Sidelights matching the door, functional shutters with shutter dogs, beefy posts (consider round columns to soften and repeat the curves on the window installations.) How about a new surface for the porch? It looks rather utilitarian and cold (like the builder ran out of steam) and you seem to have clearance at the door to add wood. Or you might professionally stain the concrete. The example below isn't the color I'd suggest, but you see what a difference it makes. Door, shutters, columns Stained concrete, beefier posts

Good morning, Beth, I never answered you. Yes, we are in SoCal. Stucco box land! I didn’t think I could achieve my “dream house” look with *this* house, but I’m hopeful now. I gleaned a lot of inspiration from this feature on Mediterranean farmhouses. https://decomg.com/75-beautiful-rustic-mediterranean-farmhouse-exterior-design/ I can’t tell you how helpful this thread has been...helping me understand what it is exactly I like and don’t like, and what terms get me images of what I do like. It’s not modern that I like necessarily, but minimal, simple. And maybe it’s not black and white, but contrast (I.e. not all beige, ugh!). And I do love farmhouses, but it’s really the metal roofs and industrial lighting. And I absolutely adore black steel windows, but I can get my fix in a front or back door. I’ll be sure to share a photo of what we end up doing. Here are a few of my favorite images from the website I posted. I hope this discussion helps others!

Littlebug, thank you for that feedback. We had considered tearing out the brick planter when we pull out the old cedars, so your comment is validating. What a great idea to eliminate the middle post of the pergola. Perhaps a more substantial corner post would work better. I agree that the paint color of the pergola is not right do we will address that.

The house is great just as it is. As others have said, what it needs is a good landscape plan. Add a curved planting area from the corner of the walkway to the end of the house. And plant a specimen tree further out into the yard. You'll be adding value to your home as well as making it look more interesting and welcoming. Be sure to keep the plants from blocking your low windows.