Hello, We are under agreement for a new home in DC. The inside had been nicely done and is only giving us a couple minor projects. However, the outside needs some curb appeal big time!

We have some ideas for the front: (North facing)
Generally some colorful plants, including rain gardens and a tree in front seem to be a starting point. Window & door trims, shutters for some color. Leaded glass above the front door to compliment the nice leaded glass in the current front door. Nice security screen doors all around it is a major city after all. I want something other than grey paint for the entry walkway & patio. Maybe tiles, stone, staining??? Might bringing back nice iron railings on the walkway. (No idea why the builder took them out in the first place.)
We want to do something to make the large black metal carport/patio look nicer, softer, more finished... thinking about wrapping the posts in something more decorative to complement the soon to be new door/window trim work. Maybe screens or temp/removable enclosure for the parking area. I have been checking out decorative iron & lattice panels to spruce up the railings and such. But I don't plan on removing all the iron railings kind of like them.

The back in South facing: maybe another shade tree, climbing fruits/veggies/plants along a new privacy or semi-privacy fence. Rain gardens & rain barrels as needed. Again with security or storm screen doors. Some type of pergola or retractable awning for shade & bugs in the summer. We will need a couple gates & privacy or semi-privacy fence with dogs and close neighbors/alley. We will need a small garden shed & ideally a 1-1.5 garage in the future.

Please give ideas for design &/or software to play with ideas... I ideally don't want to spend tons on the software.. but I do want to be able to upload pictures of our actual house.