Abelia respond wonderfully to a proper rejuvenation pruning...which is cutting them all the way back to that they can begin anew. THEN, the idea is to keep them thinned out from then on. When thinning out canes (in the future) clip them all the way back to a low branch. That will insure that your plants stay shrubby from the bottom, too. Rejuvenation pruning is typically recommended for the late winter, when the spring growth can best take full advantage of the situation. However, since yours have already been drastically chopped back, I worry about the effect on the root system if you wait too long to do it again. You see, your abelia will draw on energy reserves from the root system to regrow new branches and foliage. This activity can cause quite a depletion of those reserves....which are probably at a low point at this time of year. Cutting them back AGAIN in the late winter could be very stressful, maybe even mortal. To add to the problem, with all of the foliage gone (as you say), your plants will not be able to rebuild those reserves back. It's the leaves that manufacture the energy that is sent to the roots and other parts of the plant for growth and development. I guess that I would recommend that if these plants have been chopped recently, I'd take them all of the way down now. Cutting back to less than 6 inches is suggested for this procedure. Do it neatly and cleanly. At least, any new growth will be at the right place! I'd not fertilize your plants at this time, either.

Pieris would look great, but be careful of how much sun they get, they don't like reflected sun bouncing off walls and pavement. Clay in the soil will help them not dry out too fast. Dwarf abelias are evergreen most years, bloom late summer and fall, and take full sun and can go all summer without water once established. Make sure you get dwarf as the standard Abelia grandiflora gets very large, and pruning them ruins the shape. Lavenders are commonly used but don't much like clay soil in our wet climate. They would need excellent drainage. Heathers are great. Most are low growing, but some are more like a shrub. Some bloom late winter and spring, others bloom late summer. Full sun, needle-like leaves. Kalmias take more sun and less water than azaleas and rhodies, but still not hot reflected sun. I really like the different textures and shades of green that you get with dwarf conifers, mixed in with peonies and roses.

I believe mosanensis is the only Abelia hardy into zone 5. I have a couple straight species plants up near the house (photo of flowers below). Nice fragrance and attractive to pollinators including hummingbirds. Haven't seen very good fall color on mine, could be related to the soil conditions at that spot (tends to be quite dry by late summer/fall). Haven't noticed any significant pest issues either, although I've heard that deer and/or rabbits can sometimes do some damage.

Cindy, the easiest way to post a drawing is to make it on paper - take your time and please add the directions of the house by small N,S,E,W arrows. That will help. When you are done with the drawing, take a couple of shots of the drawing with your iphone. Take several so you can select the best one to post. That will be a huge help and if at all possible add the distances of the sides of the house and garden area. It will take you a bit of time, but will help to visualize your garden area and what plants would help. What color are you painting the foundation? It would make the job much easier and possibly cheaper if you remove the plants before painting rather than after. There is not an emergency! lol Take you time. Spring will be a good time to complete the project - winter is perfect for getting ready. If you want to do it immediately, it will be very expensive and you will have to hire a company to do it quickly! Many more plants will be available in spring. All gardening takes time and patients, and the more time you take to get the plant selection and soil prepared - will pay in the success of your new garden. I am not a designer - but in the right location in the garden and your being in Zone 7 in Georgia, hydrangeas would be on my plant list! lol I laugh because I am a hydrangea collector and think they fit just about everywhere! I am also zone 7-8 but in the PNW. Take a deep breath, take your time and by summer you will have a beautiful garden. The designers here are really good and experienced, but they need information before they can make suggestions.