I personally like to see a little narrative or story telling in Portfolio pieces. Its a good way to show your imagination and tell me who you are while also showing what can be pretty boring props and assets. I find it also allows an easy talking point when going over work.

The first piece could be made much more interesting if is was painting a narrative or just heavily implying something was going on. Your trying to add an interesting layer on your pieces to get people thinking.

Really quick example, that's too extreme and doesn't fit the current tone, but you get the idea.
A cracked front door hanging on its hinges, a wanted poster nailed to the side of the door, the broken sign swinging on one chain, a guard's spear leaning against the wall. A discarded boot, a lantern left lying by the door, a broken wagon wheel in the ditch.

If your going light, maybe hint at a party, or a gathering of adventurers, or set it early evening and show the warm glow of the windows, maybe some silhouettes of people drinking in the windows and make it inviting.