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olldbobbi I like this one, it's beige but interesting: [houzz=French Colonial]
This is also a good color scheme: [houzz=a house of six gables - the exterior]
And this one has a stronger blue: [houzz=Less Lawn More Garden]

chrisadamsteach Thanks for the color ideas. Any ideas re: a portico or attic dormers?

houssaon You house may not be symmetrical, but it is balanced.

adele56 I would suggest that you drive around your neighborhood to give you ideas. You will see many houses that have all sorts of differing materials in ways you wouldn't think if you didn't really get up close and look. You will also be able to find some similar houses to yours that have been updated. In my neighorhood I have seen many houses like yours with large creamy stone wrapping around the entire first floor or just where you have your brick now or on the entire house but not the garage. In my neighborhood many houses combine stone on the first floor and some type of cedar shake either real or faux on the second floor. It is what I am thinking about doing for my own exterior. It really is the nicest architecture in my neighborhood. I would love to see after photos. With just a little updating your house will look totally different! Good luck and have fun.

pruner Maybe not a portico, but perhaps extending the verandah to the left? Add a couple of columns at the top of the stairs and some colourful plants near the entry.

Elise Build out your entry with a full length porch. Highlight the architectural features with darker color on top half and white on the bottom half. Extend your entry roof across the house and arch the entry. Change out your door to a new one with sidelights; or go completely different and change the whole look of the house from colonial to craftsman.

kevinbrown i think it looks good!!!

chrisadamsteach Thanks to all for the helpful responses. Elise: I am intrigued by the idea of giving the house a more craftsman feel...

lshape The shutters on the lower lovel look too small. How about window boxes under the garage windows? Larger columns on the front porch would help too.

adele56 I agree w/Elise. A craftsman feel would be great

mrswolf I agree with going craftsman. You already have the clean lines. Perhaps a stronger more forward entrance with beefy columns and built in benches with a fantastic hanging ceiling fixture? Don't know if you have wood siding or not, but a deep moss green or deep charcoal could be nice with a contrasting trim of cream or black to make the brick really pop. Lose the shutters and have a carpenter add craftsman style casings around the window to add some weight. Good luck!

jhmyer You could start with a porch or a portico,some stone veneer,new siding and windows,etc.I could email you a list of homes that I have remodeled right in you neighbor hood. I have many within a stones throw from your house. jhmyer1@verizon.net