is it the colour or the cladding or the lack of features in the wall..what about add a verandah or open pergola with some climbers to soften the grey box....where is the front entry..what about an entry porch and/or verandah to enjoy views or create a sheltered garden to screen the house from the street... more photos looking out and looking in across the whole block would help explain the problem better

i'm sorry Zee i love your house just as is, with it's modern 50's vibe, although i would prefer a plain security screen and i think a verandah across the whole building and a colonnade over the ramp might help screen the front door from the street but would you use the space?? what about a generous hedge of local native shrubs to soften the edges?

I like it as is, although I also like the suggestion of thick white framing around all of the windows to mirror the framing on the thin, vertical window near the front door.

A lot of planters in front of the timber railing (i.e. where the small, single plant in a white pot current is) with some tall, lush, green, architectural foliage would probably help as well (although it's a little unclear to see what is happening that area with the blue tarp, etc).

I agree a verandah will improve it heaps, you have a great location - a 2nd floor would make it better.

Sorry Zee, I thought that was the foundations. The walls appear to be colourbond on the top floor?

Since no one has actually answered your question, here's a couple of links for ideas. I like the modern linea weatherboard in the 1st one (if you want to get away from vertical cladding.) Or maybe you'll like the shingles in #2.

http://www.jameshardie.com.au/products/external-cladding/

http://www.weathertex.com.au/products/

Hi Zee, I agree all you need are awnings in contrasting colour, metal if you want low maintenance?, then add some tall folage, close to the house, with grey and silvery tones. I have attached some awning

Like your house and Cladding as is, windows and screen door need a bit of help grey & white is a classic colour scheme, As John Henson mentioned some built out timber frames would work well, timber adds warmth, what colour bricks are used for the ground floor. Your garden to the street looks lovely good luck

Cheapest and quickest option is simply to use plants, a couple of semi-established trees, some shrubs, maybe some grasses (to reflect the beach tussocks). Rocks and perhaps stones for the ground cover (very low maintenance) and "Bob's Your Auntie". A new look at a very small cost.

perhaps

Hi Zee, John Henson have you found any pictures of what you suggested, it would be easier for everyone to understand what you meant. It's a simple and quite inexpensive treatment for external windows and doors, a great look. I can only explain it as making a timber box the same size as the window/door without the bottom in it and using this to frame up the window's, the door would only have 3 sides , I will look for Pic's when I have time, wouldn't we all love the outlook from this house,

It's a very modern look that as Lesleyh said is used by a lot of architects in different sizes and materials

I'd add thick white frames round the other windows, with timber to simulate the look of the tall window and maybe paint the exterior a warmer tone, than grey.

Looking at your photos, the existing colour with the timber is great. Several people have suggested timber shade structures over the windows. This will soften the grey and give you some depth to the structure. You could also try growing a green leafy vine in front of the pipe. Something that i not too aggressive and is easy to prune, such as potato creeper, would be great.