Is the house brick? .... or a siding that takes paint? If the latter, at the next paint job I'd darken the body into the taupe/grey range and give it white trim for a cheerier look. Dark trim tends to look sinister. Would also get rid of the interior brick piers and replace them with columns. (Either that or open it up somehow, depending on its construction.) Also, add landscaping.

I would keep the piers and embrace the Mediterranean loggia feel of this house. While thicker wooden supports would also look good, they need to be proportionate. I imagine that would be an expensive change which you could do later down the road if you wished. Google "loggia" and look for inspiration. This can be a beautiful space, but needs something growing up those arches to soften the look. I don't know where you live so no suggestions, but roses are always good in my book or jasmine depending on your zone. If this is a northern exposure climbing Hydrangea would look fantastic. where do you live?

It's stucco with wood at the top. I live in SC, so those vines work! We will get the fountain working!

Here's another view....

It's more yellow than tan! So the yellow has to go! I do know that!!

Here's the back of the house!

The deck will be one of the first things to finish for insurance purposes.

Wow! One think I do notice on the original area is what appear to be arches inside. Why? Isn't that area attached? I was imagining it more as a covered porch.

its like 2 porches, here's the inner one.

It is beautiful once you get closer, so now maybe you have a better understanding of my dilemma!!!

It is beautiful and once you get rid of the yellow paint, and get some landscaping in, I hope you come back and post some new pictures.

If taking a big swing at it is in the budget I'd contact a local architect about redoing the front. The back is gorgeous and you'd never guess they were the same house.

That was not in the budget, but not out of the realm of possibilities, although I will say I "kinda" like the arches and so came here for ideas! Its definitely a unique one!! More so on the inside, but I can handle that area!!!

I am not sure if this makes a difference or not. But as you pull into the property you actually see the back of the house first and then as you pull around there's a circular driveway and the front yard so you see the front of the house only closer scale once you pull around but you see the back of the house a long the driveway.