college degrees were that knew nothing, but that is what their business is. I think like most people, you are thinking about an interior decorator, total different kettle of fish.

I'm in San Diego county near the beach. The supply is low and the demand is still fairly high. Many homes are going for well above asking price and above the appraised value. The area is extremely eclectic and subject to a lot of "emotional buying" and few of the comps at any time are actual comps. Buyers are bringing cash to make up the difference and driving prices up. For the next buyers these homes will be the comps and the next appraisals will be higher. Thats how it works.

Nice sized property! If you want it to have the traditional schoolhouse look you want larger windows. Because the light was needed for studying, all the one-room school houses in my area have large windows almost covering at least two opposite walls. If that isn't practical because of finances or the home's interior layout, or you don't want it to actually look like a schoolhouse any more, you will want some taller shrubs under the higher windows and medium under the large picture window, choosing plants that will stay below the bottom of the window. Have at least some that will be evergreen so there will be color in winter, and then plant flowers in front of the shrubs. If you don't enjoy gardening, choose ground covers and plants that are either long-blooming or have interesting foliage. I like the suggestion of a small roof over the door, and a picket fence to define a dooryard. I might well wrap the dooryard and picket fence around the sides. Where I live, paved drives aren't the norm, so do what feels right to you. Think about what you want for your yard as far as its use, such as play areas for the kids or a volleyball court or a shady sitting area or a place to BBQ, and decide on the best places to place those. Consider traffic flow around the house and decide if you are likely to need paths beyond the one to the front door. Making your paths at least 5' wide will make them feel more welcoming. You don't say where you are, but if you are in an area with any real quantity of snow, be sure to leave areas where the snow can be plowed to.