gennersb Also any ideas of how to modernize the house a bit would be great!

Interiors International, Inc. Remove the shutters, iron railings and the outside lights. Add bold bigger lights in a brushed steel finish. Do the new railings to match and have them be more substantial. Grey would be a good color for the gables. That's a good start.

Dytecture If for some reason the shutters can't be removed, I'd suggest painting them a darker color along with a contrasting door as well.

gennersb Thank you for the feedback. It helps me greatly!