Thanks for your suggestions, I didn't think I wold get any response. I really like your suggestions for new tiles on the steps. It is something we hadn't considered at all (one of those areas you always walk past and never stop to consider). The whole front door area could use some love actually, it is a very dark entrance with its orientaton and it hasn't been clad underneath so it is still mission brown wood and the orange tiles to suck away the light. Do you have any thoughts on trees and their positioning? It would be great to have shade in summer, but I feel like with the height of the building on the right, that it needs a big tree on the left, which obiviously wouldn't work given we need to drive our cars there. The neighbours have their drive alongside ours which emphasises it even more. Thanks again.

I would suggest some taller pots of varying heights for up near the front door amber glass where you currently have plants. This would assist with drawing the eye and positive energies towards the front door - great and inviting for visitors! Secondly I would get a trio piece of outdoor art which reflects some of the colours in your pots on the wall opposite your window again this will provide a homely feeling and be something to view through the window from the inside. Alternatively an outdoor rug for the porch area that might have a bolder geographic design and a monochromatic colour way. The garden in the steps I was wondering if some drought tolerate grasses would be nice? There are some with reds, purples and lush greens? This would provide visual appeal plus setting the "relaxed, friendly" occupants inside??

Don't try and modernise this home, it has a lovely mid-century character that you should build on. I suggest to all of my clients that they should live in a home for at least 12 months before spending big renovation dollars. Understand how your house works with the change of seasons, and the existing electrical and plumbing services. Sometimes when you are on a tight budget in an old house then boring things like gutters and hot water systems are more important than supeficial aesthetics. Elements that are not original, such as your roller blinds at the front aren't contributing to the look of the house. The right landscaping could provide the shade you need and look much better. Love it for what it is, rather than try and make it into something that it is not. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

Hi Jen, Great house, I think a charcoal colour would look great on windows, guttering, steps , porch and brown bricks, here’s a few inspiration photos for you of what you may like for your house and garden, I would keep the bricks and just update the trims etc, could look great, trim off the scallop edge on blinds for a more modern look, you could even paint them to match trims( I have done this ) love the raised beds , adds a real feature, could look fabulous.