Below is an updated photo. In some ways it looks like we havenÂt come that far in a yearÂso depressing! Anyhow, I did move the globe blue spruce to the NW corner, and planted an Emerald Green Arborvitae tucked behind it. There is now a line of purple leaf sand cherries along the fenceline (mostly out of view), along with some of my favorite perennials. IÂm not as happy with the front, middle. It still looks messy to me, partly because itÂs unfinished and I still canÂt decide what to do. The roses to the right of the window came up from the rootstock and IÂm just not happy with them any longer, so I think IÂll yank them out. HereÂs what IÂm considering: planting honeysuckle to the right and left of the front window (for balance), and putting some low growing shrubs in front of the windows. (Or even keeping the goldmound spireas that are in there now). (This is a loose adaptation to BratÂs suggestion  thanks!). The tall things right in front of the window are coneflowers that I think IÂll let bloom this season, then move in the fall. As far widening the space, I donÂt want to fight that spousal battle. Frustrating, because IÂm coming to realize that such a narrow space has made this really difficult to carry out. There might be a chance of pulling up some grass along the front walk on each side to about 10 feet out from the house, and therefore connecting the right and left even more. So what do you think of the new house color? Love it or hate it! I do have plans for a tree in the front yard, to balance out the one that currently exists, and to be visible from inside the house. Thanks for all the input so far! Mary Here is a link that might be useful:

I agree with Mr. Mark, because colors are sensitive to light and surrounding colors, you really would benefit from in-person consultations. That said.... Gutters will probably be dark brown to match roof a close as possible, but completely unsure of what to do with the downspouts! Downspouts should (generally) match the body of the house. :-) If the stucco is slightly off-white, will bright white trim and doors look alright? I wouldn't. Off-white tends to look tired/aged, if not outright dingy/dirty, next to bright white.

If you can change both fan and dining light, then I would have them complement. No recessed lights in the living room? If you must have the fan, then something that hugs the ceiling with a flush mount light too but have primary lighting with an arched lamp and other lamps. Something with silver metal for dining light would complement the kitchen stainless steel/chrome. The type of lighting depends on your style. Same for window fabrics and coloring. You have a neutral background everywhere- what are your favorite colors? Is there a rug in LR with color?

I like the bar idea. And I would definitely go with painted cabinets in a rich color to liven up the space. Everything you currently have is either espresso brown or gray, and that gets monotonous pretty quickly. How deep is that space? Because to put a wine/beverage fridge there, you'll need at least 24" but preferably 25" of depth. Here's a bar we did for a client that does not have a wine fridge, but has painted cabinets with glass shelving: Their place is decidedly more rustic than yours, but it just gives you an idea of what can be done. Or you could do something like this with a tile backsplash and open shelving: And FWIW, it doesn't have to be a built in. You could find a nice tall bar cabinet that fits in the space. Like this: