I started with the color. Deep dark chocolate brown is color drenched over classic colonial smooth lap siding and trim. Then I accented that with warmer brown asphalt roofing, with a faux shake look, to be able to tie in other brown tones.
To keep that timeless, lived-in look, I did a solid wood raised panel front door - assuming it'll be surrounded by sidelites and a transom - and then brought in traditional flush-mount lanterns in a warm metal finish to keep a New England feel.
With the accents, it's all earthy, homespun, and slightly whimsical. From the cobble pavers with moss grown between, to the flat panel shutters with a sweet cutout, to the woven cone hanging baskets and finally, my fave, these antique brass twig address numbers.
For a finishing touch, I chose a modern decking material in a natural color to give a freshly-sawn, unstained feel.
And to make that inspiration real, here's those (real-life, ready to use) sources:
