Honestly? I think the gable adds nothing to the look of the house. In fact it doesn't go with the style of house. I would do as you have in the second plan but have the overhang just go straight across the front. Here's an idea of what I mean.

The shrubs need to go since they are too large for the available space. I would make the bed about 3' deeper front to back so the new plants don't look crammed against the building, and replacement evergreen shrubs should be small so that they have a year round presence but don't need a lot of pruning. Plant them in the central area between the two windows and over to the right side. The rest I would fill with a contrasting evergreen groundcover except for the space right against the walkway which should have some bright flowers. Mulch well with shredded bark mulch for weed suppression until the ground cover fills in. Plan to spend about 15 minutes every couple of weeks checking for and removing any weeds that do sprout. Have the old stump removed/ground, connect that bed to the bed across the front (which may happen when you make the bed across the front deeper) and plant a new small tree. You can either go with a large shrub like a Limelight Hydrangea pruned up to tree form or use a small tree like one of the smallest crab apples.

Maybe a outdoor rug and some metal art on the back wall. Paint a turquoise blue or some brighter color. Or a wreath even if you like them. Like this:https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/three-posts-4-piece-wall-decor-set-thps3885.html Even if you find something thats more for indoor use a coat of Rust-Oleum spray paint would give it enough protect in that covered area. I would definitely paint the entryway white or some other much lighter color to brighten it up. A colorful pot with dried flowers or pine cutting for fall/winter. You can paint a red clay pot with any acylic indoor or outdoor paint. It weather's off a bit over time and looks "rustic".

I don't think that porch was meant for seating. You could do just a bench as wide as the window, A large plant to right of the door. OR do a flower box