You've got a great space there - lots of potential! You could extend the "mantle" to either side of the surrounding wall - make it a big wall with a seat - the reality of stuffing furniture in either of those corners is unlikely and the asymmetry of it could be fun! Love the look of this great wall with a wooden shelf holding gorgeous art above the fireplace. [modern living room design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-living-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_718~s_2105) by boston architect Hammer Architects Here is a link that might be useful: Asymmetric fireplaces inspiration

Before you spend even a little bit of $$ on a small can of paint for the front door, figure out whether the house exterior (roof, siding, brickwork, shutters, gutters) need any work; and even if it doesn't, are you happy with the existing colors? Planters might work for now while you think about what you want to do long-term. Congratulations on your new house!

Could you add a current photo from the perspective of the first and last ones without the equipment and shrubs there so we can see the steps from head on? Also, I would love a photo of what is to each side of this photo, so standing in the same spot as the top photo, swing your body left and take a photo, and swing right and take a photo. Location of parking, the driveway, and trees which create shade are a few things that might influence the placement of plants and the walkway. If it is possible do this when the front of the house isn't in shadow or take the photo on a cloudy day or just use software to lighten the shadows in the photo, that will help. Removing the flat line of shrubs was a good choice, but you will want some shrubs, including some evergreens rather than just flowers in your new beds so there is some winter interest. Where are you (nearest large city) and what growing zone? What direction does the house face?

I'm not a fan of painting brick as it turns a no maintenance product into a long term maintenance issue. The brick seems to have more browns than grays in it but the roof is gray. You need to find a color that marries the two. Something in the taupe family would work. Also, a couple of other things. If you plan on keeping shutters I would switch to a wider shutter that is correctly sized for you windows. The current ones are too narrow. Also, the area without a railing in front of the door needs to have one installed. Building codes require them if the change in elevation is more than 30", which yours definitely is. If you're interested in seeing some virtual makeovers of your house check out my website, Creative Visual Concepts.