Thank you for the detailed explanation. DH!!! I was thinking a blue door but now I’m not so sure. I’m afraid I’ll have too many colors going on. What you said about the garage door blending more with the house makes perfect sense but now I’m stuck on ”so now what with the shutters”?

Here is a pic of what I was thinking for the front door but I’m not totally set on it having to be blue. Match the shutters or no? If no, then what color for those?

I like that color, navy with some cobalt. I would paint a sample and look at it in different lights against the brick and trim and see if you like it.

New lights and other small updates can get you by as you wait, save for and refine, the bigger projects.

Like this as an idea:

That’s funny Maria Killam was mentioned. I actually had her link saved for her color charts from our condo remodel. I’d never seen her home makeover though. Thanks for linking it!!!

I totally wish I were more design talented. I look at something and think oh that’s so pretty but when it comes to choosing myself I go blank. Ughhhh! Lol. I’m definitely more of a simple kind of gal.

Idk if i mentioned this but our kitchen needs totally redone (a whole other HELP topic lol) so I’m trying to budget the front in with that so heres what I think we can fit in right now...

-trim tree up

-remove “pine bush“

-expand flowerbeds adding to it

-remove many bushes

-paint garage doors (replace eventually)

-replace & paint front door with Color

-paint WI railing around porch (color suggestion? Match door? Match shutters? (See I said I stink at this! Lol)

-remove bars around windows

-remove shutters and replace (?) with a more fitting size

-replace all outdoor front lighting

I think with all of the above it will definitely be an improvement and I’m excited to see the end result from just those things. I haven’t given up the thought of expanding the front porch to have a seating area and somewhere for my flower pots. It’ll have to wait until the kitchen is finished.

Anna, that’s perfect!!!! That brick is very similar to ours and I LOVE the wood with it with a blue door!!! Now it find wooden shutters!

What do you think color-wise for the rail around the porch???

How about the color of the mortar of the brick? If you have black lights, you can do a black rail. I just would tie it in to another element. Except the blue door.

Definitely lose all the arbor vitae. I agree with your interpretation about the grumpy old couple who’d yell at you to get off their lawn...I grew up in a neighborhood full of houses just like these!

Also, you’ll be amazed at what a difference changing the color of the shutters will make!

Lots of great ideas. The blue door fits in perfectly with the color theory I was delving into earlier.

How are you feeling about your shutters as they are now? I’ve observed that shutters can often be a bit of a controversial topic here on Houzz. I’ve often fallen into the “they should look like they could be working shutters or remove them” camp, but I find myself loosening up in that stance, especially on a case by case basis. Perhaps there are times when they can be considered a purely decorative element, like the bits and bobs on a Victorian house.

In this situation, they are just so “wrong” that perhaps that makes them right?

I think Jori has a point. They are quirky and have a definite 70s vibe. To remove or alter them, maybe it makes your house too ordinary?

Might just depend on your personality and approach to life as to what you choose to do.

If you like to know the rules and then break them, or you’re a person that likes to honor the original design and trends of the decade a house was built in—keeping those shutters as is, or even painting them in a color that highlights them even more could be a valid option.

Matching the blue of the front door, using a lighter shade of it, or going to the opposite side of the color wheel and choosing a burnt orange (which would also play up the 70s feel) are a few suggestions to explore if any of that appeals to you.

If you're going to get new outside lights that have black trim, check out Costco's sale only through June 16. Really pretty in the store. This picture doesn't do them justice and the price is amazing--$30@--as well as the energy conservation and on/off at sunset/sunrise. After seeing this, decided to change out my worn outside lights! Not a Costco rep or employee, but these deserve a second look.

https://www.costco.com/Altair-9%26quot%3B-LED-Outdoor-Wall-Lantern.product.100477192.html

I would just say no to blue shutters and door with this pinkish brick.

There's nothing wrong with the black. IMO, it looks sharp.

You could remove the iron and put in window boxes. The shutters will look fine if the window boxes are positioned between them.

Amber... that’s not a bad idea. I had thought about doing flower boxes and then forgot. I may still do them even if I switch out the shutters.

Grover, Thank you so much for the pictures!!! I agree about the blue shutters with the brick now that I see that pic :sadface lol. Maybe a darker blue, more towards navy on the door and then wood shutters? Huge favor :x Would you be able to photoshop wood shutters for me to get a visual of that? I’m guessing it would have to be a darker wood so that they don’t blend in with the house. I really wanted a pop of color on the front door. Maybe a pretty dark wood colored door. Keeping it simple. I also agree that the black does not look bad at all.

Linda, those are nice Lights! Unfortunately, idk of a Costco around here and now I’m not sure of anything all over again! Haha.

DH, I was born in the 70’s but I don’t think that era fits me. Lol. Even if I kept them (I had the same feeling about them at first... wrong but right) I’d have to do something like the flowers boxes. Try to modernize them if you will. I’d prob keep them black as well. That brings me back to the front door color... I can’t do black & blue. Reminds me of a bruise!!!

Laken, I had to laugh because it's really not possible to tell the difference between wood and vinyl shutters in Photoshop. But I stole you some anyway and made them a darker blue along with a darker blue door.

And even darker blue:

I have a similar house that came also with shutters. Does anyone know if the aesthetic for mid century modern includes shutters? My house looks pretty much like Laken's house.

You could do green shutters and window boxes--green is pink's complimentary color and classic for shutters.

Hey Fori : `)

I do "call[] out" all that other nonfunctional "cr@p" as well. But, as far as purposefulness goes, not all shutters are installed to protect window glass. Louvered shutters serve to shade and "air-condition" a home. Personally, I think it's those oversized shutter wannabes that lend the MacMansion effect.

Also, I think the iron railing looks a little weak or tinny. A picket would look better imo.

Thanks Grover... I was thinking wood stained (brown) shutters & a dark blue door. No wonder you laughed! Haha. I think I’ve given up on the blue based on your pics. I googled wooden shutters and idk how I feel about them.

I‘m now thinking black shutters (more of a rustic style) with wooden (brown) flower boxes & a wooden door. I like the thought of bringing in the wood element(s). Hopefully pulling the brown out of the brick instead of the pink. I’d be missing the pop of color though. Maybe that’s where the plants and flowers come in?

I think I’m keeping the current rails around the porch until I add a front porch which then would give the house some shape and include a small sitting area. The man door for the garage facing the current porch now so I will be limited on how far i can go with it. Right now I’m looking to give the house a mini makeover I guess you’d say.

This is an example of what I’m looking to do short term without breaking the bank. I have some interior things I need to do before I do that.

I need to figure out how to add the wood elements I want.

Flower boxes: not crazy about those shutters though

Front door: In this pic I do like the wood shutters with the door.

The pic Anna posted is the inspiration, if you will. I think the brick is similar to ours and can work with the wood & metal

Oh ho, now I'm laughing at myself. You meant stained wood shutters instead of painted ones. Duh on me.

Maybe a little darker...

Eh, doesn’t look as I expected. I’m leaning towards black shutters with a wood door. Thoughts?

Thank you for posting again Grover!!! It was probably my wording that threw you lol!

Wood doors are classic. A navy door might look nice. Large samples of the colors you’re thinking of help tremendously.

Very excited to see your updates.

IMO, the black shutters look much better than any other color, although green shutters (as someone previously said - just can't find that response now to say who the writer was) can look good in the right color of green, but that is the very tricky part. Personally, I would stay with the classic black. As far as wooden flowers boxes: My daughter had wooden flower boxes on her house and they were just lovely. However, neither of us though about what wood does when left to the elements - it rots. She came home from work one day and found one flower box on the ground and within a month all the flower boxes fell because they had rotted. Just a word of caution. She decided, and I agreed, not to buy new ones and have them installed and now we are used to the great look without the flower boxes and in actuality have decided it looks much better without them. Even neighbors have commented on how much better it looks without the flower boxes and they matched the shutters; very interesting to us. And please, do not paint that garage door gray - it will make your brink look even more pink.

Hey Again, Laken : `)

I would keep the door, the shutters--ones that are functional or designed to look functional--and the flower boxes in the same color scheme. There are quite a few around here where the house is one color, garage door and/or window casings (too often white) another, shutters (usually conspicuously fake) are another still, the roof something else, and the door--and/or fence and/or deck--is wood-tone. It's just too much (IMHO) and looks like they forgot to paint it.

You can get wooden shutters/boxes which are treated--like those you don't like (but I love ; `) in the photo above--to protect against rot.

But . . . since you plan to keep the iron railing, you might want to get boxes in iron holders--that way you can get boxes in the same color as the shutters and also tie in the iron fence for a more cohesive look. And colorful flowers will complete the transformation from mid-century ranch into a charming cottage.

IF you do decide to get a wood-tone door you might want to go with something like this for a cohesive color scheme: https://www.houzz.com/products/arch-decora-window-box-with-bronze-tone-liner-36-prvw-vr~110606903

Or something like this to tie in black shutters with a wood door: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiY_fPy--7iAhWgHzQIHTK0A-8QjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FMedallion-Tapered-Window-Oil-Rubbed-Bronze%2Fdp%2FB018J8NO3O&psig=AOvVaw0eJkyDQtkVzfaYs1j_d699&ust=1560807664940949

Or a natural material that ties together black and brown as well: https://www.windowbox.com/window-boxes-planters/window-baskets-hayrack/scroll-windowbasket.html

PS: Don't tell "Old House Guy" I said this, but you could paint the brick whatever color you want ; `)

Just a thought but I think you need some wood elements to make a statement. If you were to build a beautiful would trellis from the wall of the garage to where the front door is and have a sitting front porch where you can gather for your peaceful evenings or early mornings surrounded by beautiful bushes and flowers. Do a new set of wooded garage doors that would also accent the trellis and the brick. A new front door or paint the current.

I haven't read the others but...get rid of oddly long shutters and Parisian wrought iron from wherever you see it. Get rid of kitschy lantern lighting, including little lamp post on lawn (nice grass), paint all trim and garage doors a taupe that is more grey than yellow or brown to modernize the house and de-emphasize the garage. The house shape and style is nice and The set-back from the street seems good. I'm going to say that the 'triangular?' cement walkway is going and a new hardscape - landscape plan for the front is in order. curving walkway to driveway, lined with planted beds. I'd have to think about landscaping. looks like fun project!

Okay. I've read some more of the suggestions. I think you could have a local craftsman MAKE shutters: proper old fashioned louvered shutters in proportion to the windows and the house. Do not paint them black. how about a softer charcoal with some brown in it. Nightfall or Kendall charcoal by Benjamin Moore. if possible I would match the window trim to the garage doors, a shade or two darker than the brick but be careful, you don't want to bring out the yellow in the brick. The best advice I ever heard about painting front doors. NEVER match colour to garage or shutters. once everything else is decided upon pick the colour you most loved from whenever you can remember: Make THAT the front door colour. I have a friend with a brown house and 'frown brown' shingles but when she painted her front door her signature Periwinkle blue the house came to life! Do you live somewhere that you need a screen door? If not take it off, buy yourself a beautiful door. there are also stunning glass inserts that can go into steel or solid front doors that still meet fire codes. Trimming the tree is a great idea. Do you need a permit from your municipality to do that? What about the curving patio stone walkway with flower beds down to the driveway? it would connect the house more with the neighbourhood.

I would NOT paint the brick. The colour suggested for the garage doors looks green to me. you will have to go get samples of taupe shades that don't make the brick look orange or yellow or pinkish. it cannot be done online. photos are not exact but I think it needs to be a grey/beige/taupe maybe Ben Moore 'Bruton White'?. Would you ever sit out front? If you would I would consider a verandah but not with the raw wood elements some have suggested. You have an elegant American style bungalow, not a country homestead. If you wouldn't sit there then I wouldn't spend the money on it. The lawn is lovely and if you are a gardener at all then some colourful flowering shrubs and perennials would be lovely. The boxwood and rocket juniper looks like the former owner just wasn't too keen on gardening but you have that huge front lawn and obviously it's healthy soil so I would design some pretty flowering beds along with a shapely patio stone walkway.

Thanks all :) I love many of the suggestions & ideas presented!!! Making them come together will be my challenge. I can’t wait to start on it!

I’m most nervous about painting the garage doors. Yellow, orange & pink in the brick scares me. I’m going to reline the flower beds hoping to improve the look of the walkway for now. I need to decide what changes to the porch area I’m going to do first. I will be removing the screen door. No permit need for trimming the trees.

Smakcanada... thanks for the color suggestions by name. I’m going to check them out.

Tfbacon... cute flower boxes!!!!

The color for the garage doors can be the color of the mortar. I liked the first rendition by Grover.

(The one thing that is contemplated here with the biggest potential downside is the limbing up of the tree. Once it is done there is no undoing it. Trees are valuable assets. I do hope you will ask a knowledgeable arborist what is correct for the health of the tree I have seen so many trees trimmed and pruned incorrectly and even mulched incorrectly . . These things can take decades off the life expectancy of a tree.)

I’m back! We aren’t as far with the exterior as I thought we would be however we are on our way. We’ve had the tree trimmed, removed the cages from the windows, pulled out some bushes, replaced the lights. Plants are limited this time of year so we may wait til next year to redesign the beds. Next up is the garage doors, shutters and front door.

I am pretty sure I am keeping the shutters black but updating them. Better fit and different style. The front door will be a pretty natural medium wood (this is what I envision). Now the garage door color.... my options appear to be white or almond. Both with windows at the top. I’m nervous to go with almond but if I’m following with the trend on this post I need to avoid replacing white with white.

Here are some pics of the almond against the garage/brick. It matches the mortar pretty well. I’m also posting updated photos of the exterior so far. Any and all feedback is welcome :)

Houzz is weird uploading pics.... here’s a few more of the trimmed tree, etc (I hope!)

Beautiful!

I like your updates. I wish the lights were bigger but I love the style, nice find! You must be excited. Please keep us updated.

Thanks Anna. I thought the same once they were hung. The light post looked so big in the store I was worried. Then we hung it and I thought we had gotten the wrong one. I can probably get the bigger one on the garage for beside the door?

I agree that the lights are nice but the lawn lamp could have been bigger - but big improvement. You wouldn't go a little darker on the garage doors? the cream is nice but I like the taupe better.

Well I was worried going darker I’d end up in the same situation as going white. Of the small pieces they provided for color samples I’m not sure any will match with the brick. It’s mainly cream & red. ”Almond” was the closest color to the brick coating & mortar. I do really like the color of the doors you posted!

Btw just to put it out there I’m not loving the almond. Lol. I originally wanted pretty wood looking doors.

Is there any reason not to just paint your current garage doors? Be a lot cheaper than replacing them.

This is as close as I could get to almond from that bitty swatch you're holding:

Oh yeah, I widened and shortened your shutters while I was at it.

I have another rendering of the garage painted a taupe-y color close to the brick, but Houzz refuses to upload it. I'll try again later.

We have the wood-look doors, they do look nice. Is that an option for you?

Here are lighting size guidelines:

https://www.delmarfans.com/educate/choose-outdoor-lighting/

To be quite honest, I think the white looks best, Larken. Go by what you like and looks good from the street. If you paint the garage doors, are you also going to paint the window frames?

Grover! Thanks again so much for your imagines! They help a bunch!!! Also, thank you for your patience posting them... Houzz sure doesn’t make it easy!

Now I don’t think i care for the almond. In the sample book they gave us.... none seem to be what I’m looking for I guess. I could stick with white but this post’s replies have me nervous that’s the wrong choice. I do agree a door that blends with the house looks nice/bigger (per the taupe imagine above).

Our garage doors are quite old and the right one has a dent in 2 places where it has been hit before. I did ask the installer if we could just change out the bottom dented one & top rows as we would like windows along the top. He said we couldn’t. Also, not important in this post but we need new openers...I swear these ones are from 1973!!! Haha.

Laken: Sandstone would be my pick. New garage doors with windows make a huge improvement in modernization. I put insulated doors in & it made a big difference in heating and cooling bills on my house. it's great to get natural light in the garage too! I don't think you need yo match the window frames. and I already put my front door opinion out there.

You may want to paint sample boards and set them up against the doors. I agree about the insulated doors and windows. Our garage is insulated with insulated doors, and even on days when we’ve had a heat index of 110, it stays 85 in the garage.

The color of the window frames need to relate to some other color on the exterior of the house. To me, that natural choice is to match the garage door for a look of cohesiveness.

Laken, since you're going to replace the garage doors anyway, why not get some sample pots of paint and see what the taupe would look like at different times of the day.

...

Some ideas for when you're updating you landscape. Made this in Sprucer