My wife and I have been restoring and renovating our 1930s bungalow in Atlanta, GA. We want to replace all of the plants in the front yard and start fresh. We don't have much landscape design experience, so we're asking for help but don't really know where to start.

We're having trouble coming up with the overall design and balance for the landscaping project. With no front facing door or steps, we're struggling with how to find a focal point. We want to accentuate the front porch (not hide it - privacy isn't really an issue). We also want to create a layered look. We're not even sure if the design should be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

Any help and advice would be appreciate. Feel free to recommend specific plants if you want. But our main concern is how we should shape the landscape (i.e. two tall, narrow plants on either side of the porch was one idea, but I'm not sure this is the best way to compliment the architecture).