I assume you have that brick in front of the stoop to act as a step. Remove it before someone breaks their ankle and sues you.

You could build a wooden deck with two steps there.

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If you don't like the concrete stoop, remove it. Allow an 8" step down from the door, then add a new entrance terrace (of a material that you do love) that slopes 1" per foot until it reaches grade.

You must admit, since you mentioned it, that the walk is too narrow, how about just laying bricks or flagstone along the sides and increase it to 4', so your guests can walk hand in hand with spouse or child. If you don't dig a base course, just reset them after the frost has departed.

You said you were "ripping out" the existing shrubs. I hope you meant transplanting them elsewhere. To transplant, dig a trench around the plant at the end of its branches, do not dig toward the center, as this will damage the roots and its future. Then work in toward the center with a fork or trowel until you reach the major concentration of fine roots. Work your way down to find the base of the rootball, then lift and move to its new home, preferably on the same day. They like to sleep in a bed as well.