It's refreshing to see nautical, navy BLUE. Everyone is saying the same thing for the most part - just introduce another color, definitely bright (yellow or orange IMO) and it will make it more current. What I really like is how your style will withstand the test of time - and with minor updates now and then it will always look fresh and "current".

In order to suggest specific plants, I need to know what part of the country you live in. There are no shade trees it seems. I would take down the two shrubs at the front of the walk, including the purple one. Sorry. You can get the purple back elsewhere. They are overbearing and there's no symmetry. At the right corner of your home, not too close where the roots will damage the foundation or branches at maturity will touch the house, place a medium sized ornamental tree. At front, left corner, behind the mailbox ( you need a bigger, more updated one), maybe 5 feet to the right, place another tree. Pull out all the plants that are along the house and replace with evergreens, box woods? Just depends where you live. I would also pull out the white ground cover near the wall, just on the right, in order to achieve symmetry. I would paint the cream stucco a shade of gray darker than your roof and keep the trim white. Also, a new handrail would help freshen up the entry.

Sophisticated start. You could go with black and white photography, architectural pieces, art pieces- anything you love on the wall. Then, add pillows in the colors of the art work. If you want to stay more monochromatic, think in terms of textural interest, such as a shag area rug, pillows with seam detailing, etc.

no problem, so are you saying that wall is closest, but stronger, do you think it might like a smokey teal? that is very in right now, or is it like the grayed out turquoise on the coverlet? Grey would be a wonderful accent with that. Have you thought of making your headboard? So amazingly simple? Give yourself like a nice padded gray? Could go for a silk or velvet? oh do you have dark hairy people? you know like black retrievers or something? that could be a problem. If you put covered buttons, there is actually a little tool (under $10 does it all for you. really glam it up. do these help? I think i would go with light gray or a variation of the wall color. let me know when you are ready for more. Couple ideas for bedside stands, first 2 less than $100, last one idea for alternative.