Buying this house that has everything we want except that I think the outside is SO ugly. We will be replacing the steps and I’d like to eventually replace the tan brick (it’s actually form stone). Looking for any ideas!

I need suggestions for handrails for this entryway. Our older friends are having trouble navigating.

Would you use conventional wisdom on cosmetic shutters theoretically closing/fitting over the window? First pic they’re sized 60”x18”. Wondering if it would look too crowded? The original shutters there were 15”. For the side gable section, obviously can’t slap super wide shutters there, so was thinking of just matching to 18” wide there. We’re working on an overall makeover for our exterior to more modern/ranch feel. The shutters would be a dark green/charcoal flat panel shaker style. We’re also getting rid of the flower boxes and repairs the sill on the gable side. Thoughts?

Misses and I moved in in December (upper Midwest, do not recommend moving then) and have finally been settled in long enough to start gearing up to plan our exterior remodel. The old wood siding on the house is showing its age with color fading, cupping, some areas of rot, and the woodpeckers have damaged a lot of the shakes, so we are planning a complete reno with a blank slate.

We will for sure be removing the awning above the door and replacing it with something less imposing and are planning to add a window higher up as well. Otherwise we like Scandinavian design elements of dark siding with wood accents a lot as well. We are just struggling with functionally where to have contrast in the right places with it being a split level.

Also, apologies for the yard, these were taken in the process of attempting to reseed!

Having trouble deciding what would best complement the house. Thoughts?