Hi
I just bought a house that needs some exterior help. I don't have a creative bone in my body and am hoping someone has some ideas on improving the curb appeal. I've tried to think of different things but what I need is a visual. I've looked for computer programs that would allow me to upload the picture and try on things like shutters, planters etc. but have had no such luck so I am putting a picture of the house here for anyone who can use a software program to show me rather than tell me what it can look like. http://i759.photobucket.com/al...lewis/housefront.jpg

Hope there is someone who can help. Thanks

The house needs COLOR!!! Thank goodness you have neutral siding and roof, so almost ANY color scheme will do. You can paint the door, the porch railings, the posts, and the window trim, and corner boards if you have them...it looks like you do, from the picture. Some more mature landscaping would help, also, but more mature plants cost more.

I'd say the window trim and the corner boards should be a light neutral color, just dark enough to contrast with the siding. What color will depend on what other choices you make. The door should be a deep bright color, and the porch posts and railings might be a lighter shade of that color.

Let me see what I can do with your photo...maybe I'll post it with some color suggestions.

Thanks Richard
I can't wait to see what you come up with. As I said, I'm not very creative and I have even less imagination.

Here's a suggestion...the proportions are off some, and I don't love the color scheme, but it's an idea of what you can do with color. Surely you have a friend who has a good color sense, who can help you put together color schemes for your consideration.

You don't have a lot of room for shutters, but maybe the narrowest shutters, like 12 inches or 14 inches wide, may be another place to add color. Vinyl shutters are inexpensive and easy to install.

Here's the sketch:
http://www5.snapfish.com/slide...122549428_122549428/

Thanks. I just moved here so not too many friends to ask which is why I appreciate this forum so much. I'm really needy! Here's another problem -My kitchen is still in the 50s along with the rest of the house. I'm not sure what to do with it but I know I don't like laminate counters or the enamel sink. I do like the size of the old cabinets though. I'd prefer natural stone but can't afford it. (I have to remove a bowed wall in my basement and have it waterproofed!). Is there material that could be used for a counter top that resembles the look and feel of natural stone (granite, marble etc.). See kitchen here.http://i759.photobucket.com/albums/xx239/Margierlewis/kitchen.jpg

Fake anything always looks fake. Live with the laminate counters until you can afford the real thing. It doesn't look like you have a great deal of counter, so some form of stone won't cost you a fortune. I'd guess you have something like 24 square feet of counter, so figure on $2,400 to $3,000 American...I don't know if prices are higher or lower in Canada.

Once again your responses are appreciated. Thanks for the advice.

Hint from an architect who also cooks, and has laminate counters: use cutting boards to do all cutting, dicing, slicing, etc., and to place hot pots and pans on, so none of those things descend on the poor defenseless laminate counters. Actually, I found your kitchen to be quite attractive, at least from the photo. Simple, clean. Use color in some accessories to bring it to life...towels, potholders, ceramic vessels to hold utensils, stuff like that. Just pick stuff YOU like, and don't worry, it will all work together. Trust your instincts. =)

PS: does your wardrobe work together and look good? Then use the same color schemes in and on your house! =)