Hi, lovely home. First, I would get rid of the grass at the very front, well actually I would get rid of all of it, but that is me. Instead of grass give yourself some privacy and curb appeal. Is it always shady? This is actually one of the easiest, azaleas and rhododendrons love shade, then fill in with hostas and various bulbs that like shade. write back if it is sunny. let me know which way you point too. there are lots of perenials that love shade, a lot of hydrangeas are pretty tolerant too. if you really want to pop every spring go get a flat or two of impatients in 2 or 3 colors, plant them tucked in the front bed all along the front, people will eww and aahhh all day. If like more trees many crepe myrtles don't get very big and they will provide even more shade for azaleas etc. this will hide the car and the rest of the front. Also, i would paint or get rid of the chairs, they are too white for your yard, and they look like they are in the garden. Their whiteness makes them like they are plastic. I am sure they are not but you know how looks are. you also might want your portico and front door to make more of a statement.

I would try to find another home for the garbage cans, adt sign and what ever the round thing is. put a trellis and clematis or some larger bush against that fence so it does not show as much. i think that is a pretty good start. Oh yes, obviously you are not big gardeners, so don't worry, the perenials will bloom every year with little to no work on your part.

I'd look for a landscape designer. That's such an awesome style of home (congrats, btw!) and you have some existing issues to contend with re: the pavers and what I'm assuming is pretty heavy shade. A good designer will mean the difference between an ok landscape and one that sings.