PS Deck a good idea, I think, but I haven't time to try to draw one right now.

Thank you Rina! :)

another colour
BM mineral alloy
and a suggestion re landscaping
more info if you clic under the picture

Here's the house in sage green with chocolate trim, and a cedar deck in front..

Hi again. Rethinking, I like the idea of a stone patio. I love the stone illustrated below -- the url is not a sales website, but it has what look like useful instructions for DIY patio laying.

First, do you have a estimated budget for your renovations? When it comes to any design budget inevitably plays a larger role than would be ideal, but it is a reality. You have enough space to create an amazing outdoor oasis. I'd recommend planters across the front of your home to soften the appearance and add some welcoming hues. Once you add planters and some floral colors, I think the actual color of your house would be fine. You need to add soft vegetation across the front and possibly an inviting path to your front door. The walk way will direct your guests to the front door and add curb appeal to your home. I'd recommend illuminating the path and the vegetation to create a warm glow.
You could use these flood lights to highlight the soft planter florals. http://www.affordablequalitylighting.com/outdoor-lighting/spot-flood-lights/brass-standard-weight/outdoor-flood-light-ps110/ and I'd use some copper pathway lights to add some design flare to your pathway. Similar to the photo from the DIY Network http://www.diynetwork.com/outdoors/22-landscape-lighting-ideas/pictures/index.html
I'd recommend copper fixtures because they patina beautifully, and you won't have to worry about a finish wearing off.

I'd keep the dark shingles and accent with blues and whites. Look up beach house style and shingle style on google.

Further to Mac Interiors' comments above, you are obviously in a pretty dry part of the country. I'd recommend looking into xeriscaping -- waterwise gardening -- when you get to landscaping your garden. It can be very beautiful.

We just bought this house back in October... We live in Tennessee so in the summer we have lots of green, so landscaping will be a breeze with lots of options to choose from with the wet humid climate.

Any ideas or photoshops for possible constructions ideas to update the whole split level look into something more modern. We will eventually need to build on because we will new the extra room.... But I can't seem to see any good options. However constructing onto the house will be a way to update the home cosmetically...ideas?

See this site for ideas which may send you in the right direction :-)
http://www.pinterest.com/explore/ranch-home-additions/

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/step-up-your-split-level-spec-house-stsetivw-vs~1495200

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/these-split-level-homes-get-the-style-right-stsetivw-vs~1352409

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/my-houzz-added-space-and-style-for-a-1960s-split-level-stsetivw-vs~4636991

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/my-houzz-contemporary-split-level-in-chicago-stsetivw-vs~1425283