All that asphalt is the issue and it has leached into the soil so all the landscaping will need to be in planters or a ton of the soil will need to removed hopefully getting all the bad stuff out. The lanndscaping is wht you need . The gables at least need to match IMO the boards at the botton need to be replaced or painted the same stone as the little raises bed would work The stairs need to be finished on the side, the back stairs need some work and should have the same railing as the front

I would like to see the rail removed from the front porch and to avoid falls narrow benches in the place. I would stain all the wood on the porch and the bottom of the house a nice fresh dark wood stain. If able I would replace the trimmings in the gablle with a much more simple design, removing them all would be better and then a real wood board and batten feature would be nice, I would then repaint a;ll the stucco and great navy or green may go well with the wood. I would make large wood planters to set about and also stain them to match and add evergreens, and in summer add anualls too. Keeping it all modern will fit the look IMO!

Congratulations on your adorable house! If possible, I would try to incorporate a porch across the front of the house from the door to the window on the left.That would add so much character. The current

porch/steps served the purpose of having a tidy entry, but it has no charm..