Agree with Kevin - shutters and lattice will make a huge difference right away. Another strip of pavement will do nothing good. You could extend the flower bed around to the front of the cement step to soften the edges a bit. The landscaping is not horrible but I would replace the arborvitae. You could pull the daylily in the left corner and anchor a plant out from the corner a bit (something vase-shaped with texture - maybe a nine bark or limelight hydrangea), then choose something small enough to not crowd that lower window for the other side and all along the newly-opened porch. Stella D'oro daylilies or a fun variety of coral bells would work. I like my plantings to have a variety of color in foliage too (choose a wine colored nine bark for a little depth).

I do like the shutters but I understand your point. We are thinking of doing exposed concrete and a strip of "walkway" not driving way. Which is the Arborvitae?

You ideas seem great but I'm very visual. any chance you can draw something rough?

The two big boxy hedges are the ones that need to go. I agree about removing shutters and lattice. Are you in a climate where the storm door is necessary? A single glass panel one or a retractable screen instead would allow your door to be the focal point of your entry. Enlarge all your lantern lights. The ones at the door should be 1/4 to 1/3 of the door's length. Are you thinking about new paint on the siding and garage door?

Definitely remove the shutters since the window size and style aren't right for them. I would consider Kevin's suggestion of a garage door with windows across the top.

Do you park a car in the garage, or is that your storage? Do you have more than one car? You might want to extend the driveway to the right, instead of in front of the door. That way if a car is in the garage and one in the driveway, the garage car can still get out.

Then, extend the walkway a little further down the driveway, so it ends at least next to a car’s passenger door.

I love a split-level house, miss mine.

Your taupey -grey (greige?) is a good combination with that brick.

I like the shutters and the lattice - both add some charm and interest. It's a very cute house, the colors are great. I think your idea of a walkway adjacent to the driveway is good, too. If your budget allows for something other than blacktop for the driveway, that would also add to curb appeal. (Perhaps concrete with the walkway portion either pavers or stamped concrete maybe?)

Yes, I think it adds charm as well. We are planning on doing exposed concrete in the next 2 years with a walkway portion. It's to allow 3 cars in driveway during the winter months.

Don't get your heart set on widening your drive even with pavers before checking your local ordinances.

I was all excited about doing that a few years ago when someone on here pointed out that your drive access into the street can only be a certain dimension. I checked and we were already wider than the acceptable dimension. The measurement is usually the normal two car wide measurement. This is why three car wide drives usually swoop out the the side to get the additional width.

Sorry to be Debbie Downer!

Thanks for the information. I am aware of the by laws for my city. As long as the driveway and the walkway are different then it's all good!

Adding room to park three cars doesn’t necessarily mean the cutout has to be 3-cars wide, it just means you learn to back up well.

I like the shutters, too, even though they are not accurate.

You do need a new driveway, it doesn’t appear to be in great condition.

Would you need or consider fencing and a gate for the back yard?

An ornamental tree at the left corner of the house would be nice. Flowering crab, perhaps,