Nice the house,it don't need to change.where is north(or how long sun light time)?where are you(or what Zone)?
I could give you thousands un-render design pics.

Should replace hard straights.

A nice garden should rich color,you could add a J-maple.

Plant some hydrangeas,bulbs...

I would not paint the brick. Trim color could be anything you like. If you wanted to stick with white, you could play with different shades and add a second color for accent. I really like that blue that Mint design proposed, with a creamy white. Landscaping looks pretty good, just that one bush near the right side window needs to come out, as it is unfortunately blocking the window in an awkward way. To modernize, maybe thin out the bushes a little and add some color. Hybrid tea roses will bloom all season long and require little care, plus you can get some that don't get really tall.

Please finish the house prior to landscaping so the tradesmen do not damage the landscape! :)

I love the paint color suggested by Mint Design. It has that updated contemporary look that I want. I would also add a modern full window door painted black with black shutters. The walkway also needs an update, agreed. Great advice about finishing the house before tackling the landscape. I learned that the hardway with my old house when the painters decapitated my japanese maple.

I am so glad to be of help! I look forward to seeing photos as you progress; please do post them! :)

http://porticokit.com/

Trim color to match roof, no shutters and body of the house a creamy white.