I agree this is a great modern exterior. Perhaps adding some wood or natural elements as you mentioned would warm up the facade a bit.

Joe and Wendy, What I really like about your house is how architectual it is, I would really play that up by painting different colors which would create different sections. A warmer taupe almost into terracotta would look great and perhaps a soft turquoise, I am linking to a New Mexico contemporary home that has this idea. It would look wonderful on your home.

http://www.furniturefashion.com/2010/01/06/contemporary_design_home_in_new_mexico.html

I think Spear Awnings would look good on this style home too. It would be an easy way to add color and get sun protection at the same time. You could use a bold color, stripes or make it elegant by using a solid black canvas fabric. You could come down just a little on the window to use them as a decorative accent or come closer to halfway down to get more sun protection.

Here's some info on the Spear Awnings.. http://www.pycawnings.com/awnings/window-awning/spear-window-awnings

Beef up the four light fixtures across the front and do a matching chandelier style in the entry. I think the triad of topiaries have gotten a bit out of control - would remove them. I like the pic Susan sent of the multiple paint colors, and I'd do the turquoise she suggested on the double front doors. Also noted there was some stone on that home. What about stone on the center section of the house? Specifically, the section where the three topes are and the equal sized section above the entry and the entry itself. Might use it on the pillars flanking the walk as well. To keep it contemporary, try metal awnings, no scrolls or spears but just simple poles with perhaps a ball to support them. I think I have some in my ideabooks if you care to look. They should be under "awnings" or "metal awnings.' Will post again if that is not correct.

I like the idea of stone or stone-look siding to highlight an area or several areas of the house even changing the color would help.... adding paint to the garage doors and trimming the windows may add enough interest.

I love the look of the house but I agree that it seems a little cold, almost looks like a small office building. I think some wood trimmings around the windows would warm it up some. Beautiful house though.

Sweet house--where are you located? Even if you were to do nothing, I like the lines, massing, and sense of entry.

If you are looking for a softer feel, however, Dytecture's idea is a great one--if you were to clad the front room to the left of the entry (triple window) and the room to the right (4x window) in some sort of accent wood (ipe with a rainscreen detail would be a good choice, I've used a similar detail with composite decking @ my own house b/c I hate refinishing and resealing wood every year), that would probably suffice.

Then perhaps a warm gray paint color at the two story entry element, with new garage doors to match the wood rainscreen.

I actually like how the windows are detailed now, very clean and elegant, totally fits this style of architecture.

Sweet house--where are you located? Even if you were to do nothing, I like the lines, massing, and sense of entry.

If you are looking for a softer feel, however, Dytecture's idea is a great one--if you were to clad the front room to the left of the entry (triple window) and the room to the right (4x window) in some sort of accent wood (ipe with a rainscreen detail would be a good choice, I've used a similar detail with composite decking @ my own house b/c I hate refinishing and resealing wood every year), that would probably suffice.

Then perhaps a warm gray paint color at the two story entry element, with new garage doors to match the wood rainscreen.

I actually like how the windows are detailed now, very clean and elegant, totally fits this style of architecture.

Input, Mediterranean in the HOUZZ search engine and you will get some great ideas. I would do a stained front door and garage doors. I would then paint around the window (trim) with brown. I would put up larger outdoor lanterns. The present ones are too small for the size of the house. I would keep the current house color or even go to white. Think about how people love the pictures of Greek houses that are white.

You might also consider Hurricane shutters if you are in a coastal area. They attach from the top and have a good look. Makes me think of Key West in the states. I

What an incredible space! You seem to have an unusual mix of design elements here. I see a mix of contemporary and Spanish styles fighting for dominance. You could easily go either way and the house would be stunning. It depends on you style taste. My choice would be to go with the Spanish influences to soften the facade. Here are some ideas I had: (see photos at end)
The harshest feature are the windows. To ease the strong lines I'd opt for placing dark hand hewn wooden beams over the 3X window bay and the 4X window bays, along with the widow way at the top over the porch area. Under these windows I would add fabricated mouldings that are in the pictures below.
For the entry way you need to draw more attention in that location. To do this the door needs some attention. Try either stipping the present door and staining it a stain with orange tones (see photo) or paint the present door in this color tone. In addition, placing wrought iron grills in the door windows would work to soften the entry as well. (you can find faux inserts or use wrought iron) To call more attention to the front door, and softening the harsh line above the porch I'd put in place a pergola extending outward to the front of the 4window bay that matches the wooden beams over the windows. Now the eye travels to one location instead of drifting back and forth.
I see you have wonderful downspouts. I would bring attention to those as well and paint them an aged copper tone.
To give the house a "Top" I suggest painting the moulding along the roofline a brown color to match the wooden beams. This way the house won't float. It will be grounded.
To keep the garage area from looking like an after thought encorporate it by changing out the doors with wooden doors that have a line of square windows in the top frames only. Try matching the beams to the garage.
I too would suggest changing out the light fixtures to better fit the size and style of the home. I have a photo of a Spansh style home attached that has a nice choice. (The long lights)
Finally, I would use planting to soften the house a bit. Perhaps removing the popsicle bushes and placing in some Italian cypress. I see them placed one on either side of the 3window bay and one of the far right of the 4 window bay.

Here are the attached photos:
The first has teh moulding under the windows.The second has the lighting fixtures, garage door and roofline colors, and the third has the downspouts.
I hope you find something you like here, and enjoy your design adventure.

Opps forgot. I also place two large round ceramic pots on each of the gate columns out front. You can see these way up high in one of the photos I added. This too will soften the entry. Enjoy!!

HI -- Here are some more ideas for you ------ Vanguardstudioinc.com --- look at ---13229 Villa Montana ---- and Comanche Lot 2 ---- elements of these are what your house needs.

I think you need some large modern lights. Check these out from Lantern & Scroll (I found them on Facebook). They were really helpful and can customize. Cheers!

I think you need some large modern lights. Check these out from Lantern & Scroll (I found them on Facebook). They were really helpful and can customize. Cheers!