Hi Sueb20; we're around the corner in MA on buzzards bay. Many newer builds around us use the pre-finished shingles,which in the long run are more economical than painting every few years. It boils down to putting up the $$ now to save later. I always take the easiest (and least expensive) road. Painting this house is so costly, and it's literally a money pit w/ one major thing after another...having to put in sewer; french drains for flooding; a leaky roof; and on and on. And yes, neighbors are another tricky issue.. Wouldn't want to "steal" their paint color! Me too...about a fun door color. Like the idea of teal blue to match the ocean...but would that be stealing an idea from you?? I'm leaning towards lighter colors for the house...maybe something creamy w/ a clean white on the trim. I have been inspired by posts here, and especially by the Lettered Cottage blog -- my new fav. addiction. Thanks for the input. I'd do raisin if i had a different husband.

Thanks Design Interior South for your comments and reference to “boob lights”. Ha haha ... I am definitely replacing them now! Yes I’ll keep the tile floors but will likely put rugs on them. Staircase...yes needs to be updated for sure. I got a few quotes and it’s nearly 4000 to paint. I can get new spindles and posts for this much which I think would make a bigger impact than just painting. Happy to hear if you disagree. Re the kitchen, I’ll be getting a white/cream quartz countertop with an overhang plus changing the backsplash to match/complement the countertop. Hopefully that will lighten up the very dark kitchen nook. The other option is to paint the cabinets white which I am still thinking about.

Can you post a picture of the exterior?

If you really want a change, maybe a version of the neutral paint that picks up a darker stone color on the garage side of the house. Shutters need not be functional and need not be taken down. They have evolved into a decorative element, and sometimes the exterior needs that element. If you can Photoshop your house picture, try coloring over the shutters to see whether or not the building looks too bare.