I agree that cedars is not a good option. It's very hohum.. not to mention it will grow fairly too large in no time. Another shrub option would be yew which is again ordinary but at least it lends to some elegance if you shape them.

The grounds leading up to your garden gate looks to be very sunny and so would be ideal for a cottage like garden. I would suggest creating a curved bed first. Get a tall perennial to 'hide the meter and for that I would suggest a purple smoke tree, or perhaps a japanese maple? or PJ hydrangea limelight and then smaller perennial just benat the windows including a repeat of the front part with ornamental grasses.

I think you should connect the front bed to the bed by the window. Ignore the drain or the meters, and work as if these are not there. Narrowest part of your old bed is by the gate area but you can widen the bed as you try to connect to the front forming a curved bed. A straight path feels too restrictive and less inviting. If all that front area is your property, do a curve path toward your gate.

I would also suggest a tall columnar evergreen to set on the left side of the gate or perhaps a sweet pendulous cherry tree, if not a Japanese maple. Another small but curvy bed along the back fence.

Plot everything on paper before attempting to finalize your plans. I sometimes would superimpose shapes of plants (round, plumy, columnar, fan shapes) on the photograph itself and this can give you some visual aid as to what you'd like to see or not... And once you are decided on shape, we can start making decisions on colours and types of plants.

Ianna