Dealing with the exterior of your home can seem like a daunting task. This new homeowner is inheriting a house full of blue vinyl siding. Aside from upgrading the entire exterior, there are some simple options for de-emphasizing the “smurfiness” (as our reader put it!)

This house is super cute – a classic American vernacular with easy proportions and lots of surrounding trees.

I happen to like the blue siding, but I think the front could benefit from several things:

1. Shutters that aren’t blue
2. An architectural feature
3. Landscaping

Option 1

Option 2

This update focuses more on landscaping and doesn’t require much work on the actual facade. Here I’ve toned down the blue with tasteful warm gray shutters and doors. For a tailored French country effect, how about some well groomed topiary? And a stone/iron fence sets the mood right from the street. It’s like your own little European estate.

Option 3

For this last option, I cheated a little. Rather than visualize the actual house, I’m going to throw out an idea. For more of an architectural feature, a sweeping front porch would really set this house apart. You’ve got to check out this great little before and after from Vintage Woodworks. I think it would work like a charm here too.

Don’t be blue! Just get a little creative with doors, shutters and landscaping and your exterior will be ship-shape in no time.