I like your idea to have a curved patio type entrance, easier to maintain also : ) You can use potted plants then. I really like to use night lighting so a yard looks just as nice at night as in the daytime too. I also agree about a large boulder in front....takes up space, NO maintenance, looks nice with night lighting and you could have it made to have water flowing from the top for ambiance for the entrance : ) I'd add some small growing shrubs or perennials that flower to add some color. A bit of yellow maybe? Daylilies are nice and low maintenance. If you don't like to weed and water I go with mulch around the rock and perennials too. Not sure if it is common to add auto sprinklers in your area but it helps keep plants alive if you're very busy. If you want ZERO maintenance along the side you could go with a colored stone from fence to sidewalk and put in a few shrubs there to break it up a bit. I agree with toning down the white trim with a neutral color. Also I noticed the window to the right doesn't have shutters, so it looks a bit bare comparing to the other window. Here is a quick mock up. I'm off to bed now, so hope this helps a bit : ) Some visual ideas : )

First, you are so luck to have such a wonderful getaway vacation home! It is on a beautiful lot. I agree with missymoo as well, and also what Olychick said. Something about that table smack dab in the middle of the room seems to block entry into the screened porch. I love the idea of a sofa against the wall, something like what robo posted with some comfy cushions and arms, and a chair for reading with a footstool that could also double as an extra seat. Add a small cocktail table you can also use for a tray of snack food. The bar cart is also a great idea. Encourages people to gravitate to where the food and drinks are. You could also string up some lighting along the perimeter and it would look very inviting. Do you get a lot of sun on the deck? It looks shady so I would think a new round table with chairs for seating would be fine and then move your grill & the pub table out there. You can get some pretty nice chairs that swivel and rock. I have also seen some benches that double as storage for the cushions so that might be an option if there is room. That would keep cushion maintenance down for you when you aren't there.

I think the dining room rug is a little dark but I would make your other changes before replacing it - maybe it'll look okay once you've done everything else. You could also try removing it for a while and see if you like the area lightened up. If you do, you could look for a lighter rug or just leave it out. And I would also center it under the table if you can. I hate to say it but I think the new curtains might be a tiny bit too short but I am no curtain expert and don't have any in my house. I think I like the Accessible Beige or Agreeable Grey mentioned above better than Maison Blanche or Antique White, but that boils down to personal preference. I just sampled Antique White in my own house and it looks more tan/yellow than I prefer and reminds me a little of your current wall color.

https://www.houzz.com/photos/custom-homes-rustic-exterior-dallas-phvw-vp~53922691 I agree the shutters do not enhance anything and need to go. Do you have the budget to add some stone to add character? Even if you did a veneer of stone under the porch railing, it would help to add warmth and charm. I would box out the traditional posts with rustic wood. Given the new roof color I would paint the body of the house a darker shade of sage green or a deep cornflower blue. Check out Benjamin Moore Avon Green HC 126 and Sea Pine AC 17. Happy retirement in your new life!!!