I took a little road trip this weekend and happened to notice a fence that made me think of your post. It took some time finding what the style was called, but I think this is similar. It is not solid on the bottom, but has a second set of pickets that are so close together, nothing from the bad neighbors could blow through. And the advantage to the open pickets is a well aimed leaf blower will clear your side of the fence and will simultaneously blow their leaves away from your fence without you having to move off your property. I completely understand not wanting to access the fence or a hedge from their side. I have neighbors like that, too. Ugh! From what I can see it's called a puppy picket. I know this is taller than what you want, but this is the idea. Another example (I don't care for the top portion of this fence, but you can see the idea of the double pickets at the bottom, with more open pickets at the top). I am linking because the pic is large and I can't seem to reduce it. Here is a link that might be useful: puppy picket This post was edited by olychick on Wed, Nov 5, 14 at 11:17

Nice looking brick. I wouldn't touch it. Don't take a no maintenance product and turn it into a long term maintenance issue. #1: The shutters are not appropriate for the size of your windows. I would remove and not replace them. #2: Would you consider changing the color of the siding? A darker tone that works better with the brick (gray, taupe, blue, etc.) would make the house seem more cohesive. #3: Windows look fairly new so I would leave them as is. #4: I would remove the large shrub/tree in front of the triple window and replace it with something smaller. Actually most of the landscaping looks older so I would think about replacing everything but the tree at the right corner of the house. #5: Can't tell from your picture but I would paint the door a color that makes it a focal point and draws the eye to the entrance. Most of these are fairly inexpensive changes. A more expensive one would be adding a porch over the front door to add some depth to the facade. If you're interested in seeing some virtual makeovers of your house check my website, Creative Visual Concepts.

It seems to me that you have a couple of style features on this exterior that are in opposition. I know it has the outlines of a garrison colonial, but the modern windows and the siding obscure that and really make me think more modern, at first glance. The colonial front door doesn't match. Even though it wouldn't be your first or even second choice, I would go with that modern vibe. Change the front door to a more modern look, along with the light (get a larger one), house numbers, and mailbox when you can. Ditch the wreath and replace it and the bench with something simpler - maybe one or two colorful, large, modernish planters. maybe put those new house numbers & mailbox where the wreath is If you can afford it, consider painting all sides of the house a medium dark blue (yes, aluminum can be painted) - otherwise, do just match the taupe.

You have a lovely classic colonial home! My first thought is no shutters--you don't seem to have enough room, and there usually weren't shutters on that style. Also, I wouldn't do two-tone, and don't worry about the neighboring homes--do what you like with yours! I love a red clapboard colonial, like this one, with a black door (but not necessarily black mullions on the windows). Or a medium gray with white trim and a red door: This historic replica is dramatic in a taupe-y brown with a reddish door: Dark gray with red doors: Light gray with red doors: Another beauty--red siding with a yellow door! How cool is this one at Sturbridge Village? Red with red trim!!!