Yardvaark, I really appreciate you trying to help! I'm posting a few here, let me know if these are better. I've also included a picture (the first one) I found on Old House Web which has a front porch similar to what we are planning as far as size and where the support columns are (1 on either side of the steps and 1 splitting each of the 2 windows) In your reply, the red lines are correct but the replacement brick walls will end where the roof ends (continue the red lines down) so the windows on the far right and far left will not be behind the walls. The coil in front of the sunroom (left) is for the A/C. The bare trees in the foreground of the last pic (you can just see the branches)are about 2 feet from the sidewalk in front. Other than weeds, they are the only thing I've got growing there now. It's awful!

Pretty house. I would add trees and your yard looks big enough to support one or two large shade trees and some understory trees like Appalachian Spring dogwoods (they are disease resistant and the dogwood IS our VA state tree!) or some other flowering trees-can you tell I love trees? I just planted a Vitex (Chaste tree) which flowers in the summer and is oh-so-pretty. I agree that the columns could use some beefing up. You can do this easily by nailing up boards around the existing posts to form a larger box and then paint. To soften that huge expanse of white, maybe leave the edges white (you may want to add a wide trim piece across the bottom) and paint the center of the triangle a softer hue such a taupe or sage that is not a sharp contrast. I would also paint the door. Pick your favorite color! Then, after you live with that for a bit, choose your shutter color. I agree that window boxes are pretty, but they are difficult to maintain and I'm not sure they would really add to your house. One of the best things you can do is take your time. A lot of creative staring can help you decide what you would really like. It can also help you avoid impulsive mistakes and, believe me, I've made my share of those!!! Always remember, it's an adventure and you can go back and change anything. Have fun and enjoy your new place.

Erykah- I'm definitely no expert when it comes to landscaping, but here are a few suggestions. Nerium oleander- lots of varieties with blooms in various shades of pink, red, white, etc. Some type of small-ish palm tree, such as Chamaerops humilis (Mediterranean Fan Palm) or Trachycarpus fortunei (Windmill Palm). Many agaves have beautiful bluish coloration, such as Agave americana, Agave colorata or Agave parryi v. truncata. You may also want to check out Yucca Do Nursery (Texas) and High Country Gardens (Santa Fe) for more ideas. Good luck! cd

i agree with most comments especially on how to treat the doors. Imagine looking at the picture you showed us & the ski door is same color as house - it’s gone! I like your idea of adding lighting to entry especially around the front door not storage door. If you want to add interest to that side wall with no symmetry maybe think about adding a locally interesting wall ornament that’s weather proof. Iron art? Snowboarder? Per @Olychick comments,be sure to hang it above the snow line!