Oh my god what a ! I think the plants just need time to mature -- I think bigger, established plants will feel better. I also love the idea of adding an undulating flower bed along the (lawn side) walkway, as well as making the bed underneath the window deeper. Those will go a long way to adding the "WOW" you want. I happen to be a fan of beds all around (inc. facing the sidewalk), but that's not for everyone. I find an abundance of plants really welcoming and friendly-looking. I don't know where you are, but a small tree (red leaf Japanese maple is what first pops to mind, but I happen to have a thing for them) could also do a lot. I'm not thinking of a large tree because it appears you have large trees on the hell strip. I think the small tree could go near the left corner of the house (to hide the junction boxes), and / or where that big rock is on the lawn. (well, maybe a bit to the left of it, closer to the corner of your property line) I like the dark brown trim paint color, but maybe when it's time to repaint you might consider a dark sage green or a mid-forest green. Your house is wonderful -- congratulations!

I think some kind of trellis or screening structure near the HVAC equipment or at the front edge of the roof as others suggested, could obscure the view. This is required in my area for commercial buildings with rooftop equipment. . In the "improve curb appeal" area, I think a lot can be done with your front yard. The side photo showing a glimpse of the neighbor's iron fence shows a walkway, a green shrub, and some grass. Your front yard could use some attractive landscaping. Or, if time or money is limited, put in some hard scaping - cover the dead lawn with a rock or gravel pattern and have an interesting center piece or two in the middle. Just something to make it look not-abandoned. Also, I think what looks like a chain-link gate to the left of the garage could be spruced up. Compare how it looks to the neighbor's redwood (?) or redwood colored wood fence on the other side of the yard. The wood fence looks attractive, the chain link gate looks scruffy. Good luck.

A DECK needs A PERMIT AS WELL. Your photos wont allow anyone to advise anything. Wait until you OWN the house, and get on site help. This isn't the forum for the question at the moment. Not everything can be designed online. Nor SHOULD it. A landscape/hardscape PRO on site. If altering roof lines? You need an architect on site. Anything else is "wind spitting".......or a thousand meaningless suggestions that suit not budget or site. Don't put a buggy ahead of your horse: )

Need ideas for curb appeal! Brick? Flower boxes? Shrubs? Door color? Thank you!!