Hi. I gather you're in a hot climate. Do you like having grass? It's tough to keep up.
I prefer mass/ uniform plantings over this and that shrub at the foundation.... how about you?

I read long ago about creating destinations in your yard.
If possible especially in side or backyard, a bench can make a place to go and enjoy a quiet moment away from the house [and neighbor].

I think there is a little disjointed was because all the shrubs are different shapes. I normally try to work with repeating textures. U might need some flowering groundcovers to help if u want to keep the shrubs.

Thank you for all your thoughts---I don't want the shrubs--I'd kind of like some softness, color, and no grass

Hi great house with tons of potential! I would take out the overgrown shrubs along the front and all that block the view to your entry. Add a nice brick or stone path with a pleasant curve to it. From the front entry to the drive, pull it out a bit verses a tight L...remember that curve! Large exterior lantern, the one you have is builder grade and way too small, pick a nice antique bronze finish. Paint the front door a strong color that you love. For example if you love red, this would be the perfect place for a pop of color. Finish with a soft spot on the front door, some low plantings and you're well on your way! Enjoy, Barbara

Here is a link to my drought tolerant ..removal of lawn book for ideas. http://www.houzz.com/projects/579051/drought-tolerant-california-native

Barbara --thank you for your compliment--believe it or not we do have an aggregate. curved walkway to the front entry with a bench on the porch--just need to get rid of the shrubs and add the pop of color door-- thank you again for your expertise

Red Berm--I like your websight--especially like Santa Monica and Altaderm good thoughts for our front yard---thank you for your expertise...

I think if you are getting rid of grass, lots of different coloured stones, water feature, trees makes it more visual, than having heaps of plants massed together

fyi Costco has a large bronze lantern LED probably.... I like idea of a large fountain just a bit out from the entry between door and window...

nbm222 - the ones that you picked are california native and a mix that I refer to as more romantic. Below is the siteplan of the Altadena one so you can see what the beds look like and I just finished rendering a more natural one as well. Here are the renderings of that if it helps. If you are in southern ca. I can help you with design if you are interested.

The front yard needs some structure to it. Ditch the shrubs and add in some sort of pathway to the front door that really controls the flow and look of the front yard. If you're planning on getting rid of the grass, consider low maintenance alternatives such as stones, gravel, and planters with agaves/succulents.

Red Berm thank you for the drawings-- we are in Northern Ca or you would have heard from me already !!

Jonathan-- we already have a nice curved walkway to the front door-- need to get those shrubs out so you can see it better-- thank you for your ideas

Green Spruce Sedum (for your zone, I'd look for Ogon Makinoi's sedum). I just LOVE how this drips over the retaining wall. I'd do something similar at your house: I also like having a border tight to the wall, like this:

Here are a few more plants that grow in your zone. I'd shoot for bright reds, yellows, purples, and limes, and go for grasses that are "frizzy" rather than structured.
Lantana:
Yarrow:
Salvia:
Ginko tree:
Hakone grass (japanese forestgrass):
Miscanthus gracillimus (maiden grass):

We would agree with others that the mature shrubs and their size scale is a detriment to creating a inviting entry and better overall feel with what you have there. Some consistency with your foundation plantings in front of the window would help too in highlighting the house and creating a more inviting feel. There could probably stand to be less lawn and more aggregate rock beds as it appears the lawn has been a challenge to keep up with. A flowering or evergreen tree on the corner of the house would help create a boundary and corral the front yard space better as well. You could also explore an additional retaining wall to create more level upper yard space and additional beds and climbing or drooping vines to add interest throughout. Good luck with your project if you haven't already transformed it.

Thank you for your thoughts -- the transformation is in the process --

Any updated pictures? Would love to see

I would suggest you remove the evergreens in front of the house and perhaps save some to relocate along the property lines to give them another function. Then, I would suggest you square off a ground-level patio beginning from the left corner (as per the photo) that juts out toward the front door. (Is this the garage)? I would suggest you install patio blocks and add some plants in colorful pots and some patio furniture to make this area like a little park or "welcome" area for guests. Then, I would suggest you plant a fairly small shade or ornamental tree straight out from the right front corner of the house as shown in the photo. A dogwood or redbud tree might be nice for this purpose and would say "welcome" to anyone approaching your home.