Thank you all so much. I appreciate the input. Celerygirl, seeing the colors imposed on the house is amazing. I like them all. Probably favor the top one. Can I bother you for the paint name? Love the door, would never have picked something like that! Houssaon, The belly board is the the strip that separates the bottom brick from the upper siding? It really does make a difference in the sample house you posted. It would run from the left side of the house, over the garage doors, little porch area, over the first floors windows and then ends at the right side of the house? I really like that idea. Thank yo so much. Ohio, Thank yo for you recommendation. Is there room for taller windows, which I far prefer, and if so, would you install windows with or without mullion? K Laurence and Decoenthusiast, I agree, however, we listed our house, expecting it to sit a while and it sold in 2 days. Our rental has fallen through and our timeframe for remaining in the area lengthened longer than anticipated. We have a trusted contractor who can supposedly do it all in 2 months (fingers crossed!!!!). If this falls through, we have no where to go :( Thank you all so much!! p.s. what do you think about the little porch area? can anything be done to enhance/change the railing.

Hi Jan, I actually do have a consult with an architectural firm today to discuss 'the plan'. I wouldn't dream of touching anything that requires professional precision like hardscaping. I was merely asking for some ideas so I don't go in blind; hence I said 'tweaks and large projects'. Also, I can do some tweaks on my own; I don't believe painting trim or hanging house numbers requires anyone else other than myself.

You have a very charming house! But you are correct, it needs something. If this was my home I would add tons of white trim to the exterior. Big trim on the corners and around windows & doors. I’m not fond of the circular part above your front door. I would remove it. I would then install a different siding in the 2 large peaks and have a big piece of horizontal trim separating the 2 sidings. The siding within the peaks could be scalloped, or board & batten, or smaller and vertical, there’s lots of options out there. Also remove the storm door (I’m one of those anti-storm door people). Also, I wouldn’t go too crazy with landscaping. What you already have will grow and fill in.

@Elaine Doremus Resumes Written Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately we were not able to find any images of the home from the past. I was hoping some folks on Houzz might be able to tell what style it originally was or at least give some good direction on how to we can restore it. For example I think the roof line may have originally gone straight back, instead of the second pitched section of the roof you can see on the left side. I apologize - I know I am not using the correct terminology! The home also has cheap vinyl replacement windows, so I would like to one day replace them. Maybe the anderson craftsman or farmhouse line? I wonder if we would change the scale of the windows at all...