I am probably too late, but I would think about a soft olive green, rather than a sage. I think the warmer tones of the olive would be nice in the shady space, and with a red door and warm white trim, along with the roof color, would be a wonderful combo! Have you considered adding simple trellises on either side of the lone window on the left? I would be nice with the cottage feel of the home, and would give some visual weight to balance the three windows on the other side. Paint the ceiling of the porch in a light blue, and change out the railings to wood ones. A charming cottage! Your current home is wonderful, and I can understand you hating to leave. But down the line, especially since remodeling is your passion, you will have something even more amazing, I am sure. For now, the cottage may feel small, but will also give you a sense of coziness and security that could be an island of peace in the storm.

I agree the Victorian style door should be replace with a more traditional one. A bright yellow would bring attention to it as the main door. Leave others white. I would move the Japanese Maples out into the yard and create an island planting to enjoy from the porches. Include perennials, annuals and evergreens. I think developing a lush garden is really going to set this charming house off. Good luck!

The more you research, the more ideas you’ll get. I’d then make a wish list and consult with an architect. Ask about the following, if wanting to keep a classic, traditional feel. Removing half window (if loss of inside light is not an issue) and getting options on how to finish that section, so it flows from top to bottom A new front door and paint trim and windows a soft grey/brown Adding stoneto match the front door, under the large window (cut back the shrubs, etc.) Advice on how to address the left side of house above front door. Maybe brick the whole area and/or with a larger window its proportions would improve. Then pick and choose, as to what your budget can support/getting the most effect.

If you can't afford a landscape designer. go to the library and peruse the landscaping books and find one that has good explanations about "foundation planting." A lot of houses (like mine for example) don't even have a cement foundation so they don't really need foundation planting, but it doesn't hurt. In your case, you are a poster child for needing it. There are lot of option, but one problem I see right away is the classic problem of planting LITTLE shrubs too close to the house. Shrubs should be at least 3 feet away from the foundation and 4 is better, leaving room for them to expand and grow to a naturally pleasing shape I can't really tell with yours . . . I'd make a bigger bed in the front, incorporating the area on either side of the stairs, and perhaps even the walk leading up to the house. Easy peasy to line the walk with colorful annuals to make the place look happy until your shrubs grow. A hanging basket is another way to spruce up the front. You can google foundation planting too, and find some ideas. I'm a big believer in copying/recreating looks I like in my yard. Color schemes, shapes of plants, etc. You can take your inspiration photo with you to the plant nursery. You don't have to have the exact same plants as the picture, but think "OK, evergreen there, small flowering tree there, red foliage plant there, etc. etc. There are lots of options. Check out these tips. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/foundation-planting/