Thanks everyone:) We're happy that it is more inviting as it's been opened up. The overgrown shrubs needed to go...will likely plant some boxwood later. rob33- yes, it's really that portion under the columns that is crumbly (and crummy) looking. Great point that we should just cover with seasonal planters until we fix/ do some landscaping in the spring. We will also be doing something with our columns to spruce them up.... Seasonal fir planters are just a few weeks away:)....

"Does anyone know what these "ground level" lights are called - and is there any comparable product on houzz or some other site where I can potentially find a replacement?" Post lamps,available anywhere outdoor lighting is sold. As far as the "ground level"part,taller posts will make them"eye level" or "rooftop level".

You received sage advice and direction from @Yardvaark with regards to the process and make sure to heed @Revolutionary Gardens with regards to the mortar mix. Type S is the way to go for the mortar bed. If you are really in a cost-saving mode you can probably rake the joint with a popsicle stick for a job this small. The upside is, of course, that first you are able to enjoy the popsicle. If you do end up with excess dried mortar and need to use muriatic acid for clean-up mix it at 3 parts water/1 part acid. Leave the acid in place for 4-5 minutes, scrub with a stiff brush and then rinse immediately. That should do the trick regarding clean-up. You can repeat the process if necessary. There is a less volatile acid made by More called 'Acidic Cleaner' that I have used before on limestone. It's a bit more forgiving than muriatic acid and it needs to be left in place closer to 10 minutes. It costs about 20 buck per gallon. Good luck.

I like the existing color of your home and the warm trim around the window which should be around the front door also. I would select a dark charcoal gray for the roof fascia board and use the same color on the front door. and on the brick around the base of the house. You require some type os screening around the base of the porch. Please don't buy lattice. It should also be painted out the the same charcoal gray. I would leave the railings and porch deck. If you 'paint' them white they will stick out like a sore thumb.