The admirable projects you're envisioning are probably way over your ltd budget. I would ignore the slot windows and focus eyes on the entry. #1 would be to tear out those two blocky planters that are not inviting people to your front door, which needs some lighting. If you would like to clad something with wood, I would do it over the chimney breast there by the door; match the door to it, and then do a new garage door in it. Forget the faux stone; just paint the brick (there are specialty paints and stains just for that application.) The other uninviting feature here is the massive amount of hard surface (same for this inspiration below.) When budget allows, get some of that out so you can have decent landscaping. That would include removal of the aged scruffy hedge under the windows. I like your row of windows and think they add a nice bit of contemporary feeling.

Mid-Century Modern · More Info

Thanks decoenthusiaste, I appreciate the comments. I've made a mistake mentioning budget , I should have left that out. My project can have four zeros but not five.

I take your point about the hardscape, but its probably staying. Our hoop gets a lot of use - in fact I had to spend 5 mins throwing sport equipment out of the frame of the photo! I appreciate it wasn't obvious from the original photos but we do have more landscaping (also needs work!) that softens the house a bit from the street - driveway is circular which I love.

I've never thought about removing the planters - I'm thinking about it now though!

If I were you, I'd paint the body of the house white. That way all your issues with the window size will disappear. Plus white will look good with the roof.

I would think about updating the garage door. You could add a panel with windows to the garage door if it is in good shape. Think about replacing the front double door with one with two sidelights. Or if not, paint it an inviting color.

Why is there a planter that seems to jog out and in and out again next to the door? I would take out those bushes.

Can you reduce the amount of asphalt?

I would not add any stone.

Is it a no to the stack stone because its faux & never a good idea to retrofit or because it won't suit MY house?

Reducing the asphalt - is the idea to put in more planting & make the house "disappear" that way?

I would guess this house was built in the early 70's and it's quite nice. Colors could be adjusted but it's the landscaping that is the issue here. I would also consider staining the siding a darker gray or taupe to update the appearance.

I wouldn't change the house - it doesn't need shutters or stone. It just needs paint. Replace the overgrown shrubs in the planters with an interesting variety of heights and textures. I think a new garage door with vertical windows would balance all the windows on the left side of the house.

I wouldn't bother with stone, you can get the look below with your brick. This is a good color scheme for your house. Put the stone in your planting beds.

Thanks for these ideas - it is a 50's house - built by a really interesting female property developer.

It seems I'm getting a resounding no to the stone! And to concentrate the budget on landscaping.

A new entry door would be great & is on the list when I can find something that works out less than the 9K model I was just quoted. A new garage door would be great too. I just hate to replace something that still has a few years life in it.

Would you guys paint the brick a different color to the siding?

I'd stain the brick in a close match to the siding. Circle drive is probably good, but an overhaul of the landscaping all around is overdue. Take down the BB hoop until the players get the shrubs pulled out!! Make them invest a bit of sweat equity into the project if they're old enough.

Beside the brick on the garage, where else is there brick on the front?

I like the gray you are thinking about, just not with this roof. It is a cool gray. While I still think a bright white would look striking for this cool modern house, think of cool tone colors.

BTW, do you know the name of the developer? Maybe we can find some of her houses on-line.

Taupe stain, some new landscaping and seal coated driveway.

OK the vines might be too floral a solution, but you do have exposed soil at ground level

Could also consider vines on the wall.

OP, just a few comments right now - your house is not "ugly" and I think your inspiration pic with the blue, white + natural wood IMHO is spot on. think you intuitively hit on color, textures, architectural elements that would work with your own house. Notice how both contain many horizontal elements which is a defining feature of midcentury - the horizontal wood screening over the windows in inspiraton pic meshes nicely with your horizontal windows, roofline, etc.

The trick is to translate the inspiration to a version that works for you and your budget. I wouldnt rush into anything, show your pics & talk to some local creatives and craftspeople - you might be surprised at what 4 zeros could accomplish. Depending on what it is sometimes custom carpentry can be surprisingly competitive.

So excited to see your pics, but then continuing down the thread get hit with a wet blanket of dreary taupe, gray, white, blah.

Follow your bliss op - you wont regret it!

Oh BTW I think the slate colors (blue-blacks/blue grays/rusts) are beautiful but just cant see where that stone would fit in your landscape in any kind of meaningful way. You might though want to consider it an inspiration pic and translate those slate colors into a color scheme for your exterior.