It looks like the brick could use a wash. I would paint the siding a green similar to the shutters, or a tan or a grey. Remove the shutters. Black on the door and white on the pediment.

I would get new wood shutters for all the windows without them, and paint them very dark navy blue and the window trim black.

Green Cliffs Road · More Info

I would remove the door shuttters and the porch light, and get a black storm door. Paint the pediment white. Put lights on either side of the door, something a bit modern, like simple globes.

Replace the hand rails with one handrail going up the middle of the steps.

I’d rip out the concete walk and replace with white/gray pebble stone, but only if it fit the neighborhood and climate

I’d keep the ornamental bushes clear of the porch — just use them to either side. Plant low plants, blooming or not, around the porch and railing

But how much do you want to “modernise”? Get one of those apps where you can play around with trim and door colors. I’m wondering if painting the columns black against the white would be interesting, or bright color door...

I would remove door shutters.

or

Power wash the brick, remove both sets of shutters, and paint the white area of the house in a darker color so it doesn't have as much contrast to the brick - dark taupe, warm gray, or grayed green. Paint the pediment white like the rest of the trim.

For a lot of people these days “modernizing” means “paint it gray”

not sure how much longer that trend will last

From the way the first floor brick is colored, it looks like there were once shutters there. Yours Is one of the few styles of homes that really would look good with shutters, as long as they are proportional to the windows. Remove the door shutters for sure and clean the brick. Use dark shutters the same color as the door.

Hi Grace,

Beautiful home! Can you give us any history on the house?

It looks like the middle section was already "modernized" at some point, which may have fixed some issue, but maybe lost some curb appeal in the process.

My guess is it was originally all brick exterior, any thoughts on restoring it?

Thank you all for your creative input!!

i don’t know much of the history of the house but I think it was built in the 50s, there are many houses in my town that look like this. most of them have all of the shutters up, I’ve seen a light grey brick (not painted) version with light blue shutters on our block.

I thought about powerwashing the brick but I actually prefer the darker faded “wash” over the brighter orange it may naturally be underneath. With new shutters on the windows I don’t think the bright orange brick will be noticeable anymore.

I have tried to play with some paint color apps but cut and paste was easier I came up with this from the image from Ital Mover.

our storm door is brand new so I think we will have to keep the white exterior windowpanes for now but I like a dark slate navy blue maybe for new shutters and a fresh black door?

you guys have the best ideas!

Definitely add new shutters. I’d do something a bit more unique rather than those shutters above. Maybe slatted shutters with some hardware.
Whenever you can. I would ideally want to see the shutters by the door removed. With a bigger door in its place. An updated railing and walkway.
Overall your house has beautiful character and tonsss of potential

Nice job

I would still take away the 2 ornamental bushes closest to the walk. Let the entire porch be visible, full width.

If you have extra $$ to spend, getting new metal railings that flair out in a curve at the bottom would be welcoming.