[WIP] House Scene - First Time Poster

[updownleftright]

Hi guys, this is a picture i'm working on for a super secret project it's one of my first ever pieces of pixel art (excluding doodles), and I need some help getting it past a sticking point. You guys seem to know what your talking about, so I thought i'd open it up to c&c's.

It's clearly WIP, and theres plenty left to do, mostly details like drainpipes, drains, grass texture, door handles, plants, interior through the windows, the roof, etc etc.  I'm going for a crisp 'eboy' vibe, so I don't want to muddle it too much with texture and stuff, but something about it is buggin me, it doesn't "pop" yet, I don't know whether it's the colors or what.

Any advice for a pixel n00b?

[updownleftright]

No takers yet? Fair enough, it's not the most exciting image in the world A couple of comments or suggestions would really be appreciated though!
Here's a slightly updated version, i've had a go at tiling the roof, adding drains, pot plants, door details and adjusted some colors.
Am I heading in the right direction?

[durkadoo]

Very nice for one of your first serious pieces! You could add some shapes other than squares to spice it up a bit. I don't know why, but I really like the thought bubbles.

[That One Guy]

I was hoping for House M.D.

Ah well, great job.

[durkadoo]

I was hoping for House M.D.

Ah well, great job.

Haha, thsat's what I was expecting too.

[updownleftright]

You could add some shapes other than squares to spice it up a bit.

Ahha! You exposed my weakness I think i've been sticking to the squares because they're easier to do, but I agree, I should do some more natural shapes too, i'm going to add some plants in the border next, and maybe round off the corner of the drive, that should help.

Thanks for the positive comments guys,

[Feron]

for brick texturing and general isometric pixelling have a look at this:  
http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/factpj.png

solid start - just seems very flat and would benefit from contrast and better texturing.

[updownleftright]

Just a minor update tonight i'm afraid. I've had hardly any time to work on it over the weekend
I've added a few bits of detail, and tried my hand at some texturing of surfaces. I agree it still needs some contrast, but perhaps not too much. The image you linked to is nice, but not exactly the tone I want for this piece. A slightly more desaturated and simplistic feel is actually what i'm aiming for.

[pixelsforhire]

The textures really helped flesh the piece out a bit. I like brick colors, too.

[ptoing]

It's all very basic i have to say. Often it is better to suggest detail and not actually drawing every single brick.

For excellent reference of an isometric building check this picture by miascugh:

http://pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/factpj.png