I would consider maybe painting the front door a different color. It would give it more presence, make it stand out more.

Admittedly, I am prejudiced in favor of porches: Your home needs a front porch or at least a portico.

Consider adding a full width front porch with a nearly flat/modern roof.

http://santabarbaradirectory.biz/img/2018/06/home-architecture-modern-house-design-flat-roof-box-plans-type-homes-with-pictures-soweto-bat-bluebird-blueprints-small-dimensions-bird-saltbox-style-wooden-designs-bugs-why-build.jpg

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/135530270009127524/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3940718403761702/?lp=true

or at least a portico.

https://www.georgiafrontporch.com/portfolio_category/bracket/

Yes you can add a simple gable canopy, but perhaps the canopy should extend over the two adjacent windows.

Love the color you painted. A roof over the front porch (including the two windows by the door, would improve the appearance considerably. Also, a wider porch with a nicer landing, that is at least as wide as the roof over the doorway. What your house is lacking is a nicer looking entry way. The rest looks great. Also your door could be painted a nice brighter color. Then some nice landscaping, which will finish it up. Its a nice looking house, it just looks unfinished.

I think what is "off" is the two windows being so close to the door. If you google for images of New England salt box, you'll not see that. Your best bet is to expand the porch so they are included in the entry vignette. Another issue that can make a difference is uniformity of window treatments throughout the facade rooms.

There is also the easier way to make portico

How about painting your door a bright color to give it some pop. Some foundation landscaping would be nice as well.

It is perfect! No overhangs for a flat front Colonial…and, to stay with the design, no foundation plantings, either. White fence acceptable. : > ) and a white door.

My husband and I drove by this beauty the other day. Situated in Yarmouthport, built in 1840, it has panoramic views over the marsh to Cape Cod Bay. We have lusted over this house for years. Not to be, as we have downsized.

Hope you enjoy:

https://www.kinlingrover.com/real-estate/SearchDetail.cfm?PageNum_Search=3&SearchType=City&State=MA&SearchID=&County=Barnstable&City=Yarmouth+Port&pricelow=0&pricehigh=100000000&Bedrooms=0&Baths=0&PropertyType=House&btn_submit_a=&LotSize=0&SQFT=0&DistanceToBeach=&LakeName=&Style=&GarageDescription=&Stories=&YearBuiltLow=&YearBuiltHigh=&SortBy=Price&btn_c

I feel the white is too white and stark and should be a creamier white. Also, paint the gutters the same color as the siding. I wouldn’t try to modernize it too much, saltbox colonials are charming on their own thus I find the trim around the windows to be very plain. At least I think so.

But I think a portico embracing the door and the two windows would help a good deal, even though it’s not “correct.”

It’s also as if the gray is too clean, not enough variation because it’s so flat and even, if you can understand that... shrug shoulders

Judy - That is gorgeous! I would buy that furnished.

Do you have the grills for your windows?

I would add a stone patio that runs the length of the house. Just 1 step higher off the lawn. Then a couple stone steps up to the front door. Nothing requiring a railing. Keep it simple and clean to match the style of your home. add couple rocking chairs n the porch and paint the door a cheerful color.

jhmarie- the windows originally had them but they must have been removed by previous owners...any idea how much they generally cost and where to get them?

I know a saltbox isn't supposed to have a porch, but yours seems to want one. Just a little one, though.

You don't indicate a budget amount for the update, so the more extensive changes such as extending the porch and/or adding a portico may not work for you. I would paint your door a brighter color that you like (there are many options that will go with gray) and then reassess.

i agree, since the spacing of the windows isnt purist you can be non purist with a porch-let too. grouping them together (and painting the door a lighter color) will enhance your home. i'm fond of celerygirl's idea, it wont block light to the windows (altho it wont give you rain protection either.)

It’s definitly not a historically accurate house by any means...the previous owners built it in 1987...I do hate how the windows are so close to the front door...my budget right now will just allow cosmetic updates...i.e. door color change, maybe a pediment over door, window treatments...the railings unfortunately had to be installed in order for the house to pass for a FHA loan...I do want to in the future maybe do more like building a portico or porch....thank you everyone for your input! I have a lot to think about...As for door colors...red, yellow, green?...the choices are endless (it helps that I work at Lowe’s so I’m able to scope out the “opps” paint on clearance before everyone else!)

I don't see green so much, but either red or yellow would work well with your gray siding.

While a Red door may be a cliche, I still think it's one of the best colors to pop.

Red! Paint that door in nice glossy red, and then live with it for a while before you spend anymore money LOL.

This isn't exactly a flat saltbox like yours, but note the white fence, small portico, bright red door, and the cream window and soffit trim. Granted it doesn't have the too-close-to-the door window problem. Window grilles would help as budget allows. These mash ups of housing styles that get built make it so hard for later homeowners to improve. Whoever built this should've done a full-on saltbox with evenly spaced windows.

Front Elevation · More Info

There's a house that I drive by occasionally that has a canvas awning. It always catches my eye as a clever solution to their simple front door. Maybe a similar awning and flanking the front steps with two planters + tall plants will bring it all together.

Gah. Houzz won't let me upload the door I painted for you. I'm going to try them one or two at a time...

A horizontal trim board at upstairs floor joist level that could later be used to support a full width porch would make the front of the home a bit less stark:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/338825571948384795/?lp=true

You could add a horizontal trim board over the door and two closests windows at upstairs floor joist level or add one the full width of the home and use that to later support a portico or porch.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/338825571948384795/?lp=true

Houzz will not allow me to post the link to the pic I found with a horizontal trim at about floor joist level the full width of the home -- something that could later support a full width porch.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/338825571948384795/?lp=true

Trying again.

about the window grills - if you can determine the brand of windows, often the company or local distributer can let you know the cost of ordering new grills. My windows are Andersen and there is a very light Anderson logo in the corner of the window.