SFGate

rinqreation Something cheerful, so it won't look like a seacontainer/trailer (no offense).
The first picture is linked to an article just to tickle.

AMN Questions:
1. What color is your roof?

2. What material is your siding?

Thank you.

AMN Ok. I had some extra time on my hands (and I'm procrastinating doing something I should be finished with).

This is an illustration showing some ideas I had for approaching your exterior. The look is pretty conservative, but I thought you can always add funkiness through light fixtures, door colors, plantings, and urns.

More:
- New lamp post
- Plant an ornamental tree in the front somewhere (like a Japanese maple)
- Remove basketball hoop if not used.
- Update house numbers to something sleeker
- Don't store hose on front of house
- Beef up trim
- Consider removing shutters
- Make a fence for front of trashcans or store in garage
- Edge walkway with plantings.

kag123 There is a book called Suburban Renewal that might have ideas--lots of makeovers!

lalisera Thanks so much for the great ideas i have a couple of questions there is a renovation of a bi level listed that I love and I'm wondering what u think about the portico and stone ill attach the image and I would appreciate your opinion and what software do u use make changes on the uploaded photo ? M

lalisera Of course smaller but I love the shape and the wood what do u think?

rinqreation I just bumped into something:

handymam lalisera, I think this look would be a great update for the home in question. It really would make the front door pop out and focus attention on it!

DIAspoton you've gotten many good suggestions.alot will come down to budget. i like the photo you posted. you could have an arbor built over the garage. 2' wide,painted white. leave it plain or cover in a vine or climbing roses.
a prettier front door and foundation plantings.

AMN You should definitely consult with an architect, as he or she will know how you can apply a triangle shaped portico on your house without it looking simply tacked on--or what other beautiful options are available to you if the triangle isn't going to look right.

I used Adobe Illustrator to do my pic. It's what I have around for other purposes (school and work), and it's what I know how to use.

AMN I took this terrible photo while running today (didn't want to look like a stalker so I didn't stop to take the pic). Our neighbors are updating their split. No front-facing gable, but they have two heights that work to their benefit. Just thought you'd like to see.

rinqreation all clear :)

sandy larsen Wow, your house is almost exactly like ours except we have UGLY bluish green stone on the front. Vinyl siding about the same color as yours plus dark brown trim. We've talked about eventually putting siding on that is either cedar shingles or shingle look Hardyboard and go with more of a craftsman feel. Our only options are either to chisel the dang stone from the front of the house or paint it which would mean constant upkeep.

Living Space Landscapes Landscaping with evergreens and strategically placed shrubs will soften the appearance. Fresh snow also helps.