Bronan, Love the black trim around the window and door. I also think you have a nice start with the urns. Would you consider painting those black? You can also add striped hostas in around the base of the little trees. It will make them more prominent and hostas work well in formal spaces. They will be happy to share urn space until the tree gets too big but then you get a bigger urn anyway. I think the added greenery with the white stripes on the leaves will be beautiful with your house colors. Check with the garden nursery near you as some hostas are shade only and others can take some sun. They might suggest something even better... I don't know your budget but I would also suggest brick between the stone squares so guests don't have to leap frog to the porch :-) Good luck. I think you will have a nice space.

Thanks Orangecamera. It's still a work in progress and mud everywhere Sorry we did look at having the steps' off set' but it didn't seem to go with only three steps and a small area. And about the zen well the cats are doing that for us much to our disappointment (it's still like a litter box to them). We went to the garden supply place still not knowing what kind of stones we were getting. We stood in front of all the bins (there where many). We even looked at mixing some. The grey stones had a bin more the size we wanted but we ended up getting the golden fleck. It was a little smaller, which was a shame, the bigger ones were so mixed in their grading it looked too messy. So this is what we finished up with. It was seagardens that got me thinking away from grey and nwduck mentioning the drainage. So this has really helped. Also everyone seem to think the wooden steps needed to go a lot lower. Next it's figuring out where the large river stones should go

Depending on your goal....beauty?it could be a lovely art piece(tall and slim) ...or function? A corner cabinet for shoes , bags ,coats?...these days home represent a place to relax and rest so I am of the school that the first thing you see as you enter should set the tone of your home,makes you smile ,or feel good

I agree with havingfun, thicken the supports and have something growing trailing up them. I didn't even notice there was a pergola until the close up. Right now it blends in too well with the house color, consider painting it a different color. I don't know your usda zone but classic climbers for a pergola include clematis, wisteria, grape https://www.houzz.com/photos/santa-ynez-valley-mediterranean-porch-santa-barbara-phvw-vp~2485412 or go for a modern look You can also hang string lights, planters or something from the beams. Also agree lighten the front door.