Updating the exterior

I would like to update the exterior of my house to be a bit more modern. Any ideas or help with materials? The house is block construction and built in 1953. Is it considered a mid-century modern home? Any help is appreciated. I do like the look of wood siding on parts and different colors but need help!

I can try and get some more pics. What type of angles are needed? Any ideas as to how I can modernize the exterior. Any photoshop experts?

Again I am pretty open to wild ideas and mild ideas in making this a more modern home on the exterior. Interior I am pretty decent with and have many plans.

Here in the LA area you see a lot of modernized single story homes and there are several things the homeowners tend to do.

Firstly, clean up or simplify the exterior. In your case that would be taking off the shutters and seeing what you could do to have more modern windows. For example, are the multi-pane windows those where they are actually full panes and where the multi-pane framework is inside and can be removed? Also, can the exterior window framework (the wood) have a cleaner look. Lots of folks lean towards a straight edge frame (no molding) in stained, rather than painted wood.

Secondly, install a modern front door. http://www.crestviewdoors.com/ sell such doors or kits to modify an existing or new slab door. Another choice is a framed glass door (reeded or sand-blasted.)

 Thirdly, have the house smooth stuccoed, as the "bumpy" look stucco tends to be "old school."

Here's one photo of such a house in Venice, CA. This homeowner went with a white straight edge frame whereas some folks choose stained (like the door frame) rather than painted wood. Also, notice how the planters and porch chair also make a modern statement.

maybe you could consider rain screen. it would mostly have  aesthetical value rather than practical but it could make your home look more pleasing. just install vertical grid paint it black along with your whole house and combine large panels with wood horizontal siding over the grid. leave open joint. hold siding off grade 6" or so and paint exposed blocks grey. remove walk around the house and  pour gravel of your choice around house perimeter 3 or so feet wide. abut gravel with grass. design simple walk, and stoop by your entry, for example concrete squares. we did all this kind of work ourselves. it is doable and not too difficult. and yes, post more pictures, it is hard to design something around one image.