Thanks Yardvaark. The original pic at top of thread was in mid construction so of course it was not welcoming -- very ugly it was (or perhaps you were referring to the original house with white siding that had overgrown burning bush that obscured the circle pavers). Either way the result is an improvement for sure. I am very glad we decided from the good advice on this thread not to do plantings around the circle entry courtyard as I like how open it is now with just a garden around the birch (future garden that is). emmarene, We are definitely still doing the glass railing around the deck over the garage. We just have not got that done yet. That will really finish off the outside.

Plywood for a planter is not going to last but if you want to do as a temporal installment, fine. Honestly, I can't imagine that creating a solid wall type structure between the columns is going to be a plus for the overall look of the house. If we just want to do that in order to plant in that space, then I'd do the railing and get a planter box that fits over it like a saddle. In order to create formwork to fit steps, make a negative piece for the steps by placing 3/4" plywood at the end of steps. Trace the outline of the steps and cut the "halves" apart at the line. One piece represents the steps and is waste. The other piece will fit over the steps top edges (where the air is). Create a box that attaches to that piece and represents the outside form of the planter/cheekwall. If it's a planter, too, you'll need a "box" form for the inside of the planter. Figure out how to add bracing to the piece that sits on the steps in order to keep it stable during the pour. Of course, you'll calculate all the measurements first so you can make the planter height and size end up correctly. I will only get additional ideas for drawings if there are specific problems presented. In the last picture you added, Surge, it looks as if grade is running toward the house. In a prior picture taken from another angle, it doesn't. If grade is sloping down toward house, then it needs to be fixed before doing any planting.

Red as an exterior color is unheard of in some places, more common in others. Mountain areas, with their standing seam roofs probably have the majority of red as we know it. It’s tough to find a home pic that highlights the costly items at your new place. This red roofed barn gave you a visual of the deep gray. Getting rid of your red color would cost a fortune........... Other colors are tough to coordinate with whatever exists. The street side of the house was built with no design eye as to a focal point. It would be enhanced greatly by the small porch over the door. A faux/or real balcony extending the width of your house would create more of a chalet look that is expected (and or appreciated) in the mountains. This pic from Zillow in your area. The pic from Zillow could be from a previous sale of the house, before the trees grew so much. (Realtors sometimes go the easy route with their pics.) It’s all about time and money. The small gabled porch cover with a cute light might be your most cost effective upgrade. Is this a full time home, personal vacation home, or to be a vacation rental? How it’s lived in might make a difference in what is to be done, and when. Just a thought. Cheers!

Thank you, both! I certainly understand and appreciate where you are coming from. Waiting has been our mindset for a long time. We have lived here for ten years mostly focusing on saving, doing infrastructure projects, and tackling smaller landscaping projects (it is on 3+ acres and much has been done in the back). It doesn't look like much now (spring has not really arrived where we are) but the beds will be full with plants soon as it warms and we always plant annuals, planters, pots, and baskets. The greenery always does wonders to make it look more welcoming! We have gone back and forth about waiting. Unfortunately, the paint has been slowly running off the house when it rains since we moved in, some places are down to bare aluminum, and the deck has not been done for three years and is in need of painting anyway. We feel like we need to address it now in order to maintain the house and keep from opening ourselves up to bigger issues down the line. Aside from the painting (which we plan to do ourselves) the other projects should not be impacted when we renovate (patio furniture, trellis, steps, etc.). A good chunk of the funds will go toward furniture and based on our budget estimates. The paint and associated supplies will represent a much smaller portion.