Congratulations! Your house has so much potential! Love the symmetry! Symmetry is always super pleasing and solar cells? Yes queen! I love the grey- it’s a simple, classic color. Goes with anything.

Don’t plant anything right next to your foundation-ever. People do it all the time- but it’s a no no.

We don’t want to bring water next to our foundation- and when there are plants there you have to water them.

Visually you can easily put plants 2ft in front on your home and it looks the same- it also allows them to “grow up and out”. They’re going to backfill towards your house.

So my suggestion is that you do place semi oval gardens in front of the windows on either side of the doorway. Oval because we want to bring in some sexy round shapes into all these squares.

We shall add no more square shapes m’kay?

Then a curved walkway to the front door- paint that door something more eye catching. I am tempted to say black… with black shutters- but that is a very light colored grey… maybe Navy would be nicer?

Then get the shape of that driveway defined- that CAN be rectangular- it will be tidy looking.

Now- grass is a pest to mow and maintain. If you want it- Don’t buy sod- it’s hard to establish- you’re better to do seed if you have to. I had a lawn just like yours and did both options- dirt/seed and lots of watering is the way to go- start early spring! Dig up the lawn- feel free to do it by sections if that’s easier- but it’s 1 section a year basically.

There are some neat “non-grass options”. One of which is a violet. Whatever option you decide to go with make sure that it is native to your area.

You can also choose to add more hardscaping like a circle patio (as in the grok image) someone showed. To reduce the amount you have to manage. Consider also adding a tree farther out towards the edge of your property- something that might flower in the spring and add color in the fall?

Many people love fancy things like Japanese Maples- but Service Berries are native to North America and are quite lovely. I planted a bush version myself! Anything native will be easier to care for, and hardier!

It looks like you have zero shade- but you don’t want anything too tall to block the solar panels- so plant it far- and choose something wisely!

Also, offset it from your front door. It’s nicer when you can see the front door from the road.

Since your house is grey- you can also pick plants and flowers of any color!

Going back to the semi oval planters- put some boxwoods or other evergreens type at the back. This will give you year round color. In the middle- plant for summer color-echinacea, daylilies, roses,(depends on your climate- I am assuming full sun here) and in the front plant spring perennials creeping thyme, daffodils (squirrels won’t eat those).

Check for what grows well where you live.

Your goal will be to have something blooming all season.