Ha ha! Want to know something funny? When I first saw the yellow house, I thought how nice and refreshing those rich colors looked, then I read the post. So, obviously, that look is not for you. Based on what you have told us, you are, er, conservative (doesn't have to be boring), and a bit more traditional. That said, you seem to be dismissing the advice to repaint the front door out of hand, but IMO that will give you The Most Impact, and for the least $$! Please reconsider. A pale blue or gray that plays off the white and the green colors while do much to brighten the entryway. Let's talk about how to hide that hose. You can either a) remove it when not in use (never gonna happen) or b) replace the hose with one that matches the paint color of the house or c) move the spigot to the driveway side, this being the most obvious permanent solution but also the most expensive, possibly necessitating tearing up the front walkway and replacing it with either new concrete or pavers. AND you could landscape. Landscaping is a process that involves a few key steps: defining your needs and setting your prioritites (as with all house-related projects) and, next, choosing a style or theme, based on your personal likes/dislikes. Before we go there, when it comes to specific plant suggestions, do you know what zone you are in? That will determine what plant material is hardy to your area, if you choose to limit yourself to (mostly) hardy plants. How is the drainage, since you will be planting close to the house, how and where the water goes is especially important information. What direction does the house face? That will determine how much sun or shade the area gets. Finally, ask yourself what is the mood you want to create? Do you have any inspiration pics? We need to know what you envision in the Big Picture. Then we can help you reach that goal.

Do just the Hardie siding…no need to add anything else. You will have a railing, garage door, lighting…I think that is enough and will be lovely when finished. Just posted above photo to show how the 3’ bump out and rail really will change the look of your house. I like this combo for your house…and would do a white railing to match trim. Charcoal black for trim. This color is one of your choices in Cedarmill .

To me, the wood retaining wall looks industrial/rural and not attractive ... like something that might go near a barn. I'd plan on covering it with plants. The large shrub at the right of the porch is not flattering for that space. It should be removed. Your picture doesn't allow for how a complete landscape at the front of your home would look. You're focusing on one small, central area. Improving it might help the whole front yard. But we couldn't know that based on the limited view we see. Here are some ideas about arranging and organizing using a shrub(s) perennials, annuals and some groundcover.

The majority here frown upon a garage in front of a home. I really hate it when the snark comes out with the old ”house attached to the garage” line is thrown out there, Its not low key passive agressive, we all get it. Im not sure anybody would choose to have their garage as the prime feature of their home. There are many reasons why people have this style home, first is $$ and second is lot size. Having said that, like mark said, buy the nicest garage door you can find. I think you need to wait until your home is finished for real useful advice. Congrats on your new home, may the build be uneventful.