I think that solving the main problems is going to boil down to two things: the walk; and the making the entrance visible. The walk should definitely be wider - 5' could be a goal, maybe wider near the stoop - and then it should make a better connection with the drive. I don't think this means to necessarily cut across the lawn with it. Given that the yard is small, you could widen the drive a bit with whatever the walk material is, continue on by widening the city sidewalk with the same material, and then turn the corner with the walk, heading to the entrance ... in effect bordering the yard with a "U"-shape "invitation" that extends from the drive to the entrance. (The portions adjacent drive and city walk would not be the same width as the main walk to the entrance. They would be like decorative borders.) When it comes to the portion of walk that heads toward the entrance, I think it would be beneficial to pull it away from the neighbor's drive and incorporate and "S"-curve into it. That way, room for a SMALL tree could be created between the walk and neighbor's drive. It would also have the benefit of making it look like it belongs to your property without any question. Note how entrances are typically clearly marked by some type of enlarged, often raised, paved area, and a roofed covering that offers shelter from the elements. I think you need to create such a structure over the walk, in the front yard, near to the house. It would be the obvious first "entrance" that people reach when approaching the house. But after they've reached it there would be no question about where they would continue to in order to reach the actual house entrance. The structure could be a very nice arbor, or it could be more architectural in nature (such as with brick columns and an actual roof.) BTW, I don't think there's the first thing wrong with your yellow brick. Maybe you're bored of it and that is the driving force behind staining it. But I think it would be a mistake, or highly inefficient at the least, to attempt to change it to another color. If the brick was flat out ugly I'd be all for it. But it's not. You might end up creating, after spending a lot of money and effort, something that is not near as nice. If you could replace the top panel of the garage door with one that has windows all the way across, that would resolve the boring quality of the existing door. There seem to be two main approaches to planting: smother the house with hedges; and smother the house with a variety of all kinds of plants strewn in a randomish fashion. You might consider "matching" shrubs to windows (like steps would be "matched" to a door) as the main shrubs of the landscape scheme. Perennials and annuals can be fit around them in some artistic scheme, keeping it simple preferably. I would plan on keeping shrubs below the window sill height. I would hunt for a spot for another small tree at the right side of the house. (We can't see that area.)

Yes, I will post other pics from further back. I've been in here since 2004. I want a whole new look. Hate the lattice, (can't see), but willing to do something else. I want to do away with this. Thinking about some grasses that don't get too high. Has to be simple, not a green thumb. Hate the color. Exterior done prior to finding house. Like siding color, but not trim color. Thanks.

You have an interesting house. Some time ago another person posted their mansard roof house. They ended up painting the second floor windows that same color as the roof. It made a big difference. I think you should paint the windows are dark gray. Paint the area around the first floor windows the same color as the garage. Paint the front door an interesting color. Prune or remove the bushes hiding the windows on the right.

Great house but the foundation is really ugly and the one supporting the brick columns between the scalloped fencing seems silly. So, there's a big demo project right off the bat, along with the mushroom shrubs that are failing to adequately hide the foundation. Looks like you have some vestigial elements on the side that need to go as well: the skinny walk to the gate and the shutters on the window you're concerned about and the large window. Since there is no garage, I would be tempted to remove the front parking pad and develop a garage or carport in the same MCM vibe on the side if you can gain permission to put a drive there. That might be a way you can recycle the brick columns. You already have a door on the side, so it makes more sense to come in on a daily basis through that door. It will also allow for totally new landscaping and better curb appeal in front of the home.