Sunny, I understand what you mean about making the kitchen feel more custom with tile and new counters but those can be really personal choices and a buyer might appreciate an allowance instead. From the pictures I actually don't mind the countertops, it's the kitchen light that looks much more dated to me. I would consider replacing the big rectangular light with some recessed lights if possible. The lighting change would be less of a DIY friendly project than the countertops so a buyer might appreciate the lighting update more. The oak cabinets, although in great condition, actually look dated to me, but I think you need the wood color to warm up the space with all the tile-maybe just some different cabinet knobs/pulls? The house is very clean and uncluttered but in some areas looks a little bare. Maybe add some more artwork on the walls in the eat in area in the kitchen. The artwork above the sofa might look better if there were two or three pictures instead of the one to help balance the length of the sofa in the space. Rugs would be nice to break up and warm up all the expansive tile and ground the furniture so it doesn't look like it's sort of floating, it will also help define room spaces. Something simple like a solid warm nuetral color with just some texture would be nice-more like a natural Rattan, not like a plush or shag. I would place them under the piano, kitchen table area, sofa/coffee table area. In the Master bedroom I would love to see more art on the walls as well. The art over the bed seems too large and unbalanced with the curve of the headboard- you could try two smaller same size pictures placed on either side of the middle hump in the headboard. Maybe take the bed off the risers and get rid of one of the night stands and lamps, since they don't look like they match-could just be the picture. If the nightstands do match then I would get matching lamps. You might consider changing out the cafe curtain in the kitchen table area to a solid instead of a print. Fresh flowers for an open house or showing in almost any room can be nice. The septic tank-We almost didn't buy our house because it has a septic tank (on the listing they had marked city sewage) however, with a pump and inspection paid for by the seller, we were able to find out the construction and condition of it, and we felt better about it.

Find a paint chip card that has the colors of the lightest, medium and darkest bricks. Use the lightest color for the siding and the darkest for shutters. A new pinkish white will be fine for the trim that is already white. Test your samples on foamcore board cut to the width of the shutters.

The dilemma you have is how to stay somewhat true to the style of the exterior of the home, while finding your happy place with Nordic look. With your brick, I think some form of blue with white trim would achieve that sweet spot. This is a blue/gray with close to your brick. this is a good combination. They used black on the windows which I think looks very classic. By keeping the exterior to two paint colors you will minimize the "Gingerbread" look. That is the trick here. What a great home and I am so happy you are taking care of a great old home! Love that.

I don't like the long shutters on the lower windows. they look odd. And the ones on the other window are too small and really shouldn't be on the triple window. I'd remove all of the shutters on the lower level. You could always remove the shutters and do window trim in the black. As for the coloring, it will look like this (and doing white siding) but this black and white looks sharp because this home has a black roof. you don't. so keep that in mind when choosing your colors porch posts, like this If you want to change the entry way area: if you're thinking about painting the brick (Romabio) it could look like this: Another painted brick and porch redo. Along with a nice walkway and flower bed This before picture will mimic the colors that you want to do to your home. The after shows what can be done if you want more of a farmhouse style and this before and after comes from another poster on here who wanted more of a modern look So, lots of options for you!