Hi definitely remove the x bars on the deck balustrade. Landscape close to the house so it grounds the house. Trees will make it look less bare. Chose some that work for your area, that are evergreen, and are not going to grow really big. With a really plain house - dark colors will make it look better. Dark Grey, or black with a warm tone so it doesn't have a blue undertone in it. Make sure it is a warm grey or black. Use green foliage around it. Paint out the pergola in the dark grey too or white if you want a different look. Fill in the balustrade where the x is removed with plants in front of those areas. Grow a vine up the pergola that is nice.

Heres what i was thinking of doing - change the roof and gutter to a dark grey or charcoal ... render the facade and paint a cream colour..changes the windows to a french style ( small squares) .. change the railing to a black traditional one..and put a darker cream trim around the windows and garage door.. Any other suggestions or comments ??

Our 70's home is one of a kind. It started life as a little 2 bedroom holiday bach and has been added to over the years and we love the spacious home it has become, but it really needs a facelift now. I would like a fresh look to the front, change the windows, deck, add a portico, fresh paint colour etc so it looks inviting and is sympathetic to the unique nature of the house which is modern country inside. Any suggestions would be welcome.

I think anything those sizes will look completely out of proportion. A small rug doesn't make a room look bigger - it just makes it look out of proportion. A large rug will actually make the room look bigger. The front legs of the couch should be able to sit on the rug. Search 'rugs in living areas in photos' on this site and you can see examples. At the moment what you have looks like a mat not a rug