Removing those two trees closest to the house (the ones that appear to lean toward it) might be helpful in opening things up and making the front brighter. The board and batten style siding and the "X" trim on the porch give a very rustic cabin-like feeling. If you'd prefer white, you'll get more of a farmhouse look. It may work fine with the natural brick. Much depends on roof color. Very popular look now is all white with black windows. I would probably ditch the shutters if going for a more contemporary farmhouse. If you like rustic, you might keep them.

I posted two similar bungalow style homes below. Your house differs from these in two areas: color areas and window treatments. Your house has three color areas, the brick, the painted siding and the painted stucco. When you look at the photos below, there isn't more than 2 body colors on the first house and only one of the second house. Both houses draw attention to the bow window (with an overhang) and large window with the transom and shutters. Your house seems to have the overhang over the bow window, but it looks like a huge sunshade was added. I'd consider limiting the colors to one or two, and removing the huge sunshade. If you paint the brick, you might need to consider a whitewash or a lime wash, so as it wears away, it will still look pleasant.

What's dark? Too much shade? Or the paint? If it's the paint, I'd advice picking a shade of cream that works with your siding and painting the brown stuff. You might get more light on the porch with just painting the ceiling white, light blue or cream. If it's the shade, you could, over a few years, remove some of the lower branches of the tree. A bigger, brighter welcome mat would help. One that is the width of the door. Flanking the door with pots with some kind of dry grass might help, too. And, of course, if it's dim at dusk, put in porch lights.

Yes we need to know budget but more to the point is what are you doing inside. Are you adding windows any other changes that will have a effect on the exterior? IMO the shkes need to go and be replace with regular siding. That weird 1/2 cover on the driveway needs to be removed and IMO park your car on the street . You will need to be careful to design the block type finish to enhance the house the same goes for the dark color everywhere. That tiny window needs to be addressed IMO it throws off the whole front .The hedge needs to removed and if you go with eiter idea above new windows for sure. in a much more contemporary style and in black.