I agree that there is too much going on, however some of the suggestions are costly and in my opinion don't completely take care of the problems. I like the design approach it is fresh and updated. I agree that the chimney cap is out of proportion and just needs a simple band at the top. In order to make the exterior remain timeless over the years, Now Sit Down for a minute, I would make all of the exterior the white color. I know you love red however this will tie the different components of the architecture together more than any thing else. You can still have high gloss red doors and red tile pavers on the ground. It would also be very classy the use white tile in place of the brick look. You could even mix gloss white tiles with matt finish tiles to give an interesting sparkle when you ride by. I like the wrought iron upper railing, but the vertical blocking on the right side looks too heavy. So I would continue the same railing around the corner and back toward the house until it connects to the other balcony railing. This also ties the house together. It would look much more classic to not have a grid in the tall window and instead have a solid piece of glass down to the transom and then from there down be solid glass as well. Glass block in the courtyard column sections with back lights would look unbelievable. I would arch the closed in section on the second level as it would show up more there than the window being arched does, so save the money and don't arch that window. I would either hang a long contemporary light on the right elevation to dress it up or insert a long strip of glass block lighted from the interior to achieve the same effect. I charge for renderings, because I list the materials as well. Best, Leo Dowell Interiors.com

A good beginning would be to replace the walkway up to the house. A new brick walkway or stamped concrete in the same color as the brick on the house will pull all of the elements of the exterior of your home together. I made my walkway 3 feet wide with 2 feet beds on each side of the walkway in stamped concrete. Create the walkway at a distance from the house in an organic natural flowing pattern up to the house with planting beds flowing beside the walkway. Take the brick right up to the from door. Soften the entrance to your home by opening the planting beds up by the house into large organic shapes. That's what I did with my home and it changed it dramatically! It's a lot of work but what a difference!

So sorry.....I see the dimensions on your floor plan now....oops. It was middle of night here. You have a great place with lots of options. I will try to find a picture for you, but here is what I would try. TV on left wall. Put it on a console table 20" to 30" high, or wall mounted with a wall mounted console below. TV should not be too high or too low for viewing pleasure. The main walkway to the balcony will be on left side in front of TV. To see how the arrangement feels, Try your sofa on the right wall facing the TV. Then put one of the chairs in front of the sofa with its back to the glass and the other opposite of it with the back to your entry. If you feel this arrangement is too far from the TV, a sofa table can be used behind the sofa to move the whole seating arrangement forward. Then if this feels good, you can add a rug. The rug should be at least big enough that the front feet of the furniture can rest on it. You will then need tables on the sides of your sofa. You have the choice of a coffee table or what is called "cocktail ottoman" which you can put a tray for drinks and food on, but still put your feet up. That is always nice when watching TV. If you like this arrangement and go to buy new furniture pieces,get the chairs on each side of the sofa that swivel so the person can watch TV easily. You need to think a lot about what colors you will use in this houses if any rooms are done, take some cues there. It's a big decision that will influence every purchase. Find a 3 color combo that appeals to you. Again look on Houzz at the living room pictures. Post some here that you like.

So either I can try to hide them or highlight them to look visually, very appealing. Any suggestions/photos would be great! Thanks so much.