It's a really nice late 80's house with potential . The upper windows are a neat feature that adds to it ( or maybe its a 'blade' , can't quite tell ) .

I'd look at the bits that grate with me .

Firstly , those beam ends are presumably 'fake' . Paint them charcoal , or see if you can remove them altogether . And do the gutters either crisp white , or charcoal . In other words , hide or make it more pleasant and more noticable . There looks like a little grated railing thing by the pillar near the door -- do that charcoal too .

Then those 2 pillars -- I'd do in a stacked flat stone , like schist . Most schists are lighter toned , but with brownish tinges , so will fit in but stand out enough to notice .

And then for 'warmth' , cedar or similar toned natural timber garage doors add the class and looks .

Of course , you can do way more , and spend more , but that would be quite a good , modern change for under $10k .

This is a lovely classic 80s home, I would enhance it. Get a colour consultant out to see if the trim colours could be changed. Then landscape.

Along with colour change, I would swap out the glass beside door and if you can reduce the amount of brick paving and
Landscape.

Fabulous house. I would use a soft Beige on all trims, something to blend with that beautiful driveway and landscape to suit your climate. As fianou suggested the Americans do great work with these houses, Check out the Lifestyle channel, A rough idea

Thanks for all the comments so far. We love the house, and are excited to give it a little makeover to show off its personality.

It seems like the popular opinion is to change the colour of the trims. Ill be looking to get a colour consultant in to spark some ideas.

We have already started some work on the front gardens and are amazed at how this is impacting the feel of the house on the block!

I had never heard of the lifestyle channel or Fixer Upper so I've added them to my research lists :)

Thanks again, and if anyone has more ideas, we are all ears :)

I should add that we like the idea of changing the front door.