Can you take a photos that shows the whole front in one shot? What are you willing to change? How much do you want to spend?

To echo Hallett & Co. - a shot of the entire front (and sides & rear) would help a lot. Just offhand I get a sort of Mediterranean vibe from the house. That might be a good inspiration for developing the exterior further.

I think your house looks very nice. I am not sure why you think it is ugly, because it definitely isnt. You could use a bit of color close to your entrance. Some big pots of colorful flowers etc. I like the paint. It goes well with your stone.

I agree. It’s nice. And it’s true to its style. What don’t you like about it?? I think it just needs some bigger windows on the right side. Some outdoor lighting. And some fun decor stuff. Definitely all matching shades will help.

I agree with others: back up so we can see what’s in front. And how much room you have in front. Pictures please.

Here’s a full view of the front exterior. To get more detailed, the stucco is starting to change color. What was initially a nice creme color is slowly becoming this sickly kind of yellow. Also, whomever built this house didn’t put enough layers on the exterior, so you can see the surface is blotchy in some areas. Would love to refine that, add window treatments, and maybe more to just give the exterior more definition. Again, without any accents, it’s a real eye sore in person - old apartment building vibes!

This is the front door? So you have no yard at all?

I think you should post in the landscaping forum, and specify your location/zone. I am an amateur, but I think you need to define the front door better, perhaps 2 large pots flanking the entry (narrow pots? perhaps there's not much room) with colorful flowers. I think the front door lights could be bigger. Some kind of awning over front entry...small. In that planting space along the curve of your driveway, perhaps some bushes to line the driveway...so that that space makes sense and sweeps one into the "courtyard/motorcourt".

I don't think you need any "window treatments" on the exterior. The dark colored garage doors/fence aren't my favorite, and I would paint the garage doors the stucco color, and the fence---idk, something else besides blackish-brown. It's just me, but in the land of sunshine, it looks gloomy. Additionally, it would make the gorgeous iron entry doors stand out more.

So, overall, a landscape overhaul would help.

We have a small patch of yard off to the right, and it’s a fine little area. But the first impression of the house is definitely where we want to focus. Love the idea of a small awning! And agree, the brown colors are gloomy.

Regarding budget, probably looking to spend around $15K.

Are you looking to change the windows? One consistent window style would help- probably black casements. The big window over the front door is really flat. I would also remove all the peel and stick stone- it doesn’t relate to anything on the building- doesn’t align with sills or anything. Smooth stucco everywhere and stone around the front door could bring more attention there. If I was replacing the window over the front door I would probably shorten it so it matched the rest of the second floor and left space below for an awning or pergola.

Replace the builder-grade garage and entrance lights. I would scale up the ones by the door and move to something longer on the garage. replace all the gravel with a garden. Paint the house so the doors can stand out, replace the garage doors with something more bling bling. IDK what the budget is here...

Awning is a great suggestion. Also agree with changing the lights. You could also paint the fascia & soffit a contrasting color.

I don’t think you need to do too much to improve the exterior. I would start by repainting the entire stucco so it’s fresh and evenly coated. Then define the front entrance a bit more with potted plants and better landscaping under the window area. I think those simple changes will make a big difference. It’s a nice home.

I think a fresh coat of paint will work wonders for this. I also agree about the lights - they seem out of scale. They need to be bigger.

I would also look into molding around the windows - they look unfinished.

Try one or 2 things at a time so you don't spend too much money or go to far with things.

Good luck!

It's a beautiful home. Agreed. A nice, fresh, even coat of paint on the stucco and some larger wall lanterns won't break the bank and gives you instant upgrade and curb appeal.

Norwood Architects nailed the failed attempt at Mediterranean style. I'd run with that. Bit by bit as budget allows.

Photos: Homedit

Consider strong muntins and mullions added from the outside. (Fakery in the service of stylistic consistency.). More appropriate lighting fixtures. Removing the stone accent wall. Modest addition of stucco moulding features.

paint and bronze windows would be a huge improvement.

the white w/the sliding style just doesn't fit the style of the home (which leans mediterranean)

just changing out those windows will have a huge effect on how this home looks.

Even if you could just do the windows that are visible from the front, (for now) would help. you could do the others at a later time when the budget is better.

this is similar style. notice the metal awning, the dark trim, and the bronze windows. this is what you need.

These windows on the upper. exactly what you need

See? much better. I did the window over the front door from the very last picture

bring in garage doors like this, and you're set!

the doors too. use this color combo for stucco and trim:

posting these so you can see stucco color w/the darker windows and the darker trim

bronze windows, but notice the warmer wood garage door and front door

white stucco, wood garage door, bronze windows. I also like the addition of this blue color on the frames

Thanks all! Here’s another question: what is everyone’s thoughts on some kind of line to separate the two floors? Feels like there is this big, blank space in the middle of the wall, and wondering if a little break might help. Thoughts?

no line. (unless you get a bigger budget)

just get the new windows and paint the stucco a creamier white.

maybe some larger lights and probably different garage door style.

Your garage doors are rather generic.

just a quick photo shop. (your lights appear too small and too high). doors fit the home better.

you could think about doing an arbor or something over the doors. maybe different plants off to the left

i like this brighter white stucco, and this type of garage door

This is what you need. and bigger lights

if you want the outside to look better, spend the money on the things that count, Windows, Spanish style garage doors, and paint. maybe some landscaping like pruning. That's all you need

and a new address plaque (where it can be seen)

copper pots w/tall plants, or some of those brightly colored ceramic pots would be a bonus

I could see this home going in a contemporary direction too. What is your style inside?

modern, traditional,,,,those windows still need replacing

everyone’s thoughts on some kind of line to separate the two floors?

A possibility as mentioned earlier.

But with a $15K initial budget, there's only so much (or so little) that can be done to begin with.

At a minimum:

1. Add exposed rafter rails
2. Add an awning over the entry door and over the first floor window.
3. Install larger wall sconces
4. Proportional planters to flank the entry door.
5. More substantial landscape under 1st floor window

Would be nicer:

6. Replace windows to be bronze and SDLs
7. Paint stucco slightly darker
8. 1/2 round gutter downspouts
9. Latticed vine on side wall of garage that faces street. (See photo)
   
   

Red Butterfly you were reading my mind. I would change garage doors too.

I did a mock up w/garage doors in my first comment. along w/the windows. yes, newer doors and windows will completely change the look of the home. for the better

windows similar to this^ with garage doors and lights like this:

and a whiter stucco color

I know what you mean about the gap, comes from the upper windows not being in proper proportion for the space, or with the other windows, I think.

I thought perhaps a trellis but I can't work it out.