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A picture would be useful. Here's a guide to post pics: Posting Pictures Without seeing it, I'll only offer that I love these fall color schemes from Benjamin Moore (whether they fit your house will remain to be seen). Here is a link that might be useful: Fall Colour Combinations by Benjamin Moore

I just wanted to add to a few of the comments... Wider trim becomes a feature of design rather then a functional necessary. I'd keep it. I'm always looking at how something can be done in the Least expensive manner, and the least wasteful way. I say work with what you've got! You have a 70's/modern architecture, trying to make it into anything else with out a large redesign will most likely leave you with one of those houses people drive by and say hmm that somehow doesn't work. Can't change an apple into an orange but a nice buffing up can do wonders for that apple. Cream vs white. Yes white is crisp! It's contrast-y, and clean, it pops! But it can also be quite cold, and when you haven't alot of decorative trim to emphasize, and are working with a modern shape, it can feel too sharp. Sharp is not at all homey. An off white will still give you nice contrast, and keep those blunt edges soft and appealing. (hence why I suggested a cream tone- BUT avoid buttery tones with yellows) Bonus, that color matches all earthy neutral tones nicely. I would suggest the double doors, in keeping with the buildings design. But if you haven't room for them, I suggest the faux windows as you mention but the door and windows should not be of the classical variety with much wood-little window. You may be surprised at the options now in glass doors, such as privacy and security. The master bedroom where you are replacing the long windows? Keep them on the longer side then the boxy sort. In fact, take your photo..or my mock up and in an editor, toss in some square boxy windows. Very quickly you should note you lose your unique design and end up with a boring boxy wall. As far as landscaping goes...if you select low maintenance, drought resistant perennial plants and shrubbery, the up keep is amazingly easy, and you'll only need to replace the mulch once a year. Cheaper then gas for the mower and less time consuming too! Just remember to keep it natural looking!

Here are a few options. I would remove the shrubs in front of the bottom windows and add something taller in the center. I would also limb up the tree on the right to reveal move of your house. Eliminate the storm door and modernize the front door. I really like the darker taupe and the cedar color at the top. With a dark roof (charcoal, not black) and the wood piece over the garage door stained to match and the modern front door, I think it would completely change the look of the house. Don't do contrasting corner blocks, make everything the same color to keep from chopping up the house. Does your siding need to be replaced or will a good paint job do the trick? If you're going to replace it, use the same wide size in a Hardi plank. You won't be doing the house any favors if you replace nice, wide siding with chintzy 5" vinyl. Power wash the concrete step, add a tall black planter and modern coach lights. Hope this helps!