Since we have several professionals here who ... a. Have never sought clients through this board. b. Give tons of "free" advice on a regular basis. I'm not quite sure how to respond. You expressed a notion of "landscaper" above that reduced their expertise to digging holes and plopping in plants. Sure, there are the mow -n- blow guys who call themselves "landscape services", but landscape design can include site analysis, scale drawings, assessment of needs, resolution of drainage issues, soil prep, grade work, coordination of specialized construction, driveways, terraces, stairways, paths, patios, special features ... and a working knowledge of suitable plants for each application. For many it also meant 4 years of college, other professional certifications, and years of professional development. The fact that the pros here give us the level of information that they do, constantly amazes me. And, when asked, they almost always offer something. So, how about wondering for a minute what it was in your original post that pushed two of them to come back with pretty pointed comments. My guess is that it sort of steps on toes when, in a tight economy, someone who doesn't appear to want to put in any effort, asks others to give time and effort to your yard. I have a yard. I have plenty of projects calling to me now ... even in the dark. It's not quite the same as changing the paint color on your walls like they do on some home decorating forums. You are asking us to go and check our research on coastal plants ... I don't know a thing about them myself. Then offer up a changed photo for you to review with a list of plant suggestions. Sorry, if you don't have the time to research the possibilities, I'm afraid I don't eather. Besides, since soil amendment doesn't seem to be a part of the plan, new plants will probably do about as well as the ones your ripping out. But, since it's apparently so simple, don't worry. Just do it. Your home doesn't really need any "design" work ... Just rip out this and plant that. Voila!

Thanks for the feeback so far! dkichenreno- yes, some of the 2x2s were placed at a diagonal (some 1x1s also). I don't plan on using any other accents on the walls mainly because of the outlet placement, the coffee pot and the canisters. We really tried to fit them in, but it wouldn't work. remodelfla- seeing if I follow you on the framing-- do you think it would look better to use the 2x2 glass tiles in place of the 5/8 x 8" glass tile on the inside of the taupish tiles in the framing? blondelle- I understand what you mean about the "diffuseness." .. to many inserts on a small scale. Anyone have any suggestions to help this or more suggestions?

https://www.hover.to/  is a startup focused on home remodeling to do exactly what you're looking for. You take 8 pics of your house from an app, and it creates a 3D model of your home where you can change roof color, siding color and material, etc. it worked really well on my old house, not sure if it translates as well to a new homewrap home, but is definitely worth a try. It's a free trial so no risk.

are you open to repainting the brick or does it have to stay yellow? If that's the natural color, fine (I thought it was already painted). perhaps a good power washing would help brighten it up a bit. I love the leaded windows off to the right. don't ever change those! normally the stucco portion is light and dark contrasting color goes on the wood trim&shutters. if you could do the brick in a dark gray, you could do something like this (except I'd pick a darker trim color.)