A lighter color on the walls will make the house look bigger. A lighter color shingle will help keep the attic cooler.

Things that would improve appearance and/or function are: Add cheekwalls to the steps so as to keep soil from washing onto them, make lawn maintenance easier, and give a more solid, substantial look to the property. Increase the size of landings above and below the steps. We can't see it, but likely widen the walk that extends left of the door. (There's a good chance the large tree walk is too close to the house.) Raise the canopy of the 'Bradford' pear tree. Dense, dark tree foliage so close to the ground is obstructive to view, yard use below the tree, and looks oppressive. At the right wing of the house, continue the hedge around the side to connect with the main portion of the house. Below the bank of windows and in front of the landscape wall, create a colorful planting of annuals for ongoing display. Around the large tree, create a mound-shape shrub with multi-season interest. Remove the scruffy growth of large tree from in front of the eaves.

The birch was allowed to grow past young age with a horrible structure, especially for its placement directly in line with the house center. Were it mine, I'd either want it to reform, in spite of the fact that it would need to go through an awkward period, or I'd want it gone. It is the bottom limbs branching off at 4' above the ground that looks so bad. I'd remove the two lowest every year until it was reformed.

I can't believe we are doing it.....but.....we are selling our 2600 sf craftsman and moving around the corner to a 1500 sf 1980's ranch. Hello downsizing! Majority of the budget is consumed by the interior update and back porch addition. Painting the brick is not a option...at least, not now. I have a few ideas for a facelift and would appreciate advise/opinions. Remove tiny porch columns and railing. Replace with three cedar (stained) columns. Replace storm door with a cedar (stained) storm door. Definitely remove shutters from window under porch (wrong size) I'm not sure about removing all shutters. I don't think the existing shutters are the correct size. But I am concerned that removing them would make the home too plain. I would like to add cedar window boxes...I think. :) Shingles are dark grey. I really need help with paint colors for trim. I am considering removing the window muntins and painting the window sills black (inside and out) and trimming with a creamy white. Yikes! Make me nervous!! The windows are all wood and in excellent condition. If I keep the shutters, what color? Charcoal, Dark Blue/Navy, Olive Green? Of course, the landscaping will be redone. I really need some advise on exterior color choices and some of my ideas. I love this little ranch. She is so adorable! My style is mostly transitional - nothing too trendy.