As a landscape architect, the color of the house is less objectionable to me than the steps and railing. The style does not match the house and detracts even though it looks in good condition. Rip it out and install a more modern simple low key step and railing with clean landscape plantings for a simple but interesting setting. The landscape should be secondary and compliment your idiosyncratic home.

Hello susieshops, You might want to think about narrowing down a material first... there are too many options for a direct answer. Are you interested in a tile, a natural stone, a glass subway, a ceramic, a metallic accent? Perhaps if you narrow down to one or two materials the answer might come more easily.... Is the blue flower a smaller grain or a larger grain? In terms of color choice, you may want to keep it cool to work with the inherant granite tone... think grey or clear glass, silver metallic, cool stones. Best of luck and please let us know if we can be of additional assistance, Elizabeth Cabell, ASID, CID, NCIDQ Cabell Design Studio

A more subtle way would be to add color to the walls above the counters and cabinets...perhaps a paler aqua or mint..so far your choices are timeless and good for re-sale but lack personality...or add a shade of your favorite color to make it more inviting and personal...this allows you to choose other accessories in softer colors that are more relaxing and appealing in an open floor plan..I also find using really nice rugs in the kitchen is also effective in open floor plans such as yours...kitchen rugs are usually more limited to function than style...nice rugs enhance the quality and appreciation of the space from all angles in your home

The house across from my parents place hired a landscaping exterior designer and chose a navy siding, with darker greyish stones. This isn’t the house but it’s pretty darn close to what it looks like- and I think it’s absolutely stunning- striking and stands out but still traditional looking. Darker blue is my vote!