There are many options for changing the look of your house. I would replace the windows with larger windows. You can put in tall windows and keep the same width. This doesn't require any structural changes. If you widen the windows you will need a structual analysis. However, if you want to really change the look, you could widen the openings and put in french doors on each side with a new balcony for each, or a balcony across the front. The balcony can be very shallow 6" or deep enough for a chair. It can be cantelevered. I would go for a contemporary look. I found some images to share for inspiration. If you decide to make the changes, I suggest that you hire a local Architect to help you acheive something really nice..........Your house has a lot of potential.

Hmmm, I see what you mean. There are two aspects I would focus on - the door surrounds and the garden pathway/approach. For the doorway itself (depending on how much you want to spend), you could put a small porch over the door for shelter (with a light for evening visitors). Maybe add a (wider than the doorway itself) glass or trellis surround on the RHS of the door, or add a small deck/steps (over the top of the current ones) that extends the doorway outwards and sideways and provides a sheltered platform for people to stand on while waiting for you to welcome them. The trick would be keeping it in the style of the (stucco?) house - maybe use the blue trim alongside the doorway to add visual width. The second aspect would be creating a pathway leading to the front door. I wouldn't take it in from the street but rather curve across from the driveway. Maybe large pavers spaced for walking, set into a gravel pathway, with some small outdoor lights alongside, and create a garden with small shrubs on the LHS of the door out to the edge of the path to define the pathway to the door. Or if you were going to concrete the driveway at some point, you could make some matching concrete pavers, with a rougher aggregate surface, with some extra concrete. And finally, the door... the door itself doesn't show in the picture, but after you've created the doorway, you could either get a new door (with some glass in it - more welcoming), or just repaint your current door to match your doorway - possibly in the same blue as your trim - lovely! Good luck

The colonial style in your bottom picture looks nice , but I don't think it would suit your house style . I gather you are older , but the existing colours are from different eras IMO . The burgundy/red colour I like , and although the downstairs windows look quite old , I would paint them the same colour , and the seat too . Upstairs I'd definitely change the window -- the louvres are so dated ! Go a bit bigger if you can , but that may get into structural problems . Have top-hinged opening windows eaither side , and a larger piece of fixed glass in the middle . Either no surround , or a surround to match the downstairs windows and door frame , painted to match . All the roof and side ribbed steel panels I would repaint in a gunmetal grey , and get away from that dark green . The roof on the room to the left I would also do , to 'tie it' in . I'd leave that small roof above the door , and add a roofed gazebbo out the front , with stained or varnished solid wood uprights , and a roof painted in that burgundy red . I would build it to fit onto the lower deck level -- way easier and cheaper to do it that way , as opposed to raising and enlarging the deck . Add a couple of natural timber planters , even a half barrel or two , a shint stainless barbeque , and some charcoal coated aluminium outdoor chairs and a matching glass top table . Personally , I can't imagine a roof / portico attached to the existing house that would suit the style and not make the downstairs ( inside ) too dark . A stand alone roofed timber gazebo would offer the best of both , at a reasonable price . One last idea -- the latticework on the 'fence' -- repaint it an English Off-White , while keeping the rails and posts that burgundy red -- it would add interest and lift it IMO . If you are younger , then go crazy -- bright orange window surrounds , blue/grey render and charcoal roof -- a big round upstairs window , and 6 outdoor chairs , each in a different bright colour !

It's not showing in the Ozzie forum. You need to change your country to oz, then start a new thread, with the photos and post it. If you go to the Ozzie forum, you won't be able to find it. So what I think you have done, is just change your setting...but you need to post fresh I am afraid! So you will have two posts, one in NZ forum and one in oz...but the Ozzie peeps will only see your oz one, so don't mention posting previously Keep that between us. :)