How big is the front yard? Do you have any hardscaping to work around (sidewalk, driveway, front walk)?

Tough with a blank slate. :-)

Landscaping makes such a dramatic impact, I would pay for a professional landscape plan. You can sometimes get them offered on Angie's List in the L.A. area under the Angie's List Big Deal. I paid $199 for mine and the money was well worth it.

Note: the large sago palms you have are very valuable...try saving those. They can be transplanted if needed.

We'd need to know much more about the style of the house and so forth.

Yes, the more pictures and info the better. Have you thought about how you will use the space? Is it just a space that you want to look at? Or do you want to be able use an area for sitting, fire pit, etc?

Hi Guys. Thanks for the feedback thus far. I'm sorry, I can't actually find a street view straight on picture. I will take one tonight. Here are a few more pics that might help with the garage/driveway layout. Basically driveway on the left, slight curve into the garage. The lawn is all out front of the garage and to the right of the driveway. Plus I have the small garden area right in front of the patio.

ayanlang - it's about 500sq ft. the hardscaping is only the driveway on the left and the sidewalk in the front. There is a little walkway to the front door at the very top end of the driveway.

mmilos - thanks for the Angie's list suggestion. I'll investigate. Yes, I had hoped to transplant the palms :)

nevadan - sorry, first time here. I didn't know what would be the most useful information, and didn't want to post too much. It was built in 1959, a pretty traditional/ranch house (not too familiar with styles). The wall and window in the yard (dirt) picture is the garage. The window you see behind the little fence is the front kitchen window. I am trying to give it a much more modern update, inside and out.

Ross NW Watergardens - I just mainly want the space to look good. Increase the curb appeal and have a lot of lush green and colour. I have a good size backyard and porch that will be the entertaining/relaxation area.

Hope this helps a bit.