Congratulations on your new home!

Boxwoods would fit the English Tudor style aesthetic of you home perfectly. Unfortunately boxwoods are in serious peril and under attack by boxtree moth, boxwood leaf miner and boxwood blight - the triple threat!  I am including links to the MSU Extension bulletins about each of these:

Help needed from Michigan residents: Protect America’s boxwood from invasive caterpillar - Gardening in Michigan (msu.edu)

Boxwood leafminer: A serious pest of a favorite landscape plant - MSU Extension

Devastating Fungal Disease Found in Michigan - Bonito Lab (msu.edu)

There are many choices for bushes and shrubs that flower and have fall foliage color that are native; which speaks to your desire for low maintenance plants. Here is a link: Smart trees and shrubs suitable for Michigan landscapes - Gardening in Michigan (msu.edu)

Please Note: All planting will require looking after and extra care for the first 1-2 years (or more for some) until the plants are well established.

Hydrangeas are a great option and there are many varieties and color choices. Here is a link to Ohio State University Extension Selecting Hydrangeas that may be helpful:Selecting Hydrangeas for the Home Landscape | Ohioline (osu.edu)

The success of any landscape starts with where the roots of the plants live: The soil! I would be remiss if I did not encourage you to have a soil analysis done before you start introducing new plants to your landscape. Here is a link to the MSU Extension online bookstore to purchase a home soil test kit: Home | MSU Soil Test . Full disclosure: there is a nominal fee for the kit. 

Why have a soil test done? Read this from the MSU Extension Bookstore:

Lawn and garden plants require 18 nutrients for healthy growth and productivity. The soil is a reservoir of these nutrients. Plants utilize these nutrients but they need to be replenished from time to time. By having your soil tested you can learn which nutrients are present and which ones need to be added depending on the plant(s) you are trying to grow. You can avoid over-application of fertilizers which can waste money, reduce plant quality and pollute streams, lakes and groundwater. Based on your soil test results, you will receive a custom fertilization program to meet the needs of your plants and safeguard the environment.

What soil test results/fertilizer information will you receive?

• Soil texture
• pH value
• Nutrient levels for phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg)
• Soil organic matter (OM) percentage
• Personalized recommendations for fertilizer and any needed pH modifications
• Contact the MSU Soil and Plant Nutrient Lab if you would like additional tests: soiltesting.msu.edu

I hope you enjoy designing and planting  your landscape!