The area looks as though it will be a real hot-box. And the dull, dark colour will absorb the heat. I would suggest that you consider a much lighter and glossy paint for the surrounding walls and then the large pot in the centre. Many succulents burn as badly as any other plant when exposed to high heat, especially when in a pot. Also for consideration after changing the wall colour is a small tree like one of the smaller crepe myrtles. Once you have a canopy you can then underplant with small ground covering succulents or liriopes. I would steer clear of the white stones - they are a fad and will die out. EVERYone is using them and they are really boring. We need more trees in our gardens and there is definitely a place for a small tree in every garden. Trees provide depth. Unfortunately most people can't realise this.

Biggest Thank you to everyone who has commented and given me such good practical advice for updating my little front patio/porch area. Before I depart again and forget to update? This is how it looks, I am probably at a later stage going to work out how to add a wider sill as suggested, however it does look so much better than before. Such timely advice has given me the motivation to get it done. I have left the roller shades on one side just to allow a bit of privacy from the neighbours and wind/sun. And one day will swap the large couch for something more suited.

Hi Melissa, the pic you've shared looks like a photo realistic render (i.e. digital artists impression) rather than a pic of an existing space but maybe that's just because it's screen shot. You could achieve a similar look with concrete stamping or large scale concrete tiles. This website might help... https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete-patio/

is this what you mean? this photo from Google amongst many others and i wonder if you also look at Clerestory roofs for inspiration