I would definately get rid of that tree. They get so big and drop these cardboard type leaves that are awful. It is blocking your house also. I think you should pay a landscaper for a plan and then slowly add in your new plan as you can.

Perhaps a porch/entry way to really make a statement at your front door? You could still paint the door a bright colour and update the hardware. I'd try to marry up the lines of a potential porch with the lines of your existing roof lines. You may be able to re-locate the existing tree elsewhere in your garden? Perhaps stencil over your driveway and plant out the line from your driveway up to your entrance way to and oomph. I'd also have some sort of stairs or pavers leading up to the front door.

Sorry, to be clear, updated, broader stairs/ pavers up to front door.

Removing that tree will definitely help, if you must have a tree center it on the window not the front door. I'd like to see an overhang, awning some kind a roof over the front door and a wider porch. Also if you can put in a door with sidelights to balance with the shutters on the windows and a bright gold colored kickplate and handle would brighten the door too. Then you could go with something like a dwarf azalea in bright red in the planter next to the garage, along the front under the window and along your neighbors hedge to the side there. I'd also change out the house numbers and light fixture on the garage to match the shutter color (looks black from here). If you go with the tree in front add a ring of a small annual plants around the bottom in a bright color, those the grass and an annual trim of the azaleas would be the only real maintenance needed.

A portico would really help with the curb appeal. Wide steps and a wide sidewalk going down to the street would also help. I like the retaining wall on the left of the house but remove some of the weeds on it. That little low area next to the retaining wall would make a nice spot for a small tree(s).

I think adding some window boxes and some unique address tiles will tie this front together nicely

Take off the vinyl shutters. They do not fit, nor do they do anything for the house.

Remove the tree or have it transplanted to the back yard. Paint the garage door the same as the front door. Unless that white picket fence is there for a reason, I would remove that, too. Too cutsie.

Your garage is the first thing you see. I'd focus on upgrading the doors. Depending on your budget, you can replace them or paint them. I've seen people do a nice job of painting or adding craftsman hardware or nailhead decoration to fairly standard builder garage doors. So, I recommend you cruise through pics of garage doors on Houzz and find something that will work for you.

Also, consider a signature light, instead of that small thing that's trying to look unobtrusive.

The tree is hiding your house. If you remove it (sometimes big trees can be moved) put the next one to the left, not blocking your house and not where it will block your house when it grows.

I'd upgrade the driveway, too. Probably by putting a brick or stone border. Or replacing the whole thing with paving, depending on budget and plowing requirements.

Of course, everything looks nicer in the spring, but your yard is not helping. If you water deeply, the grass will put down deeper roots and need watering less often. You do need to water when it's been well a few weeks with no rain. Don't overfertilize (you don't have to fertilize at all, in fact).

Or put down some ground cover. There was an ideabook about replacing your lawn.

You can buy new windows for old garage doors--the sections sort of stack, and perhaps add some strap hinges and handles to break it up. These kind of houses are tough because the garage is so dominant.

Agree that a new tree, and one moved over away from the front door would help. A classic red or colored door would also help, and so would beefed up moldings and perhaps a canopy or portico. Modern porticos are often awkward looking, so be careful with size and proportions. A classic pergola might be a solution too.

Just make sure the portico isn't too wide and the soffits aren't too boxy, and avoid eave returns and whimpy posts. A canopy might be better with the size stoop you have, and railings with spindels could be nice, and safer for little ones.

I would consider getting rid of shutters on the picture window and putting a window box there instead. Don't worry, shutters don't have to be on every window, and shutters only on top is quite common. Shutter dogs might be nice.

If you really want to go to town, a porch all the way or almost all the way across the front could look great. The roofline with the garage is a little awkward, so I would use a shed style with a gable over the door.

Although your current shutters are not properly fitted for your windows, we think that your facade may be a bit bare without them. The perfect solution would be adding shutter dogs, like victorianbungalowranch mentioned, if your budget does not allow replacement of properly fitted shutters (typically measure out to half the width of your window).

Please visit our virtual hardware store for all types of shutter hardware! All the pieces shown are in stock and ready to be shipped. http://shop.timberlane.com

I suggest you start by painting your home a classic white with green tinted black shutters that fit the windows. Window boxes would also add curb appeal but keep them properly tended. I suggest 3 espaliered fruit trees along the side wall of your garage. A bolder surround on the front door would give you a real boost and please paint the front door the green/black. Black is way to harsh and there are colors that appear black to the eye but have quite a bit f dark green in them when compared to a stark black...Charleston green, Georgetown green and Plaza green to name a few. If you cannot put windows on the left side of your home I suggest several upright evergreens or more espaliers...perhaps espaliered magnolias to go with the classic lines of your home. Some foundation plantings and a pergola over the garage door and yes, your maple tree would really help to maximize your curb appeal. I have attached a few examples of the espaliered fruits and magnolias. Have fun with your project and please post the after photos for us!

Add a big porch, a couple of NICE trellises on the blank wall, add landscaping adjacent to the walkway and paint your front door a deep red. What you currently have has good bones. Oodles of potential. Good luck!