I think it's a good-looking house, with good proportions. I wouldn't call it "chopped up" looking at all. The mushroom-colored siding and white trim don't do anything for each other. I'd paint the siding (first and second floors both) something like the brick color you're testing in the photo of the front door, but with a bit more orange, and a few shades lighter than the brickwork. Paint the garage door the same color. That should give the house more unity than it currently has, de-emphasize the garage, and solve the "chopped up" issue. Consider painting the lower part of the downspout the brick color as well. I wouldn't use that color for the front doors, though, since you think the doors aren't noticeable enough. White or black would work, as you're already using them for accent colors (and both colors appear in the used brick). Or keep the doors blue. Wait to decide about shutters for the large window until after you've painted the siding. If it bothers you, install shutters; if not, save your money. [Another factor in this decision is the landscaping on either side of the window; will there be shrubs to cover the shutter area? and do you know what the hollies are? Since you're removed most of the shrubs, an updated photo would help.] While shutters are optional, I think a window box under the large window is a definite 'No.' The window is too low. Plant 2-3 evergreens in front of the window instead, and grow flowers in front of them in the warm season. I don't think changing the columns would draw more attention to the front doors, since the columns are in four different locations across more than half of the building. What will help is keeping shrubbery from concealing the area around the entrance. If whatever climbs the trellis will hide the front doors, then move the trellis elsewhere. I wouldn't put anything taller than a foot or a foot and a half in the area in front of the doors. If you want more color in that area, consider adding a narrow bed on the other side of the walkway for some flowering annuals or perennials. How narrow is the narrow bed? Does the porch run the whole distance to the driveway? Am I seeing a walkway in front of the narrow bed, or is that snow? Can you tell us what zone you're in? It will help with the shrub and tree recommendations. If you don't know your zone, you can use your zip code to find out: http://www.garden.org/zipzone/index.php

Have you thought about wall paper on that wall you definately need a better light and IMO no Edison bulbs any hwere if you really care about colors you choose.You have some nice choices but then you cast a yellow light over it all. Change your bulbs to LEDs in 4000K before doing anything moore you will be surprised how much better everything looks at night.

Hello Duncan, Don't worry about the measurements. I put the renditions together with what you gave me. Here is another suggestion for your consideration. In this one you will find: One 10'6" sectional with two chaise lounge on either ends. One easy chair with a matching ottoman. One 5 x 8 foot area rug. One large piece of art on the long wall. One large horizontal mirror on the stair way wall. Your TV console and TV One floor lamp Sheer curtains on the window. On tall thin floor vase with dried flowers in it. Hope this helps. Best Wishes, MAE

Not sure about your concern regarding the fridge next to the sliding door. The photos of the actual space look like there's about 3 feet between the door and the current counter. If you are swapping the fridge and stove locations, it looks like you would still have a few feet of counter to the right of the fridge before you get to the door - so no, that would not bother me. But the rendering makes the space look smaller than the photos do so I'm not sure if you're moving things farther to the right or not. An idea for the pantry and banquette in the dining room, perhaps you could put in a shallower than normal pantry in the corner and incorporate the bench seating into the cabinetry - possibly including a little more on the other side for symmetry if that is important to you. Not sure if that would be actually functional, but it's an idea to play around with.