I agree to remove the large shrubs that are too near the window. The small tree/shrub in left front yard, would probably look better if thinned out and create a small mulched area around it. If you are going to put flowers or ground cover around said shrub, then make it large enough, not a little tiny ring around it. As for the shrubs in front of the right hand window, I personally don't like what some refer to as "meatballs" for landscaping. You either have to keep them trimmed or let them go natural, which is my personal preference. Still you want them to be below the window. I like the idea of a patio or larger landing at the front entrance. Not sure exactly what would work or be in the budget. Congrats on new home!

You have a valid point, Worthy. However, please allow me describe our site. Although it does appear to be a vast countryside, it's really a new very small waterfront development. We are 1 of 3 homes. Don't know when, but eventually we will have neighbors (hopefully nice neighbors ( : . So most of the views will be toward the river, which can be seen left side of the photo. If you look, you'll see blue in the background. The room behind those windows is my studio/work space. You are right, there are views to enjoy outside those windows, too. But there are so many other rooms to enjoys views from too. I appreciate your comments. Gave me more to think about. Thank you very much, Yvonne.

Just wanted to add that our planting zone is 8b. : ) Any help would be greatly appreciated!

So much fabulous feedback - THANK YOU!! @jhmarie - I think you are right about the white oak floors - they are very hard and don't really scratch. I'm going to consider quartersawn oak now... and you are definitely correct about a drab grey/brown combo. We are leaning towards the greige colors for the floors and backsplash. A cold hard grey won't really fit in with the rest of the house. @olmama - your kitchen looks fabulous and it really does remind me of ours. The ceilings are almost identical. @nosoccermom - I like the colors, but the shape is too modern. I think something between rustic and farm fits us better. I went to the website and saw those cabinets are oak... wow I had no idea oak could looks that good. lol. :) @Olychick - yeah I'm starting to have second thoughts about the knotty alder. with so many knots already, it might be too much "clutter" for such a small space. Out kitchen is not really that big - it just feels like it because of the open ceiling and the sun room with the windows makes it feel huge. @herbflavor - Thanks for the input on the flooring - I'm to the tile store this weekend to look at tiles like the ones mentioned above. @OneRidgeOff - Holy smokes!! I love your granite and backsplash. My partner also loves blues like that. He is going to flip when he sees your kitchen pictures. I'm so excited to pick our granite. :) @SJ McCarthy - you are 100% correct that we are going to struggle until we update the windows. the rest of the house was updated since building, but they did not update the sunroom, probably because of the cost. Those windows are HUGE. @Filipe Agostinho - I see what you are saying about contract - I'm going to focus on making sure there is contrast between the floors/backsplash/countertop and cabinets. This is a huge help. Ok, so to recap - definitely going to focus on greige floors, and will look at quartersawn oak, since it will match the trim in the rest of the house, and modern shaped cabinets will still update it, without having to update the rest of the house. You all are awesome. Thank you so much. :)