Boy, I don't know. I have never been good at 4 season planting in Wisconsin. I have grown Jester Millet which dries in the late fall to a light brown and lasts through much of the winter, but that isn't really evergreen. There are also ornamental grasses, some of which get massively tall that will brown, but maintain visual interest and sway about in the wind over the winter and then you cut them down in spring and they regrow. you are probably best going to a well stocked nursery and asking what they have for ornamental grasses. Al (Tapla) seems to be taking a sabatical right now (hope all is well, Al), but he would certainly have some ideas for evergreen trees that would be suitable. I don't know much about evergreen trees so won't comment there. I tend to stay away from them as many seem to dessicate and turn orange/brown in my Wisconsin winters. A condition they never really recover from.

I utilize potted ivy/hanging geraniums elsewhere with great success. With a little deadheading & fertilizer, they thrive. It's the middle of Dec and they're throwing out blooms like crazy. So yes, geraniums were at the top of my list although I was thinking about branching out. I love lantana although my experience with them is that they get quite large. And in my part of the world, they don't bloom well w/ winter shadows. Do you think a mish-mash of different flowers would be aesthetically better or worse than a consistent mix of 1-2 plant types (i.e. geraniums & petunias)? Also, do you keep your planter box flowers in their pots so you can trade them out twice a year? Or do you plant them in soil and treat them like perennials? Remember: I'm within 5 miles from the ocean and don't have to worry about frost. Southern CA has its issues, but weather is not one of them. I've lived in Seattle & Dallas and learned that many of the traditional rules don't apply to our gardens. Thanks...

Really like your front yard shade trees. Agree with others: not a fan of the shutters. Have you checked local building codes to see what you can and cannot add and where -- you should do that before you invest any money in any additional planning or construction. It appears you already have a brown horizontal support beam across the right front of the house supporting the roof over your small stoop. Perhaps you could use that beam to help support a porch across the right half of the house (the length of that beam) that wraps around the right side w/a shed roof w/three hip corners -- one hip at the corner of the house and another at each end of the "L" shaped porch roof. Alternately: A "setback" rule might prevent you from building an "L" shaped porch that wraps around the side of the home -- but it is likely you could still add a porch across the right front half. You could still use hip corners on each end of the porch; you could also add a small forward facing gable over the entry/doorway. If you add a third floor or even just a larger dormer, the steps and access to them will likely take up floor space in your second floor even if they're atop the existing stairwell. Do consider that as you make your plans. Whether or not you add a third floor, you could use faux gable to break up the boxy look on the sides of your home. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/145874475400203632/?lp=true

I purchased these Moroccan inspired drapes for my bedroom. I want to paint my bedroom that will make the drapes pop. The design in the picture looks beige but it is actually a godly yellow color. I am not afraid of bright colors or bold patterns. Would appreciate any and all suggestions. Thanks