How pretty: both your house and garden!

I have a variegated groundcover abelia and the leaves are very attractive and it is somewhat deer proof. They'll eat it only if they are really hungry.

Skimmia japonica is a great evergreen low growing choice, as is juniper, Cephalotaxus harringtonia- dwarf plum yew, and Mahonia aquifolium - the oregon grape holly. I love mine, it's so easy to care for. Some feel that gardenias are also deer resistant.

I would use something with maroon/burgundy leaves,something vivid blue to bounce off the maroon and yes abelia ( I love Kaliedescope), all for lots of contrast. Pink, creeping phlox, barberry, lorapetulum, Black Scallop Ajuga my favorite, huskers red penstemon would play off the white, and give you the maroon(deer like it, though). Some Spring/ Summer bulbs, and since it's near your front door, Sweet Shrub. There are so many ground covers that are not invasive, you could dreate a mosaic of of changing color as they bloom, if you don't want the maintenance of the other stuff. Ajugas, sedums, Georgia Blue Speedwell, phlox, True Geraniums (they Wow me) even Thymes. Most of these are not too picky. I have my own Natchez to underplant,( just gave myself some ideas) but the area is not quite ready, and it is totally exposed to everything, including the deer, and mixed with my edible garden. I have a menagerie, I'm a crazy plant collector.