Hi Michael, I think planting beds look better with a bit of a curve to them. See attached photo, although there isn't brick outlining bed. I couldn't find a suitable pic to show what I meant, so imagine it with brick.
http://houzz.com/photos/18137381
To find a design that you would like, an easy way is to lay down a garden hose where you think you would like to install the bricks. The garden hose is easier to adjust than actually laying out the bricks. Then mark the ground with spray paint.
Another element to add is a small tree or larger shrub on the corner of the house because it grounds the planting bed. Just make sure you get one that doesn't grow too wide and blocks window, or has large roots since it will be close to house.