With the landscaping -- simplify. Don't have so many separate pieces of things. The lattice "foundation" seems weak so I would cover with a hedge. The tree would have groundcover below.

Instead of a tree on the right, I'd put it on the left to disguise and give some interest with that huge expanse of blank wall. Another 2 pix, 1 closer, 1 more distant would help on both the porch/railing questions and would show what comprises the yard beyond the gravel. Do you want grass? Do you like to garden or do you want low maintenance? Where are you located? What are your likes/dislikes/style? All helps to narrow it down.

I would advise you to perhaps slow down the time frame a bit. It's always helpful to live somewhere for a bit before making decisions. I've often done differently than what I intially thought I might. Seasons have impact too.

Oh, I do think the porch railings would look better in white to match the trim. And a porch is always a charming feature so why not play it up? Currently, it just disappears. I can't quite tell what the house paint color is...describe? Furniture depends on where you are and your style. There's resin wicker, rockers, wood etc. Shutters I don't see because there's not enough room on some windows.

It would be nice to probably cover a lot of the lattice but a hedge takes years to form and it's high maintenance with pruning and shearing. You can accomplish the same with a shrub border but use a variety in plantings if you wish and perhaps with a little variation in height. Combine with some perennials etc if you enjoy working in the yard....or looking at pretties. :)

I asked where you're located because weather has a huge impact on landscaping. Annual rain amounts, humidity, soil type etc...it all figures in to choosing plants wisely.

"hedge takes years to form and it's high maintenance with pruning and shearing"

Hedges can be loose and unpruned except to do minor shaping, and the speed with which they grow varies by plant. They don't need to be formal. While I like mixed shrub borders, I think that mainly a single kind of plant would look good here. In my area I might do a mid-sized slow growing rhododendron, or one of the smaller mountain laurels/Kalmia, or one of the smaller panicled hydrangeas such as Bobo or Little Quickfire, but I don't know where you are, so I don't know if rhodies or mountain laurels would work since they need acid soil. I would choose shrubs for the hedge that will stay or can easily be maintained no higher than a few inches above the level of the porch floor unless you want privacy for the porch as a seating area.

I do think that adding a seating area or two out of the main traffic flow would look nice, but as mentioned above, style varies with where you are. I would choose something appropriate to the building age such as wicker rather than a modern looking set, and I would use brighter colors than what is currently there. Right now the furniture blends into the siding too much to add to the welcoming look.

Thank you all for taking the time to respond! I love your thoughts. We are in Massachusetts. And yes, I agree that we should live there awhile before making many changes, but I'm eager to get my hands in the dirt and my charge card to use at Home Goods (etc.)!

In MA my suggestions would work. I would also add some flowering or otherwise ornamental trees in both the spots where Yardvaark and jama7 suggested.