I'd paint the trim black, and then either paint the door a bright color, or replace with something in a dark brown stain.

For landscaping, you need linear groups. Hydrangeas with boxwoods in front is my favorite look. Barberry and day lillies are good options in sunny areas as well.

Curved Gravel Driveway and Landscape · More Info

You have a lovely home. I suggest painting the main entry door in a deep jewel tone. Lantern sconces, scaled appropriately for the size of the pillars, would look great on the front two pillars. Use a similar style, scaled down, between the garage doors. Since you suggested you like a formal style, then I suggest two large black urns planted with a decent sized evergreen (e.g., boxwood, holly) and some other plants with color. It's hard to tell from the one photo exactly where else to place other pieces, but placing coordinating planters in between the garage doors (underneath the suggested sconces) would at least be a good idea. The shrubbery underneath the windows appears rather small... let them grow if they will get larger or replace them with something that will. This is also an area where you can add in layers in front of the hedge to bring in color. I like the idea not only of wrought gates but a wrought iron fence. If the wrought iron fence is cost prohibitive, then go with a white fence and gate. Formal gardens are a great idea for your home but involve too much planning to your specific site for me to provide an useful feedback here.