As the appearance of the garden has a modernist style with the straight lines and concrete furniture how about a Mondrian influence and add a bold strip of blue? It is a pond and with the right shade it could look really relaxed and contemporary. My daughter's suggestion is a chalky lilac!

Sorry I am so late coming to your site - you are an inspiration to all, homeowners and advisers alike. For your planting advice, I suggest you call Merrifield Garden Center to see if they will come out your way. They currently have wonderful garden centers in Merrifield and Fairfax (both in Fairfax County) and a new one in Gainesville, but they may come further south to wherever you reside. (www.MerrifieldGardenCenter.com) Even if they don't send designers to your area, they are worth a trip to see their huge selection for a day of pleasure and inspiration, or to pick up some plants. Most of my clients are in the Fairfax and greater Washington area, but I am currently living out west below Front Royal, VA on the Shenandoah mountainside - wonderful views. cascio.offsite@gmail.com

An old post , so sort of sorry to revive it ! The lighter shade looks a lot better , but something doesn't gel with me -- it looks like a beautiful Million Dollar house , let down by someone trying to save $10k . IF it was my place , the 2 things I would do is change ( or hide ) the round pillars , and the relatively cheap looking brickwork . I'd go for quality stonework in place of the brickwork , and carry the theme through to the pillars -- probably 'squaring' the pillars . In fact , I personally don't like the slightly strange 'extra' pillars -- I'd try to 'cut back' to 4 pillars , in a quality natural stone . Once I had done those 2 'improvements' , I'd sand back and restain a darker brown the entrance doors and surrounds -- that golden look screams 1980's IMO . I realise they tie in with the existing colours , but I'd want to get away from that look . Maybe I'm strange . . . . . . .

Incorporating some color into the monolithic cladding and color scheme is a great idea! Highlight features that contrast the building's massiveness would be beneficial. Your suggestion of incorporating timber elements for warmth is a good starting point. To make the first-floor outdoor internal deck more versatile and comfortable, a shade sail or louvers would be a smart addition. Adding exterior lighting and soft landscaping would soften the harshness of the building's appearance and give it a more welcoming and inviting feel. Personally, I think painting the front fence in a dark color and adding some greenery and lighting would transform the look of the property. Overall, I believe this building has great potential to be a stunning and inviting space.