Do you have a lot of bunnies and deer in your area? You may not see any in your own yard because of the lack of foliage, but if you've got a deer population, you're going to have some trouble. We've got TONS of deer where I am, and they will eat anything we put in the front yard (they can't get into the backyard!) But, if deer are not a problem, I suggest Hostas. These are perennials, they're pretty hardy and roughly maintenance-free. We've got a bunch around the yard and we planted them there at least 10 years ago, and probably have not done much since planting them other than feeding once in a while. The rain provides enough water. However, when we tried putting them in the front yard, the deer munched happily on them. Same with the lilies, even though I was pretty sure deer did not like lilies (or maybe the bunnies ate the lilies?). Black eyed susans are self-seeding, and quite strong too. If you want a few smaller flowers for cutting, snapdragons are very attractive and provide a nice burst of color, and depending on your zone, since they are self seeding, they may come back in higher numbers the next year, and so on. Iris is a very nice choice too, as it is a fairly sturdy plant and does not require too much maintenance. I suggest finding some bearded iris rhizomes online right around now, because they are late summer/fall planted. There are a number of very attractive "rebloomers" that will bloom in the spring and again in the summer, which is always nice. Deer won't eat them, and they're nice. However i'm not 100% positive 6hrs is enough sunlight for an iris, but it might be. (iris experts, chime in!) You might want to consider some kind of wild flower seed. check online (i always buy my seeds and bulbs from americanmeadows.com and they do have a section, IIRC, for what seed mixtures are best for each area of the US) as these can provide a colorful splash to your garden bed. If you're looking for spring time color, invest in some daffodils. These are totally maintenance free, other than planting the bulbs. They take care of themselves, you don't have to dig up the bulbs, and they will multiply over the years. Any spot is okay for them, though they do prefer a little bit of shade, and so your 6 hrs of light is perfect for them. If you're looking for some border annuals, petunias are a nice choice, as are portulaca. Portulaca is much easier to take care of though--you really don't have to do anything other than plant them. With petunias you have to make sure they don't get too much water--and if you get a lot of rain, they're going to rot and get moldy. (though this is the same with most plants, i suppose)

Ok... had a doc appt. so I stopped off at home during lunch to let my poochies out... here they are... so cute... They look like they think they are modeling. Ok... sorry got off topic. I moved the dresser as suggested by grandmaof3 and it actually helps that side of the room which was super bare. I can always move it out of the room though. I switched the table and brought in another for the moment to give it a try. I have the same two lamps so I placed them on each table. I think it looks alot better! I need to still find an appropriate sized table but will be patient. As for the curtains... I am going to buy the same ones that are white but in beige and hang those alone. They do hit the floor. Now I need to find a rug.. plus many other things. So.... be watching for yet another post from me. Thanks!!!! Amy

Thank you, thank you, everyone. What great suggestions that really help us to narrow our focus - it's a daunting move to completely change a house color, but I've never been a fan of the current color. A few more pics below ... dianalo - I love your suggestion of green as a third color, particularly because it's my favorite color. blfenton - I'm all for the lazy solution. ;) I thought I'd better post here to the wise ones first in case our local paint dealers are not as creative. adriennemb - We are very inspired by nature around here. Here's a photo of our views - excuse the excavator ... DH was installing a septic system for a neighbor. :) Your idea of a deep red would truly work - our neighbor is called Red Rock Valley. From House Exterior teacats - Yes, right now the house definitely blends. Before we changed the roof, it was tan and you couldn't even see a house on Google Earth. We're cautious about competing with nature, maybe don't want to blend as much. The trim color right now is actually dark olive, and I like it very much. We also will be replacing the lights - I like the idea of heavy black lanterns. As for the porch railings, I'd love to replace them with black iron (I can't stand those pickets!), so painting them black in the meantime would really be a good solution. And I also love your idea of the pergola - we are SO open to ideas. abundantblessings - The side storage you see is sort of a "bike port" - no doors, but DH is going to finish the interior so it looks nicer. Ah, the front door challenge. We tell people we don't have a front door - we've had delivery people circle the entire house. Because there IS no door by that yellow rocker. You drive up to the garage, and have to know to walk to the left, around the corner, down the walkway .... there WAS a door by the yellow rocker, but you would walk into a large closet in my kids' rec room. Awkward. So we actually walled it off. Here's a pic of the north front door. It's purdy. ;) From House Exterior

tibbrix - thanks for thinking that thru for me! Luckily there is no direct sun coming into the room. I have always loved square coffee tables, over the more standard rectangle. Im only backing off it now because feeling an ottoman would better serve the comfort of facing the TV (but re-thinking square coffee for our living room). The sofa table will be nice accent in front of window wall which will only block the tops of the seating on the balcony so a good thing. aktillery9 - wow, the visual really makes this look like a room! Had thought the seating facing windows would have to be pressed against the wall (at the door) but see that looks great. Also with seating pulled off glass wall, Im okay with seating in front if extending a bit pass the door. While I like the look of the double chairs, think a couch there would be more practical for us lying down, watching TV since an upstairs rec room, wanting to focus on most comfort. Based on these ideas, came up with this twist on them: