Straight lines make a lot of sense at time. How deep is that bed behind the stones? Do you enjoy gardening? What direction is the house facing? What about around to corner? Do you want to only redo this bed? I would not paint the stone.

I've got someone tearing up the stone today! The house faces north.

Could you post more pictures? One directly facing the front door would be good. It looks as though you have a very nice entrance. Plantings would add to it.

I like the idea of a picture taken from in line with front door and then aimed to encompass the complete view. would be nice to see what it looks like with the stone bed edge removed.

You have a great house and it deserves something special. I'd recommend that you take an hour and browse photos from:

http://www.deborahsilver.com/blog/category/container-planting/

She'll give you ideas.

That entrance of yours is crying out for extraordinary pots.