Oh my god what a ! I think the plants just need time to mature -- I think bigger, established plants will feel better. I also love the idea of adding an undulating flower bed along the (lawn side) walkway, as well as making the bed underneath the window deeper. Those will go a long way to adding the "WOW" you want. I happen to be a fan of beds all around (inc. facing the sidewalk), but that's not for everyone. I find an abundance of plants really welcoming and friendly-looking. I don't know where you are, but a small tree (red leaf Japanese maple is what first pops to mind, but I happen to have a thing for them) could also do a lot. I'm not thinking of a large tree because it appears you have large trees on the hell strip. I think the small tree could go near the left corner of the house (to hide the junction boxes), and / or where that big rock is on the lawn. (well, maybe a bit to the left of it, closer to the corner of your property line) I like the dark brown trim paint color, but maybe when it's time to repaint you might consider a dark sage green or a mid-forest green. Your house is wonderful -- congratulations!

Yes - those are not oak and possibly not even solid wood - they may have a veneer so don't sand too hard. The Zinsser products actually say no sanding is necessary, and I did not on my laundry room cabinets as there was very little gloss to start with. The primers do need time to cure - you can still paint over them, but handle the doors carefully for about a week. Do remove the doors and all hardware before painting. Sometimes the drawer fronts are removable from the drawer box. Have a good area to paint. Cabinet Coat is the top coat I believe - the Zinsser is the primer. Zinser 123 is latex so water clean up. The BIN is I think mineral spirits clean up. It is great for really glossy surfaces, but you may be able to get away with the 123 for easier clean up. I've been perfectly happy with the 123. I have not used the Cabinet Coat. I use a latex acrylic enamel recommended by my local paint store. Get brushes that are appropriate for the paint. I recommend that you take a cabinet door or drawer down to your local reputable paint store and have them help you gather the products. They may have different top coats - most of the name brand paints now have a cabinet paint. If it is a good brand, it should do fine.

my shingles are driftwood - it is not clear in the picture

What type of siding is the taupe/brown material?