"Is there a trend that anyone has seen on landscaping styles...?" Greenwood, of the two choices you present: concrete landscape blocks vs. micro "boulders"...I wonder if either is the correct choice. Even though you are out in the yard, you are really "building" on to the house... which already has a type of stone in its construction. Introducing an element foreign in character to what's already there seems to add clutter instead of interest. However, of the two choices I find the manufactured blocks (though I'm not nuts about the color) less objectionable. The micro boulders seem very out of character for the house. Then, why be concerned about "trends" when current fads don't necessarily mean improved appearance? It looks like you are trying to hide where the ground meets the lattice, but not trying to actually raise the grade. So why install a curb or "retaining wall" that is empty of soil on the back side? Instead, you could let the plants alone provide the height that screens the lower portion of the lattice. A trench edge to the bed or a flush embedded mowing strip (at least 8" wide) would be more appropriate and less cluttered looking. I'm not trying to make planting suggestions in my picture... just trying to make things look settled and show lattice/ mowing strip alternative.

I wouldn’t remove the oak which grounds your house as well as reducing your AC bills. If removed your house will look really stark, and a tree like that won’t regrow within a great many years. I like Doug’s suggestion of smaller trees planted diagonally off the corners of the house to frame it, and as several others have suggested, remove the crapes, remove that wall and shrubbery around the live oak, and give the house an entrance walk wide enough for two people to walk abreast and a generous landing in front of the door. Notice how Yardvaark’s bright flowers framing the entry help pull attention to your somewhat hidden door.

"Ideally, a primary or entry walkway should be at least 48" wide and even wider is [often] better." I concur 100%. Another consideration in addition to sheer usability, is that a walk's width needs to coordinate with the building architecture ... size being one of those characteristics. This walk does that in that it is equal to the full width of the opening at the porch. My guess is that the walk is 5' 4". I have no arbitrary opposition to straight walks, thinking that many of them are equal to curved walks in their potential to be beautiful. From what we are shown in the picture, either seems like it could work well. It would probably only be worth the expense of changing it if a person developed a compulsion about it, as compulsions cannot be explained by reason alone.

WOW! I did not expect SOO many amazing suggestions! You all really helped me a ton and opened my mind to realize we definitely don't have to restrict ourselves to the current layout. Large Tree: Yaardvark made me laugh and made me realize that we definitely need to cut the lower limbs and that the shape of the tree is scary! :D Palms: They've already caused damage to our sewer (clay pipe) and I think they block the windows so we will be ripping them out and seeing if we can make some cash. Wrought Iron Gate: That is ours and I love the idea ptrecktel said about the wooden salt fence to give it that more mid-century modern vibe. Brick: I'm not 100% sure yet, I really liked the ideas from Beth H. about painting it either dark or white. House Color: I like the idea of doing white stucco with a black trim and black pots and lights with succulents and bright decor Door: I love the idea of going with a more colorful door or a door with dark wood. Also, we will definitely be updating the porch light. Walkway: I LOVE the large cement walkway from groveraxle! The brick in that area is already crumbling so creating a whole new walkway might be the best idea. Thank you all soo soo much and I can't wait to post in about a year or two (HA!) what we end up with! :)