So true about the lawn services. I noticed in one of our nicer, larger subdivisions that 95% of homes with a nice lawn, also had a small sign posted unobtrusively that they were cared for by a professional company.
It looks like the build-up around the central tree has been added later. I'd suggest removing all of it. Widen the walk. You will probably have to notch out around the tree.
You can keep the shrubs, except for the one that hangs over outside of the house facade, but link them into hedges in order to simplify and strengthen the look. They're too tall now. Cut them at least 12" below the windows (red line) at which they'll immediately grow back to the green line. If they still end up being too high on the windows by summer's end, cut them lower next spring.
Add a couple of small trees, in groundcover islands at the ends of the house. Add groundcover around the large tree. Add a "hedge" of shrubs or perennials, especially with flowers or colorful foliage, at each side of the stoop. It looks like some planter has been added atop the cheeckwalls that flank the stoop. Remove that if possible because it makes the proportions unattractive. You might consider painting, or in some way staining the cheekwalls in order to differentiate them from the house brick. Consider painting the fascia same as the rest of the trim.
The plants are not specific. They are what you already have plus various sizes & forms.
Q
mock up of the front yard
Q