Actually, I think you might be bothered over this for a reason that is purely of your own making. You might try a hit of ecstasy and see if the whole problem doesn't just go away. :-)

Another factor is that you are prejudging the outcome of the project while it is still in a state of unfinished disarray. By the time that the mess was cleaned up and plantings were installed and grown out, I think you could count on a much better appearance. Too, the stone is going to weather out and take on a softer, more homogenized look. Plantings that trailed over the wall at strategic places would also work toward making the wall look like it has always been there and seems well integrated into the surroundings. Finishing the whole area with furniture, a few large containers & decor will, I think, be enough that you can put the color dislike out of your mind. Lots of times people focus obsessively on details of a new job. Later, as they start enjoying the space, they just forget about those things that once seemed so bothersome. I would finish this project and see if it becomes more tolerable.

I agree, this has the potential to look much nicer once you've got it all filled in. I see how a lighter tone would've been nice, but this grey can bring out plant colors quite well too. I can see sedums, phlox, or periwinkle looking great crawling over that.

Not sure I agree about the hit of ecstasy though..... I'd suggest just half a hit if you're new to it. ;)

I see both your points. Definite cascading plants would be great even though the side walk is a bit narrow by the pool. The siting wall, I can't do that and it looks like cinder block to me though, lol! I'll see how it goes with the retaining walls though and after they're all cleaned up I guess I'll start over again. The only problem is finding native plants this time of year. They kind of destroyed a lot of my plants so it gives me the opportunity to look for some cascading plants for the front of the beds, just hope I can find some!. Great idea! I don't think I'll ever love it, but if I can see something pretty over it that will definitely help! Thank you both very much. I can picture it now looking less tolerable than it is!

One other point, though it applies more to paving than it does to walls, darker colors don't blast your eyes out from reflected sun like lighter colors can. You might appreciate the relief of less reflections when all is said an d done.

Plant don't necessarily have to cascade over the wall in order to temper it. I they just land somewhere on the edge, that will do a lot.