1952 Cape Cod.

by Melissa W

+148

Answered

I need some advise on what I can do to improve the looks of my house. I need door, window and landscape suggestions. The house will remain white as I am on a budget. But the roof will be replaced this year and I can change the color of the shutters. I do like the black and white but the door has be puzzled. There is a white wood crown molding trim around the outside of the door.. not the black trim, that is the storm door., not sure if I should paint it white or black and then the door white or black.. or some other color. I really love the awnings on the house.. but some family and some friends think I should have them taken off. Myself, I love the retro look of them. I'm just stuck on some details.

150 answers

Melissa W on Jun 25, 2013
Also.. I will be replacing the storm and entrance door to a new full glass storm and something with a frosted glass window on the entrance.

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Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos on Jun 25, 2013
I have a similar house but my cape cod is from the 40s and i have green shutters. You could definately paint your shutters a different color and then paint the door the same color too. In my opinion I would also take down the awnings and add some flower boxes under your first floor windows. Those things would be fairly easy to do and you would get some color and texture from the plants in the window boxes without having to spend a lot of money.

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Shari on Jun 25, 2013
I am neutral on the awnings--can take 'em or leave 'em, but if you like them, keep them. (They would look cute painted in black & white stripes.) I do like Jennifer's idea of window boxes but if you go that route, I think the awnings should come down. I like the gray on the roof so when you replace it, I would go gray again. I really like the black shutters. They provide a nice crisp contrast against the white so I would leave them black and paint your doors (both the storm door and solid door) a bright, fun color--a color that makes you happy. You have endless choices with your black & white combo. Maybe add a large pot of flowers or greenery on the porch to the right or left of the door. As far as the trim around the door, I didn't even notice it at first. If you want to highlight it, paint it black or whatever color you chose for your door. If you want to down-play it, keep it white. It is a really cute house. In my humble opinion, all it needs is a splash of a pretty 3rd color.

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Jenny@birdsandsoap on Jun 26, 2013
Our house was built in the fifties too. Similar style without the dormers. I love lots of interior light, but my husband insisted that we keep our awnings for energy efficiency in the summer heat. So, we painted them a nice color from white to burgundy to pop off of the neutral house color. Maybe a deep blue? That made a HUGE difference for us. I say keep the shutters the color they are and paint your awnings and front door a different color. We have a white roof and it is awful! I wish we had a charcoal grey. I think window boxes sound like a great idea too. Some landscaping would really improve the curb appeal too. Color and height against the house to contrast with the white siding.

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Mary on Jun 26, 2013
I like the awnings and think that window boxes would look charming with them.....you will have to adjust your plantings to the light they receive and water them though. Also, why not creat a cottage garden on both sides of your front walk? Talk about a blast of color and energy. Surely you can find friends and family willing to share some of their perennials and seeds are inexpensive.

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Pat on Jun 26, 2013
Shutters OR awning, but not both on same window. Having both is redundant, kind of like wearing sneakers over boots! (Even though your shutters are decorative, IF they were functional, then the purpose would be to close them for shade, which is not possible with awning.). I like the retro look of the awnings, but you need to consider if you need/want the shade or more light in your home. The molding around door is lovely, contrast color paint would show it off! Good luck, and please post the after photos.

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Heather (New House New Home) on Jun 26, 2013
In my humble opinion, there is nothing more classic than a white Cape Cod with black roof and shutters. For the door, I would suggest a bright red, yellow or even black (although that would be boring). Keep the shutters and lose the awnings to give the house a "lighter" feel. But if hubby is insisting on keeping them, then I would remove the shutters and paint the awnings black. Someone mentioned it was too much to have both and I agree. Your house is gorgeous! It just needs some colourful plantings and a bit more presence to bring it to life.

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Sheila samples on Jun 26, 2013
I would put on a front porch. Then make the walkway up to the door a meandering path of flowers and plants. I would put an archway at the driveway side of the walkway. I would definately scrap both the awnings and the shutters - or find some imaginative thing to do with the shutters - these ladies on Hometalk could help you with that. The front door has to be painted red and coach lights on either side to welcome visitors. ...

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K'Lea Johnson on Jun 26, 2013
My cape cod has a full covered front porch, it gives it a little bit of a country feel. The window are the originals and are about almost to the floor, I have seen others where the windows are all the way to the floor. You could add a lot of character just by getting rid of the shrubs and planting a cottage garden.

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Lori J on Jun 26, 2013
I would be tempted to get rid of the awnings, but that is a pure aesthetic reaction. You have to weigh the other pro's and con's. I would be tempted to pop your front door with a punch of color. Pinterest is a great place to look at door colors. If you keep the awning, maybe you can tie the door and awnings with the same color. I read budget, and I take that very seriously. I have been looking at some pictures where they extend the sidewalk with a perpendicular brick border to widen and brighten the walkway. We did some brick work. We had some antique pavers but when I needed more bricks, I was able to salvage them (for free) from our local tree and rubble dump. Craig's List is another possible resource. I agree with others who are suggesting a softer and less formal plantings.

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Lori J on Jun 26, 2013
Oh, and amen to window boxes. I am assuming this is a sunny side, so look for drought tolerant, heat lovers.

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Liliana Wells on Jun 26, 2013
I like the idea of color. But to update the look, I would remove the awnings from the window and cover the porch, either with a awning (less expensive) or actually frame in a covering to protect you and visitors from the elements. Potted plants would be an immediate and less expensive way of adding color. I like the idea of the archway at the driveway side of the walkway. Your house presents so many opportunities.

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Gal190634 on Jun 26, 2013
I've lived here on Cape Cod for 34 years. My suggestions are to put up shutters on the upstairs gable windows... half width, add your window boxes, paint the trim around the front door the same sharp black as the others and paint your door any color you'd like to make the whole thing pop. Cute house! Good luck!

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Georgia In-Home Services on Jun 26, 2013
get a roof for free by your insurance company. Chances are you have storm damage but are unaware of it. Insurance companies are aging fr roof replacements in every state. Us the money you had ushered fr new roof and put it into pant or something

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Georgia In-Home Services on Jun 26, 2013
are paying.... All u have to do is if d a local contractor to inspect your roof for free

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Melissa W on Jun 26, 2013
Oh my goodness.. such wonderful thoughts and idea's for this little house of mine. I feel the same as most of you do about the awnings and shutters. And I have too thought about window box's with cottage garden. But I needed to hear it from others. As far as DH.. there is none. All by myself on this project. Taking the shutters down, putting up window box's and a cottage garden I can do. As far as the roof Georgia, I have four quotes and no storm damage. But the roof quotes are all under 4k. Not bad. Thanks again everyone! Would love to hear more suggestions.

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Shari on Jun 26, 2013
The more I look at your photo, I realize if you remove the awnings, the front of your house (especially the lower half) is going to look very flat since you have no overhang over the porch. The awnings at least provide some dimension and interest. Black and white stripe is crisp and classic so I found several photos of B&W stripe awnings to give you a visual idea of what your awnings might look like painted. If I knew how to use Photoshop, I would add them to the photo of your house. Maybe another HT member can do that for you. (Also love Gaie's suggestion of half width shutters on upstairs windows! Great idea!)

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Melissa W on Jun 26, 2013
Shari.. That is a great idea! Thanks for posting pictures for a visual. I really like the house that has the awnings only at the bottom windows. Now there is a great thought. It may take some heavy off the house and allow me to have the awning look with less weight. Stripes are really cute too. Not sure why but it gives my a real coastal feel to the home. Kind of cafe on the beach feel to it. Thanks again for exploring this idea.! Love the pics.. thanks again!

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KMS Woodworks on Jun 26, 2013
I would also go with a portico of some kind...it would mimic the dormers to some degree. Some narrow shutters on the dormers would also tie things together. Personally I think the awnings are a bit out of character for the style.

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Shari on Jun 26, 2013
You are most welcome! I'm such a visual person so pictures always help me a lot. If this were my house, I couldn't be out there fast enough painting black stripes on those awnings! lol. :)

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Phil Miller on Jun 26, 2013
Paint the door red/burgundy and trim black. Shutters and awnings also should match. I like the black and white strips of awnings with black shutters. The upstairs trim around the windows should be black. The door will make the front pop. The rest is just compliments the front. If the budget permits, I would level the front lawn and place the steps at the driveway. Take the picture of the front of your house and color the door and awnings and trim to see these changes before you proceed with changes. This will give you ideas you never knew you had.

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Miriam Illions on Jun 26, 2013
Love the striped awning idea @Shari!

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Margaret Welker on Jun 26, 2013
I would paint the front door fire engine red. And hang a flag over the front door. I think that if you could put window boxes with seasonal planting such as red geraniums in the summer, pansies in the spring (or bulbs planted in the past fall for the following spring), mums in the fall, etc. It would warm it up a bit. To me it just seems stark and formal. Not that stark and formal is bad it just isn't my taste. Until you're sure cut out pictures in magazines and collect them into a folder to see what you afre really attracted to.

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Tegma on Jun 26, 2013
I would keep the shutters... Black is good, but add a nice red paint to the front door. I'd also paint, or change the storm door to white. I'd remove the monstrous hedges from the edge of the stoop and add some brightly colored flowers in their places. Also, some flower boxes are a must under the windows. Be sure they are the same size as the windows, with some ivy or other greenery hanging down, & bright flowers within. If you can afford to change the railings, I'd add a nice white vinyl railing from Lowes.

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Sfg178760 on Jun 26, 2013
Paint the shutters and paint the front door and brighter/darker shade!

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Sandra R on Jun 26, 2013
I so wish we had awnings on our house down here in Florida. I too love classic white with black, but the door would look great if painted red. if you have the funds I would replace your door with one with more glass. Have fun!!

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Accentuations! on Jun 26, 2013
I always recommend a different color for the front door to make it pop...it does not necessarily have to match your shutters. If you choose to keep the black, for example, go Red! Another good trick would be to paint stripes on the awnings. They are making a comeback! Let your family know they are so retro that they are "New" again! Just tape the size and width of each and go for it. You might also consider a smaller shutter for the dormer windows. A little color in the flowers beds, a great house number next to the door...even an old fashioned mailbox as a fun "accessory" could all work...if I knew where Middletown was I would come and help! (just kidding) Good luck with all that and remember to post the "after" pictures! Sallie

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Charmaine on Jun 26, 2013
Cape cod reminiscent of water? How about a blue trim on the shutters and front door and on some trim. A wooden letter box on a post painted to match. A nice flagstone path to the front door.

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KathrynElizabeth Etier on Jun 26, 2013
Oh, Red door, definitely. If you love the awnings, keep them or you'll regret taking them down. Pick up the red in the garden and dormer flower boxes with geraniums. The black and white is such a classic look, and your home is in such good condition, it won't take much to make it sparkle. The foundation plantings are almost too formal for the house, you might try to brighten them up with a border of annuals.

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Melissa W on Jun 26, 2013
I knew it was a good idea to post this on here. I have wanted to for a while now but was a little afraid of some that say things that are so mean. So far all of you have been so helpful in helping me with what I need to do. Now I just need to get busy and start the makeover. I will be sure to post after pictures once the job is complete. I'm shooting to have it done by fall. So keep the idea's coming and I will post again end of summer. Thanks again to all of you for a wonderful response. Getting excited to see my house come together.

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Barbara R on Jun 26, 2013
One last suggestion...I have always hated manicured bushes. Let them grow naturally, still trim a bit, but let them grow out higher. No cost to this at all. If you don't like them after they grown, take them back down. I just prefer the 'natural' look to shrubs :)

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Vikki on Jun 26, 2013
I'd agree with your family that I would remove the awnings. But that's me--if you like them then I would agree with what was already suggested in either painting stripes or a solid color. to coordinate with whatever choice you make for the door. I think any bold color would be great--red, deep blue, or even green. I would probably not do the shutters the same color as awnings and door--it might get to be too much. the black tied in to your storm door... just add the same pops of color in garden and window boxes and I think you'll have a hit!

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Margotrice on Jun 26, 2013
First- do what you like. Look around your neighborhood, check out curb appeal on BHG, but do what you like and not for somebody else. Since you are going to redo the roof, have you thought about getting rid of the wrought iron and putting in an overhang with 2 square columns on the far corners of the concret? It will anchor the dormers and make s place for friends to be out of the rain while waiting for you to answer the door. Landscape needs serious help. You need something besides trimmed bushes. Again, look around and see what you like. You can start with a few plants each year. Don't fill the space all at once. Plants grow.

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Melissa W on Jun 26, 2013
Thanks Margotrice for supporting me. I love the Awnings so I do want to keep most of them. Thinking of taking down the upper ones and yes I thought about a small entrance but the budget will not allow that at this time. Maybe next year. I agree on the bushes. I would like to add a couple of small ornamental trees and some whimsy grass's along with some flowers. For now I will paint the iron white. Thanks for your idea's. :-)

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Jim L on Jun 27, 2013
You have a nice looking house. Keep the awnings, but take away the shutters (they should look like they can be closed and the awnings black that...also, they are "skinny" single width and those are double windows...have a black roof and paint the window frames and awnings a dark gray...then a bright color for the door...usually the first thought is "red"...so expected! How about yellow...and paint the storm door the same so that is blends in with the door. Hope that you will post photos of your completed project.

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Viv on Jun 27, 2013
Hi Melissa - such a pretty house - the striped awning idea is stunning. A red/burgundy door would be beautiful. Window boxes filled with simple classic geraniums and ivy would look so pretty. Wishing you happiness in your home!

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Nancy ONeil on Jun 27, 2013
For a very classic, neat look and minimal cash outlay I would suggest that you take down the awnings - paint the door bright red - add window boxes and a large flower pot on the steps and fill with red geranium and a white filler that will drape over the sides - cut an edge around the spruce tree about 12'-18" and plant with colorful annuals - plant red geraniums in and around the foundation bushes and in the fall replace them with spring flowering bulbs and fall flowering chrysanthemums for year round color.

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Glenna Kennedy on Jun 27, 2013
If an attached roof over the door is out of the budget what about some kind of small pergola? Remove the black railing, put 4 posts in and build a semi cover for over your door. The black and white is too stark...needs color..like a dark warm red or burgundy. Your gardens just need some color as well. Add some flowering bushes or perennials like brown eyed Susans, Stella d'oro lilies. The window box idea is nice too. I would continue the garden next to the sidewalk on the left side right out to the driveway. There are some beautiful dwarf shrubs on the market now for small sized lots. Ornamental grasses can be very pretty and I leave mine all winter so they add color to the green fir trees.

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Donna Webster on Jun 27, 2013
Keep the awnings...striped or not. I would probably paint the (white) door casing...with a smoky blue that leans toward a charcoal (compliment the roof color without using a stark black or white) and a lighter, brighter blue door, keeping the black on the storm door, you would see some definition for just a few $$$. Spend a little on putting a gentle curve into the flower beds (I'd take out that awkward little piece of grass by the walk way) and run a row of perennials close to the walk, and some higher less rigid bushes between the existing ones and maybeput in a little knee wall at the driveway edge to level the slope....still not a lot of $$$$. If you need a new roof, have them put in a little cover ( that mimics the little dormers) over your front door. You can't really put anything there as it is, without the storm door hitting it...unless it's added to the roof line. It would also give you a little weather protection at the front door. Precious house. I love it.

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Linda Payne on Jun 27, 2013
I think your house is just as cute as it can be.The only thing I would change is maybe add flower boxes on the first floor windows, put a nice colorfull wreath on that storm door and change the line of your flower beds with a nice curve and add lots of flowers. I think you just need some color. I love the retro look-stay committed to that if that is what you like.

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Kimba on Jun 27, 2013
Red Door for sure

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117135 on Jun 27, 2013
I like the White House with black shutters. I would paint the door a bold color like a deep red! I would remove the awnings, they make your house look smaller. I think awnings are ok for bigger homes. You could update the light fixture, it looks too small. You could also add 2 nice planters on each side of the door. I would plant a vine growing plant and use a small trellis to add some height in the planters. Use plants with a lot do color. You have a very nice manicured lawn, you just need some different type of plants in place of some of the evergreen bushes! Great bones, just a few added touches will have it perfect!

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Carla Gruen on Jun 27, 2013
Just a thought you can always put painted 4" boards completely around each window. It doesn't cost much but can make you windows feel bigger and/ or add in another color to the color scheme of the house. Or use the 4" boards on the upper windows only as "shutters". I totally agree with the light fixture, the front door color (what's your favorite color?), the house numbers and more informal greenery rather than so sculpted with some flowers planted in between. I also agree with painting the front door trim black (or a third color) and the storm door the color of the door. It will look great whatever you decide to do! Have fun with it!

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Gayle P. on Jun 27, 2013
I love the awnings too, if it rains or when it gets cooler the awnings will keep the rain out. I would love to have some on our home, I know not many people leave their windows open anymore, kinda sad. I'd for sure give it a pop of color on the door and then some pretty bright flowers around the porch and maybe some nice bright pots on the porch as you have room. I like DeDe's idea of the bright red door. I would do something off center(lol) like a bright teal or blue door.

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Sue Banfield on Jun 27, 2013
Rip out the shrubs and add a house length front porch

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Reva Goldfarb Gomer on Jun 27, 2013
The house definitely needs pops of color. I would paint the front door red. I would also remove the shrubs and replace with colorful perennial flowers. Good luck with your project : D

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Richelle Kelley on Jun 27, 2013
Color the door red, add window boxes to EVERY window in front, put some colorful blooms in the ground near the foundation and those are inexpensive and easy fixes. The awnings are fine!!!!!!

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Heather Koepke on Jun 27, 2013
My grandmother had a house EXACTLY like this. Google "919 Chelsea, Glendale, MO" to lok at the satellite photo of how the house looks now. There was a foyer added where the front door once was, so they built it out some. The awnings were also taken down. It looks fabulous now.

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Tammy M on Jun 27, 2013
The awnings are unattractive and dated. If it were me, I would get rid of them, but if not at least paint them black to match the shutters. The front door should be a deep burgundy color to add some pop. Pull out the old shrubs and add some more attractive ones mixed in with colorful plants, like knockout roses. Paint the concrete on the stoop and change out the light fixture. The side walk is very boring and ho hum, so I suggest adding in some plants along there as well, you could also add interest by adding in a brick border around it. A small seating area with a plant on the porch would make the porch less bland. If you didn't want to paint it you could add a pretty outdoor rug.

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Dana Corby on Jun 27, 2013
1. Get rid of the awnings over the windows. They make the windows look tiny and surely must make it gloomy inside. 2. It desperately needs some color -- put flowers both in the ground and in window boxes, and paint the front door something vivid. 3. Expanding the front porch and putting a pergola over it would make the front look less blank & more welcoming, and would replace some of the shade lost when you removed the awnings. If you need more shade than that in the summer, shade-cloth stretched over the top of the pergola does a wonderful job without adding visual presence.

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Debora on Jun 27, 2013
Add window boxes under all the windows with red geraniums. Also planters on the railings with yellow marigolds and red geraniums. Keep the awnings. You can also have a planter on the on either side of the door with spikes and red geaniums surrounding the spikes. This is not a mega buck addition and you can also winter over the geraniums if you are in a northern climate.

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Freedombutterfly Noia on Jun 27, 2013
need to add some color maybe some roses or hydrangea

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Marianne Boyce on Jun 27, 2013
Open up the double windows,& add a nice glassed porch!

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Sondra A on Jun 27, 2013
Personally, I like your simple "pallet" of white and black. It has a simple elegance to it and allows for you be creative and show your own personality in your decorating. If anything I would paint the door a bright blue or red. The awnings most likely serve a good purpose of keeping those rooms a little cooler in the summer and I like the looks of them anyway. In my opinion, the landscaping is the main thing I would work on. If it was me I would probably pull out the small section of grass and put in a rose bush or 3 and some smaller plants for color. Some large bright pots with an assortment of colorful flowers in front of the bushes and/or next to the front door would also brighten it up. Perhaps down the length of the driveway I would put a flower bed strip. I tend to do things piece meal as I have the time and money. *It gives me time to do and appreciate one thing before I decide on what to do next. You mentioned that you will have the roof re-done. Will that be the same color as it is now? If you want to you could paint a couple stripes at each end of the awnings or stencil a large simple picture on them. Have fun with it! Hope to see some photos soon.

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Beth Velosa on Jun 27, 2013
Wow got lot of responses... Ok for me it's color lack of it...it's is a beautiful home but frame it, bling it with color! that porch really...update it so it's level with the door and make it shout this is my home with a great new door!

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Dorothy Melosky on Jun 27, 2013
Pretty house. Looks Cape Coddie to me! I think I would put a seashell wreath on the door and a few seashore items around like a lighthouse bird feeder, clamshells around the edging. I would brighten up the black and white with a few flowerpots full of red geraniums. Maybe, around the walk. Your house is very nice. Has uncluttered look. I wouldn't go too far.

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Carol M on Jun 27, 2013
Your house is wonderful! I also think a red door and maybe paint the front steps..window boxes with red and white flowers. DO NOT take down the shutters or ANYTHING else. Your house is clean and perfect as is..If you like gardening maybe some knockout roses along the side walk and color annuals in front of shrubs..Easy fix that really doesn"t need to be fixed.Enjoy your lovely home..

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Jus191310 on Jun 27, 2013
Red Sox flag would be a start. :-)

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Linda Saunders on Jun 27, 2013
I live on Cape Cod and have for many years. I have a clapboard front that I just had painted a soft Cape Cod Gray; shutters a few shades lighter. I have window boxes with pink and white flowers. You do not see too many people with awnings here. I also have a vintage red door. You definitely need some color, however, lots of houses here are painted gray but always have a very colorful door with some kind of ornament or flower arrangement. Good luck!

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Tom Trott on Jun 27, 2013
Destroy the front stoop and put in a porch across the WHOLE front. Railings and perhaps screened in. Lose the "awnings"...

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Homily Davis on Jun 27, 2013
These are some great ideas! I love the window large windowbox's idea in the front and carry them over to the side windows! Get rid of the awnings on the side of the house. There is too much of a good thing. BUT keep everything you love! As far as the landscape goes, I would add stone or stucco or some kind of underpinning to add a beautiful backdrop to your landscape! Maybe do the same to your sidewalk. Whatever your favorite color is, put it on your front door and add that color in your window boxes & landscape :)

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Vickie Robertson on Jun 27, 2013
If you need the awnings to keep out sun, keep them but paint them with stripes, possibly black and white if you want to keep the white house and black shutters. I would get rid of them if they aren't necessary, put a portico or pergola over the door. I would paint the trim around the door black and the door red. Put a tall bush or evergreen by the left side of the house and get some different shrubs that are a little taller. Add some flowers for color and when you have the money replace the sidewalk with either brick (classic) or pavers (modern)

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Nancy Block on Jun 27, 2013
Cute house. I would paint door red, add a flag , I like the window box filled with flowers . I would eliminate the big tree in front, it makes the house look small. I would take out those 2 round shrubs in front and add in some taller landscaping. Create a little sitting area with tall willowy tree where that other tree is by also adding bench and bird bath plus some flowers. Good luck.

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Connie Bourland on Jun 27, 2013
Remove the awings and build a full length front porch.

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Sara Briggs on Jun 27, 2013
I think the front porch is sort of screwy. Look how you have to step up to the front door. Maybe extend the size of the porch, put in a step more even with the door. And just add some color to this place. Also, remove the metal awnings. Window boxes all around with bright flowers. It needs 2013 landscaping. Those bushes have got to go. Put some flowers along the path and driveway, and where the bushes are.

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Kathy Anderson on Jun 27, 2013
do away with the awnings and add shutters to match the roof,Do away with the bushes, take out the porc hand railings.Paint the door to match shutters build a deck with wider steps comming down place flowers and grasses framming the porch and front of house

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Deborah Pfeiffer on Jun 27, 2013
Pain the front door a solid color,window boxes,and new light fixture would be nice.Also i would change out the railing anp put in a white plastic rail.add some flowers in the front,easy not to expensive quick fixes!!

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Donna Tracey on Jun 27, 2013
Help answer this question...take down the awnings., they date the house, paint the shutters and door a color and add flower boxes under the windows

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Cookie Padilla on Jun 27, 2013
I've enjoyed several vacations at the Cape. If you're close to the water and you'd like to keep your awnings - paint them a "beach" color. i.e: light blue or seafoam green, then you can coordinate the shutters and door to match. Trim the tree (the one that already looks like a Christmas tree) -- take a little greenery off of the bottom trunk, cut off some of the top and shape it so you have a "ready-made" holiday decoration every year. Put some flower boxes in the front windows with some annuals in them (or something that will survive the brutal winters). You might want to remove the side awnings if sun isn't a problem. Consider eliminating the two big bushes from beside the stairs and then "wrapping" the other bushes with other flowers that will help bring more color to the house - or you can use mulch. Put a trim around them to keep everything in. If you can, paint the concrete steps and metal banisters to match. If you're at all crafty, you should be able to do much of the painting yourself (or with help from a friend.).

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Gail Sampson on Jun 27, 2013
I like the color blue, blue for the door would look nice, the shutters blue too, I agree with what someone else said about replacing the shrubs with colorful flowers.. would give it a boost..

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Pat Fraking on Jun 27, 2013
I love the house. The retro look provided by the shutters and architecture, and the stark black and white are really sophisticated. Since you are replacing the roof, I'd look into connecting the dormers for additional attic space, and possibly add a small balcony up there. If your budget allows, I'd extend the front porch to the end of the double window nearest the driveway and move the stairs to the side. Pops of your favorite bright color on the front door and the possible window boxes will finish it beautifully. When you move on to the landscaping, keep in mind that large plants, shrubs or trees could damage your foundation as their roots spread. Large pots sitting on a gravel base are safer. Topping the sidewalk with thin sheets of slate would make it pop. I hope this helps. Good luck with your projects.

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Pat on Jun 27, 2013
quite a few suggestions here for aa red door! I also llike red door, especially on a classic white clapboard house. But, I encourage you to walk around your street and see what door color doors other homes have. You might not want the same color door as nearby neighbors. Someone suggested yellow and that is another nice choice.

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Nap191339 on Jun 27, 2013
Hello, well I love the look of the house and I agree with you, the awnings should stay. If it were my home I would paint the door a soft yellow and the shutters a shade darker yellow.......very soft though and I would take out the wrought iron railings and the greenery around them. Go to a Home Depot or Lowes and get some Wooden spindles, have them built on the OUTSIDE of the cement where you removed the wrought iron.........paint them white to match the awnings. I would like to make it look like an old fashioned "porch" Put in some fresh flowers............and there you go! Paint, wood and flowers! Low cost, great new look and still got to keep the awnings! Hope this helps.

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Sandra C on Jun 27, 2013
If you like the awnings keep them!!! I like them too. Paint them maroon, it will offset the black shutters. Then add a few bright colored flowers. Maybe in hanging pots. Your house is very pretty.

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Kathy Snyder on Jun 27, 2013
several of these ideas are great. The money savers and re-purposing what you have is even better. You like the retro look of the awnings so as already mentioned paint them with strips of black and white. You may want to also consider painting the inside with a reflective paint to bounce some of the light but not the heat back into the house. If replacing the walk is not feasible at the moment, consider concrete paint and sealer to make either a stone or brick pattern. The shrubs should be removed and placed somewhere else in the yard. Or even contact a local mom and pop nursery or a landscape that may buy them off you or even trade you for other plants to plant a 4 season garden. I like the idea of a red door...the black trim would make it pop.

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Marci Keith on Jun 27, 2013
A red front door with brass hardware and kick plate... lose the awnings unless they keep your energy bills down..... in that case pull the bushes and open the front up... I agree with window boxes on the dormer windows. Plants are an easy and relatively inexpensive way to add color.... colorful potted plants throughout the landscape can be pretty....but if the budget allows nothing else... start with the door!!! you'll be shocked!!

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Tamara on Jun 27, 2013
Nothing wrong with the awnings. They serve a function, are expensive to replace and look cute. You could consider painting the front door. Federal Blue, Fire Engine Red or a Buttery Yellow, just a thought. I'd like to see brick steps or stain the concrete steps a brick red color. Part of the difficulty in offering great suggestions is that the photo was taken at what appears to be late winter. If it were spring, I'd add window boxes filled with pansies, geraniums and vinca vines for a bit of length. I'd also add a couple of planters to either side of the front door. Perhaps in winter, boughs of evergreen and pinecones to be replaced with blooming flowers in warmer weather. I'd also add tons of flowers to the shrubs. Things that will bloom all season. And the last thing I'd do is add border plantings on either side of the walkway and perhaps the driveway. Even small hosta plants would be fabulous. All these suggestions to rip off awnings, dig up lawn, etc. seem a bit excessive.

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Sandra W on Jun 27, 2013
if you are keeping the awnings paint stripes on them to dress them up. you can keep the black/white in the stripes. paint the door a nice bright color. definitely add color with flowers. i like the wrought iron railings. i would get rid of the bushes at the bottom of the stairs and put a nice pot of flowers there that can be changed with the seasons. topiaries on either side of the door would be nice

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Susan on Jun 27, 2013
Awnings are practical, and given you like them, I'd say keep them. But don't paint another color or it will draw unwanted attention to them. They blend ok as they are now. Didn't realize how beautiful the molding on door way is until you mentioned it was there, really hard to notice. Paint the molding the same color as the door--I'd suggest a warm red, hunter green or navy blue. A brass kickplate with a matching brass light fixture (go big!) would be awesome.

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Nancy Kruse on Jun 27, 2013
Get rid of top awnings, add pillar & a a cover to the porch, & add color with flowers & paint on the bottom awnings & porch pillars . . . it is a nice house.

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Reesabelle on Jun 27, 2013
We have a Cape built in 1960 which we have been working on for the past 8 years. I think I would paint the molding around the door black. I would also paint the front door high gloss black (rustoleum makes a great one) and add a brass door knocker. You could also change out the light and update it with something a bit more nautical looking- this might cost you between $35-$50. You might also want to DIY a number plate for your house. I got a wooden craft piece from Joann and painted it black and then added Oil rubbed bronze house numbers that I picked up from Lowes. Inexpensive and adds interest. I think window boxes would add a great pop of color and you could decorate them seasonally. You might also want to consider adding some other plants just for texture. Cypress and Andromeda are evergreen and pretty low maintenance. Grasses are also low maintenance and add a bit of a costal vibe as well. I also love hydrangeas which are also pretty low maintenance but only bloom from May-October. You could also consider removing the railing to open your entrance up and staining the concrete and adding stone veneer to the riders and side of the stairs. I would also remove the bushes closest to the front of the stairs- they close off the entrance and urns with colorful flowers or bushy ferns would be very welcoming. If you like the awnings keep them! They are retro and probably keep the house cool in the summer! Good Luck and have fun!

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Teresa on Jun 27, 2013
Get rid of the awnings, front door red better landscaping you are good

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Vicki Swoboda on Jun 27, 2013
Maybe changing the color of the awnings to a light gray, or outlining the bottom of the awnings. and just changing the front door moldings from white to black or gray. And a few plants between the bushes to add a little color.

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Patricia Giuria on Jun 27, 2013
Yours is very nice, but the door brake my eyes, need another color, take care, it has a frame in another color! may be a good idea is to paint it in the same color of the frame door, is it a dark grey? you are very classic in colors, red door? think twice, or better buy a red paper and cut it in the size of your front door, put some to fix it and step aside from it or go the street and ,....do you like it? then paint it, I prefer dark grey,

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Patti on Jun 27, 2013
Paint house another color than white such as an olive green with cream color trim.....door painted another color such as a deep red or burgundy, new outdoor lights on either side of door, do away with awnings, remove stoop with iron railing, replace with a brick or stone built stoop, and lastly replace present landscaping with some new bushes and perennial flowers for color.

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Elllan J Olver on Jun 27, 2013
Color the front door maybe, red. Take out the bushes under the windows and plant some flowers. As everyone has mentioned take off the awnings.If you don't like the tree in the yard pull it up. That way you can have a better view of the house from the street. hope this might give you an idea or two.

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Yvonne Thorud on Jun 27, 2013
a lot of great responses in here. I would go for a black roof. Stripes on the awnings. Get rid of the plain bushes an add a layered bed of bright floors or do flowering bushes. For the door I would choose a bright red. An open porch painted white would be nice but may be bit costly.

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Donna H on Jun 27, 2013
It's a lovely home just like the one I grew up in back in Ma. New siding, paint the front door a nice color, window boxes, update the landscape with some new shrubs and flowering perennials, a lamp post next to the walkway, and brick the walk and front stairs. It's a real charmer!

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Bernadette Saccoia-Quirk on Jun 27, 2013
add some color....window boxes for annual flowers; paint the front door a maroon or dark red; perhaps replace a few of the bushes with flowering shrubs.. The awnings are the first thing one notices when you look at your home perhaps you might concern removing them or painting them a warmer color (creams/beige).

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Barbara Thomas on Jun 27, 2013
For a fix on a budget a dark red door, not too bright, a gray stripe on your awnings and gray on the molding around the door. Change the house numbers to brass or gold in the middle of you door, add a brass or gold door knocker, bigger light fixture. Remove the dated bushes, put perennials for added color or a couple more colorful bushes, annuals in front of those for fun each year, but keep the tree it's gorgeous. Since you are doing the roof look at the multi-colored shingles. They turn out beautifully!!!!

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Penny on Jun 27, 2013
my first thought was striped shutters! then I clicked through and saw you wanted black, not so good in black

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Brenda De Lair on Jun 27, 2013
I think it would look adorable with blue shutters and either a red or yellow door. I like the idea of the window boxes and the new railing, and I also feel that the awnings would not be missed. Add some flowering shrubs and flowers, and you have a very cheery and quaint place. You have wonderful bones to work with. I would keep the roof black as that colour never goes out of date.

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Mary McCarthy on Jun 27, 2013
cedar shake and new windows - real wood shutters painted hunter green - green and white striped awnings. new front door with wreath. voila.

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Jean on Jun 27, 2013
The dormers are out of proportion to the rest of the house. Minimize them by toning down the wall color of them, maybe make them match the roof and just have the trim and awnings white. I'm ok with the awnings, they provide shade and are in good condition. I do think the front door and the storm door should be the same color. And I think the tree looks fine, it looks healthy and has maintained its natural shape. Good healthy and natural-looking trees are an asset. If you like the black and white look of the house, just put in some flower beds in, maybe some perennials if you want low maintenance, for a pop of color in front.

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Gay Storm on Jun 27, 2013
I would add a porch - all the way across the front, and take out those bushes in front of the house, add other type of shrubs that hide the foundation. Add some colorful flowers and change the trim color (including the front door) to either slate blue or buttery yellow. Try going online and finding software that can let you put in or take out items in the picture so you can see what it would look like. There must be something out there for that.

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Marilyn M on Jun 27, 2013
I think if you replace the shrubs in front of your house with colorful flower planters etc and make a small circle out in your yard with a birdbath and flowers to draw the eye to the yard would be great. Then on the house (it looks like a face) sorry, but I would remove the awnings and paint the dormers the same color as the roof so they blend in. If you like the black and white theme then stick with that color, nothing wrong with it. Blend the door in with black paint and the storm door will look coordinated with it too. Use colored tabs on the roofing and that would help with your color scheme as well.

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Char on Jun 27, 2013
I would paint it a putty color, the shutters a dark burgundy, and put a plank door (painted like the shutters) on the front. If you want it to look primitive, I would take the awnings off. We had them on, and it made a big difference taking them off. The plank door is fake. Your real door with your locks are behind it. We have one, and when you open it, there the security door is. We also painted the foundation the same color as the house. Hope, this helps. Char W. (our house was in Judy Condon's book last year)

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Edythe Phelps on Jun 27, 2013
Remove the wrought iron railings, add regular railings around the concrete porch, top that with a porch roof, Paint the railings white, paint the front door, shutters, and a stripe on each side of the awnings a butter yellow. Remove the shrubs in the front, add a mixture of annuals, and a flag on the porch. Looks like a really fun project!!!

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Candace Henson on Jun 27, 2013
I would paint the door red, take off the awnings, and add flowerboxes under each window and remove the iron railing. A flag would add a nice touch.

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Gru191415 on Jun 27, 2013
Just a thought ... extend the front roof line and build a sheltered deck. Start the lower deck at the same height as the current steps and build new steps at the front of the veranda with a winding walkway towards the driveway. The railing could be of the style as early American with columns offsetting the front exit, and each corner. Just a thought for consideration. You will enjoy sitting out in the evenings, etc. I would make the width of the deck at least 6-8 feet.

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Jackie on Jun 27, 2013
hydrangeas alongside the driveway - eliminate some evergreens and plant cape cod rosebushes. replace front door with oak door with beveled glass, widen entry with small open porch and place a couple rocking chairs. brick walkway and front steps to give the house warm, homey feeling, planters on steps with colorful annuals. flagpole in front yard near side of house. definitely large window boxes with colorful annuals. varigated petunas mix and cascading flowers for fullness. when you decide to paint house, go dark, perhaps evergreen, keep awnings. wooden shutters to match the door. a pretty archway

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WilderIsland Products on Jun 27, 2013
I would stripe the awnings, and paint the shutters, and door either red or hunter green and match them with a couple of 24" red or green window boxes under the windows. I would also add a brass kick plate

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Misti Harsh on Jun 28, 2013
Take down the awnings it will give your inside more sunlight, it brighten my house up. Add flower window boxes to the dormers. Change the color of your shutters and paint the door a different color to make it pop out. I would take out all the shrubs and even that evergreen. I would do a flag stone sidewalk mid way between where you have it and the end of your driveway. I would do raise flower bed with brick walls maybe using different heights on the driveway side maybe even a water feature and use mostly perennial flowers. Good luck

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Michael B on Jun 28, 2013
First I would remove those 50's type shrubs and that pine tree standing in the yard and replace that pine tree with a miniature Japanese Maple and then after the shrubs plant bright color flowers that come up every year and also host a's different types get rid of the black shutters and change the awnings to a different color black and white is just that black and white

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Sue Nickel on Jun 28, 2013
Window boxes. Otherwise it's okay. Keep the upper awnings for shade!

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Pam Olney on Jun 28, 2013
Add some flowers for more color. Also I think the porch would look better if it was covered.

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Dana T on Jun 28, 2013
1. Remove the awnings. 2. Keep the black and white color scheme. It's so classic! 3. When you do your roof later this year, do black or charcoal. 4. Paint your door red or turquoise. With the white siding and black shutters, it will be the star of your curb appeal. 5. Get rid of the black frame around the storm door. It really boxes it in and distracts the eye. If that can be white or completely clear, your newly painted front door will really shine! 6. Maybe add itty bitty black shutters to your dormer windows for continuity. 7. Pretty flowers and maybe window boxes. Good luck! You've got an itty bitty cape cod just like mine. She's a sweet house, give her the love she deserves and she will shine.

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Susan Kuckuk on Jun 28, 2013
Take off the awnings and paint your door a bright color...add window boxes with bright flowers in the 2 downstairs windows. add some large potted flower pots out front to welcome people. This could all be done for under 200.00 and make a million dollar difference

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Rosemary Waggoner on Jun 28, 2013
I would add color to the front door, red or turquoise... add window boxes, change out the light, make it something bigger in a wrought iron, Pottery Barn style. I would also remove the two bushes at the base of the stairs and add flowers...I would also update the house number sign (it looks like there's one above the door?) A pretty wreath to the left of the door would finish it off. Good luck!

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Susan Cryor on Jun 28, 2013
totally agree with adding color, paint the storm door white so it does not "stick out". Add some shutters to the sides of the door and paint black OR buy the plastic ones in a black color. Now, about the awnings.....paint them striped, black and white. Just follow the lines going vertical, it will really make them pop and tie in with the black and white. Yes, paint the door a color...be careful what color you choose. I painted ours a deep burgundy. Took grey base and had to add many coats to get the color! Also, the door faced South. In the freezing temps in Maine, I could open the door and feel intense heat! I would NOT put on black roof for the same reason....unless you have a really high R rating insulation up there, summers could make it miserably hot! You do need color in flowers, but they will not be there in the winter. Add a short section of picket fence, white along the walk way, that you can plant flowers against and you can use it to hang seasonal flags, wreaths, what ever to add color in the winter. You can paint the walkway to look like brick and pick up the color you choose for the front door.

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Carol S on Jun 28, 2013
I'll start from the top - Shingles - light yet colorful - unless you want to attract & hold the heat. You love the awenings, keep them but loose the shudders. Why? To my eye they make the house look small and box like. You can add another awning above the front door. (If you decide to keep them, paint them the color you choose for your front door - POP) . The railing & concrete look good, the black storm door can stay it matches the railing. Just add a little something to liven it up, Wooden chair, tall potted, plant, etc... I suggest plant boxes hung on either side of the front railing. Have fun with it. Now to ground level. - some bushes just have to go, roots & all. Let the remaining few grow out to hide the exposed foundation. Over time add perrenials & ground cover to build a hill side garden from the house to your walk way.

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Craftykim1119 on Jun 28, 2013
I would keep everything just change the front door color to red..

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Kim Alessandro on Jun 28, 2013
Remove the awnings, they're dated. Add window boxes with colorful flowers.Paint the door (if the door faces west, avoid dark colors) and put a brass kickplate on it. Remove the shrubs at the home corners and plant ones that are vertical (for eye appeal). Add flower pots at the top of the stairs.

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Andrea Baylen-Terlunen on Jun 28, 2013
I would add color to the Doors and siding life Brick red, add flowering shrubs and rose bushes for color Fpring thru Fall add someflower boxes under the windows to put Petunias for added color ( they do well in sun or partial shade). Make a flower bed along your walkway. Most of all have fun doing it make it your own.

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De Cardin on Jun 28, 2013
remove the awning you ha shades on the windows so I can't see that you would need them. Color your landscaping would make it wonderful not that it isn't already that flowers can do wonders for any home.

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Jan C on Jun 28, 2013
I'd make the front door bright red, and the area between the sidewalk and house make into a small flower bed. Then possibly running a flower bed up the other side of the sidewalk about 1 1/2' - 2' wide. That would give you some color for very little money and painting. Leave the house white, with black trim. That way you would have lots of color on a budget!! Good luck and please post photos after done! If you like the awnings, keep them. YOU live there, not anyone else. They see occasionally, you see every day. Have confidence in what you like and keep it!!!!

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Jean Mutschler on Jun 28, 2013
First I would add black larger elegant "coach light" on either side of the door. Electrician can make new hole etc. I did this and it made a world of difference and more light security. Don't paint the molding around the door black. White is the traditional cape cod look but door can be painted.

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Diane on Jun 28, 2013
Easy spruce up. Dark green shutters and a red front door would look great!

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Kandee S on Jun 28, 2013
Build covered porch across front. Make retaining wall to level out yard.Remover awnings over upstairs windows put shutters on them with planters boxes.Change the angle of the steps off porch making them wider and bring them to join a sidewalk that comes out farther down the driveway

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Kandee S on Jun 28, 2013
Keep house colors the same make the new door red with big window in it.

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Kenya Romero on Jun 28, 2013
Flower boxes under the windows, would add a glorious pop of needed color and charm!

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Debra888 on Jun 28, 2013
Needs some color other than the black and white.

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Liz on Jun 28, 2013
Very cute home!!! I don't think it needs much! I'm with you I love awnings, but how about changing them to canvas? Paint the door a third color, your interior color or favorite color. The landscaping looks healthy!

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Sandie on Jun 28, 2013
You know my front is similar to yours, except I have a much smaller stoop and I have a covering over it. I do not have awnings, alas, but I do have the white house and door, open glass storm, and my shutters are black and white. Since you're on a budget and you like the awings - presumably they are there for a purpose - I'd add one over the front door, if you can find one to match. Or, you might elect to replace the awnings with a different color or even striped. I've been wrestling with the front door question, too. Someone here said a brass kick plate and I would agree, regardless of what color you paint the door. My neighbors have a white house and they painted their shutters and front door black - and it looks absolutely hideous. I would go with white, red/burgandy or hunter green....or grey. There's another white house on our street that is white with slate blue (gray/blue) trim and it's quite lovely. Especially if you put some bold colored flowers to offset the blandness of the white. I would NOT get rid of the wrought iron. I would put either plants on the stoop or planters on the railings with lots of colorful flowers. Since you do have awnings, I'm guessing the front of your house gets lots of sun, so keep that in mind when choosing flowers. You might also opt for some taller, more colorful bushes in the front of the house and along the walkway.

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JAB-NC on Jun 28, 2013
Are you overwhelmed with the number of responses yet? :-) Many excellent ideas for a delightful little traditional cape.. 1.) I agree with the majority, make the door red, anywhere from bright scarlet to deep burgundy. 2.) If you are replacing the door, go with a similar style with perhaps somewhat bigger lights at the top, it's appropriate to a classic cape like this. A half glass one would look out of place. 3.) I like that the storm door leaves most of the door visible; I would not replace it with a half solid one, the house desperately needs the bright door color. If the door is in good shape keep it, otherwise replace it with a similar style. You can leave it black or paint it to match the shutters. 4.) Dark roofs absorb heat. This sounds like a good thing for the winter except that it is frequently covered with reflective snow pack when you need it. And it will make the house hotter in the summertime, increasing your cooling bills. I would go with a subtly variegated light to mid-grey color; using the slightly different shades of gray would add a bit of textural interest to the roof and make it less slab-like. 5.) I agree with putting half width shutters on the dormer windows, it looks unfinished as it it. Not too wide, you don't want the dormer to look crowded. 6.) Black and white is a traditional scheme but it is too stark. Lighten the shutters a bit by painting them either hunter green, as suggested, or a dark charcoal to stick with the monochromatic palette, or perhaps a very, dark greenish blue. 7.) I also think that the roof/corner molding and door and window trim should be painted for contrast but it should not match either the shutters or the door, the house is too small and a dark color will make it look tinier. Use a neutral very light putty color as the roof will be gray and your gutters are already putty colored. It will make the lines "pop" without closing them in. Paint the molding of the garage to match, The garage door can either match the molding or the front door but not the shutters. I can't say quite why but it wouldn't work 8). If you can do without the awnings, I would say yes, remove them. They are dated, do not match the house's style, and tend to overwhelm the house's small facade. If you are fond of them or need them for functional reasons, I agree the narrow stripes will help;.black and white is best being the simplest and least overpowering. 9.) Do NOT add a porch or portico. The roof line is too low and the dormers too overpowering so that either would look utterly out of proportion to the rest of the house. The wrought iron handrails also do nothing for the house; if you don't need them for functional reasons remove them and place a couple of tall bushes in pots or boxes on either side of the door. Otherwise hang flowerpots on the outside to widen the profile. Fill in the rest of the excess width of the stoop with flower pots or boxes to add color and textural interest. 10.) If your budget will run to it, the entire front stoop should be replaced or rebuilt; it is too short. The trim below door that adds a step up into the house only emphasizes the low roof line. It would help a lot if you could face the whole thing with brick. and bring it up to just below the door so that there's just enough to comfortably open it. This includes the stairs. A narrower stoop would help make the out-sized dormers a bit less overwhelming. 11.) Removing the cement walkway and putting in a brick one would freshen it up also. You can also make or buy decorative cement stepping stones and either paint them or leave them natural. Change the direction so that it runs at more of an angle, meeting the driveway further down toward the street. But make it curvy and meandering, you want to avoid straight lines if at all possible. If you have to leave it you could add a brick edging to tie it in to the brick stoop and let that merge into mulched flower beds with wavy edges. Plant perennial grasses or low, small bushes in them. Add solar lights to delineate the path and make it safer. If you can't do any of this, paint it the walk an unobtrusive color, probably a dark gray a few shade darker than the roof. 12.) I'd also suggest painting the foundation. It sounds trivial but makes the place look subtly tidier and more "finished" and helps seal it against cracks and erosion. Use the outdoor concrete paint they make for driveways and patios, it wears very well. 13.) Again, yes I agree with a previous suggestion, you need larger light fixtures beside the doors and yes, a pair, not a single light, and yes, the black "coach light" style is classic and will match the style of the house. 14.) And also yes, new house numbers. Make them LARGE. The current size cannot be easily read from the street by many people making the useless for their intended purpose. Not above the door, there's not enough space. Either the center of the door, next to the right light fixture (where you can see them at night) or to the right and somewhat above the doorbell.

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JAB-NC on Jun 28, 2013
Sorry my previous post was so verbose. I have too many ideas and no autoOFF switch.. One last piece of advice? Do whatever remodel you think will make you happy. If you like a black door, keep it black, you want it half glass, or even purple with polka dots, it's your door, and if the awnings make you smile, that's a good reason to keep them. Life is too short to worry about having a perfect house, it's much better to have a happy one. :-)

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Debbie Siler on Jun 28, 2013
An easy fix would be red awnings, a red front door, and window boxes. Have fun.

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Linda on Jun 29, 2013
My God that almost my House!!!! I'm thinking of puttting a front porch on mine

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- Valmuse on Oct 06, 2014
  @Linda did you ever put in the porch? I have a cape cod that I'm thinking of adding a front porch to. Would love to see your result
  
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Norma H on Jun 29, 2013
For me.....I would paint the door red, then get some big flower pots the same color as the door for the porch for nice flowers of choice.

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Wanda Rebeca Ramos on Jun 29, 2013
I'd remove the awnings or punch up the color a bit. But definitely paint the door or replace with a contrasting color. (not black or white) A more vibrant color. Perhaps dk green or red. The railings I would replace with wooden or something a bit more weight.

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Pam Park on Jun 29, 2013
The gov't has an energy rebate, or tax credit, or something like that for those who use an energy efficient roof color with is white/light gray which saves you money and energy. !!!

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Pam Park on Jun 29, 2013
Also, I like the awnings, also saves air conditioning in the summer. Like you, I'm not sure what to do with the difference of colors of the front door and the storm door... I doubt I would like them both painted black for your sake.... There is such a thing as having the storm door electrostatically painted which costs a bit, but does finish nicely. A warm friendly door color for [matching] both doors would be a wonderful contrast to the strong black and white colors of the rest of the house. Make you happy - not we commenters

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Kandee S on Jul 01, 2013
Ok maybe take down the awnings, remove the shutters, make covered porch over bottom windows to end of house. get a water recycling tub for rain run off. and make your walk way gp across whole front of house so you can sit out there. Some yellow pots with herbs and a red door. now for top window flower boxes with roll up shades.

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Ginny Sargent on Jul 17, 2013
If you are going to replace the roof, what I would suggest is put a full dormer on. The awnings really should be replaced as they look dates. I would get TWO lights to go one each side of the door. If you are replacing the door are you planning on keeping the screen door? If not there are really lovely doors out there that have a glass design panel that would look lovely. The door is white, but the the upper half has the glass design. It appears to let in loads of light. My next door neighbor has it and it is really nice. We are in desperate need of color! I would get window boxes for the main floor. Also, put some around the bushes. Maybe run a flower bed right along the walk way.

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Kathleen Long on Jul 06, 2015
I love the symmetry of your house! Either remove the shutters or the awnings. Having both is overkill. Whichever you chose, use a vivid color and paint the door to match.

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HouseLogic.com on Jul 06, 2015
These ideas will beautify your walkway: http://goo.gl/jksjqB

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Laurie Mwakanandi on Jul 07, 2015
I think your door should be painted a bright deep color that pops and then paint the storm door white to frame it! I would also extend the door color to the shutters and the railings on the porch. Then I would yank out the bushes on the far side by the neighbors (opposite of the driveway side) and a maple, oak or even a redbud tree out from the corner of house and put in a curved landscape edger and put some complimentary flower plants at the outside edge of the curved landscape edge. Maybe even put a couple of hanging pots on each side of door!

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RCooper @ thoughtsbyher.com on Jul 07, 2015
I love a white house with black trim and a bright red door. I would remove the awnings and I have no ideas for the landscaping as I personally am terrible in that department. Thing is you know what you love regardless of well intended friends in real life or on the internet think. You do you and I am guessing you will be the most happy with your lovely home!

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Alesa Holden on Dec 03, 2015
I love the awnings. It's your house, do as you like. I'm not much into yanking out things. I think the shrubs are beautiful. Maybe a border of something nice along the walkway or even a flower bed in the area between the house and walk. A bright color for the door and shutters. Paint the trim around the windows a dark color to make them pop and perhaps some divided panes for the dormers. Maybe architectural shingles when you reroof? Sorry, I got carried away!! LOL

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Elizabeth on Jul 31, 2016
Paint the door a bright color and take off the awnings to highlight the windows and let the light into the house. It will also give you a more modern look.

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Galen W. Yoder on Jul 31, 2016
I have never understood why some house were built without overhangs on the gables or eves! You mentioned the roof was going to be replaced at some point, Consider having overhangs of 14" or 16" incorporated into the new roof, with varge rafters. The overhang will help protect the rest of the house in multiple ways, it will protect the edge of the roof and the existing gable trims, helps protect the walls and windows from the elements, and takes away the BOX with a roof on it look, Shadow lines will help it pop!, especially on the dormers., The overhangs could be even wider and use knee braces of a decorative nature to go with the era of construction. If the roof is being stripped for replacement it would be the most cost effective time, and with a nice Architectural Comp. roof, with the right color you"d be amazed at thge transformation! It sounds like a lot of work, but it really isn,t depending upon who you talk to about the work.

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Mrs P on Sep 10, 2016
I also have a cape. One thing you should think of FIRST. You said your doing your roof. We just did ours finished this past weekend. You need to decide what color roof/shingles you want first before you change the black / white look. My husband has been a carpenter etc for 35 years. We picked out a specal brown mix for the roof., we will be redoing the siding to a dark beige., which will match the roof. All the trim is white which will pop. We did a peak covered roof and porch with pillars with stone on the bottom., also rock/stone facing on the cement steps., You do have enough room to do that and if you hubby is handy it wouldn't cost that much., just make sure you use water and ice on roof for ice dams. The bushes you have in front of the house are nicely shaped I would keep those and put all of them along the driveway. You do have a slow incline of a side walk. I would rip the cement out and do large stone steps., doing all the rocks will get it a country cozy look. In front of both windows I would make gardens., maybe a white birch tree off the left, with a blooming bush, some hostas., right side., soft pine type tree., maybe a hostage., some lavender., check out local nursery a see what you like., creat highs and lows., the pine tree is beautiful., I also have one of those., we cut off the limbs on the bottom., went up 8 ft and put boulders around 1/2 of one side for a design., bird house hanging under the canopy with a bird bath. The shutters can be spray painted., nice sage green., front door darker green. Window/ flower boxes on the dog houses above., flowers boxes paint same color as the shutters. Re-seal the driveway., will make it look brand new and last longer. Do all this and it will not only look really cozy it will bring up the value of your house. Would love to see pics when your done! Have fun !

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Jessica Serrano-Gregg on Sep 13, 2016
Wow! This architecture must have been all the rage in the 50's everywhere! My husband grew up in a cape cod compound and I'd never seen such a thing until I moved to CT from Kansas where the style is not as prominent. When I asked him wth and why are there Neigboorhoods everywhere in Connecticut with the same house? I was confused!!! He told me that in the 50's they just made cookie cutter houses and marketed them as all the rage, the newest in innovation and it was actually a huge deal if you were able to purchase one of these homes as it said " you've arrived" hence the birth of the middle class being able to afford brand new housing. It took me forever to finally identify his childhood home only after his parents put on a new roof and coat of paint. Growing up he told me people actually went into the wrong houses because they all looked the same! Painted white with a tan roof. Yard layouts all the same. People slowly started to paint their doors different colors if they couldn't afford to paint or add siding to their homes so that was the quick fix! I still wouldn't be able to pick out the house if they hadn't painted it a very nice shade of yellow and put on a hunter green roof! It's really weird but it reminds me of the military housing where I'm from where all the houses are the same, cookie cutters were the most cost effective, high profit, low building costs for labor and prefab layouts. They practically sold themselves because they were the "it" house of the 50's modern family! Yours actually has the windows up top but these here ( original ones) just had the sloped roof and the upstairs 2 bedrooms had only one window facing the sides. Very small but cozy! I'll have to take a pic of just how many are still original but I have a friend that actually built inbetween your two windows creating the look of an actual 2 story raised ranch, added full front porch and pillars and it's the best house in that huge ( I think There's like 250 capes in this one area, I nicknamed the neighborhood "codzilla" lol but her house how sticks out like a sore thumb so you have to be careful on What you do lol l, she got hate mail for all her hard work and investment to better the area. These people freaked on her about modifying the exterior so much that now it's not a cape therefore should be moved lol because it doesn't fit in anymore. Lol these people were creepy about it. Oh no they even tied her up in zoning hearings stating that the area was zoned only for the "cape cod" residential architecture and by her design of creating a faux front of a second-story (which technically is already there it's just the design looks like a single-story home from the front and of course looking at the back and sides, you can clearly see the second story)but said she compromised the integrity of the neighborhood and the history of the Cape and adding a porch with pillars? Ohhhh no!LMFAO I'll have to send you a pic of this place but now a lot of these capes are run down and now her house is bringing up property values! Just a funny story. Are you also in a cape Neigboorhood? Also, Please don't take personal offense but those awnings are awful Hun. It truly dates the home back to the 50's. If you took those off, you'd actually create the illusion of a bigger home because your eyes are immediately drawn to them because they are so big and metal. If you must have awnings they have updated ones that will modernize your home but I don't think you need them! Open the front up, paint the door and plant a flower bed! I'll get you those pics of this creepy codzilla Neigboorhood that is like going back into The 50's . Your house looks brand new compared to these homes! I think they're a cult lmfao

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Ann|The Apple Street Cottage on Aug 02, 2023

I would add flower boxes to the windows and fill them with colorful flowers. I would also add color between the bushes in front with flowers.

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Mogie on Aug 06, 2023

Take the window awnings off.
Some flower boxes to add interest and color.
Something on the porch area it looks bare now.
Perhap custom wood shutters (use cut outs of trees, dogs, etc.).
An over hang over the front door would be nice.
We added solar motion sensing lights so if someone walks up at night they and you can see.

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Milanaa on Sep 05, 2025

I’d keep the black-and-white theme, maybe paint the door a bold color like deep red or navy to pop against the white, leave the crown molding white, and definitely keep those retro awnings since they give your house personality.

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Pollyyy on Sep 05, 2025

For your house, keeping the roof color in mind, black shutters will pop nicely against the white walls and complement a classic look. Consider painting the door a bold color like deep red or navy to stand out, keeping the crown molding white for contrast. Retro awnings add charm, so keep them if you love the look. For landscaping, simple greenery and flower beds along the front will enhance curb appeal without breaking the budget. Check NeighborWho https://www.pissedconsumer.com/neighborwho/RT-F.html for ideas on local home improvement tips and advice from others with similar homes—they share useful suggestions on colors, doors, and outdoor styling.

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Betsy on Sep 05, 2025

Hi Melissa: If you like the awnings, keep them. It's YOUR house and do what YOU like to it. Personally, I think I'd paint the door a colour to make it pop, like teal or red or green or some colour you like, and maybe the shutters, too. Also, I'd paint the storm door white, too. Depending on where you live, the colour of the roof can warm or cool your house. If you live in a warm climate, a light coloured roof will keep the house cooler in the warm weather. If you live in a colder area, a dark roof will keep in the heat in the cold winters.

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Deb K on Sep 06, 2025

Hi Melissa, you can paint the front door the same color as you paint the shutters, and if you like add a nice color of shingles, or stick with a grey. Personally, I think blue shingles would look fabulous and you could match the paint to them.

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Dee on Sep 06, 2025

I love the awnings and would NOT take them down. I also like the black and white colors. I would paint my front door either Red, navy blue or forest green. You need color and that would make it stand out.

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1952 Cape Cod.

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1952 Cape Cod.

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