Mary, when I moved into my home the front was all grass too. It was the first thing removed, at least half to create garden beds around the perimeter. Then added 3 trees and filled the beds with perenials. This spring I am putting in a fence and arbor. Garden beds are far more enjoyable for me than mowing grass, not to mention the cost of water in my area.

Getting the grass out wasn't easy, but found a student doing yardwork for the summer that took on the job.

You didn't mention if the cost of building a small porch is not possible. But a porch across the front would be wonderful, even a small deck/pergola.

If cost is a factor, I'd start with a couple of trees, even if small, they would help soften the front, give some height. Perhaps shutters the full length of your door on both sides of door opening. A trellis for climbing rose would add height also or an arbor across the doorway.

That blank wall is screaming out for something! I would expect to see a window, maybe with shutters, or something instead of an empty wall. You could put some decorative iron piece there if you prefer, but it needs something desperately. Something to set off your entry would also be nice, maybe a small arbor or a couple of narrow trellises with climbing vines in pots underneath on either side. The light fixture could use some beefing up, too.

Hi,
Thanks for all the suggestions I agree that wall sure is bare looking. I like the suggestion of climbing roses will look for some that tolerate some shade. An arbor at the door also sounds good with some shade tolerant clematis.And maybe some shrubs, hostas and shade loving perrenial and annuals.
Thanks
Mary-Jane