Love the transformation! I would not put shutters on the windows. Just paint the frames black.

I would look for some ornamental trees that grow well in your area.

The planting in front of the porch area is fine. Add some annuals. Plant on the trees there. Does Crepe Myrtle do well in your area? If so, plant on in the middle of the triangle by the walkway. Mulch the entire area around it.

On the other side of the house make the bed about two and half times wider. Don't plant so close to the building. Allow at lease a foot behind the plant when it is mature. The yews or the boxwood was fine, but it was allowed to get too big. Plan to prune with a hand shear once or twice a year to keep them small. Aim for a natural shape.

I would plant another ornamental tree out in the yard between the two windows.

Wow Thanks for the great tips! Love the rendering
I looked up Crepe Myrtle, It’s beautiful. I am in Orlando and will have to look up how they do here.

Couple things I wanted to add:

Since I’m in Florida, all the Palms do well here.

Hibiscus plants are on sale at my Lowe’s, and I’m wondering If I can incorporate that somewhere for some height and color?

I also have a philodendron available

Let me know if that changes any of your suggestions!