Thuja orientalis 'Franky Boy' or Thuja plicata 'Whipcord' could be a nice fit for that spot. Very unique, informal conifers. They sort of looks like a perennial grass, but it's evergreen, cold hardy down to z5, and can take a good amount of shade. If you are looking for something taller. Picea abies 'Reflexa'. This one is a weeper. You stake it to the high you want and then let it cascade back to the ground. With temps we had this winter, you are probably asking for trouble with most broad-leaf evergreens. I'm in 6b and significant winter burn on my rhododendrons, holly, ect.. Your probably best to focus on conifers

How attached are you to your lawn? I wouldn't suggest removing all of it, but I like beds to be a minimum of 6 feet deep, and 8 feet is even better. That gives me the option to have several layers front to back which gives me more room for interesting foliage, allows me to better hide things I want hidden, and allows me to have something blooming almost all season. Also, what is your soil like? Acid or alkaline, and sandy, loamy or clayey? I'll wait to give specific suggestions until I know a bit more.

Between the light colored siding and the openness beyond, there should be enough ambient light there for just about all but the most sun loving plants. The only caveat is make sure either a) the bed drains well or b) whatever is planted in the corner can take water because of the downspout. tj

I have a really nice perennial and EVERGREEN (!) vine that I would highly recommend, but some nurseries online list is as zone 5, while others say zone 6. I have had it here (zone 6b) for over 10 years now and it's been rock hardy. It's Gelsemium sempervirens "Margarita". If it's hardy for you, it would be great. It's a strong enough grower, but never overpowering the way Wisteria or Trumpet vines might be, and in that small planter bed it would be perfect. So, depending on which source you search, it may be something to try. If it succeeds, it might be great. Covered with yellow blooms in spring, and green shiny leaves all year. Here's what it looks like: