A home we just bought is laid out almost identically to this (except with an even MORE recessed door). We've found that it provides nice weather shelter, but we're also trying to solve this exact same problem of it being dark and unwelcoming during the day.

Add metal hardware to garage doors, add great lights that shine upward and downward on garage and entry way. You could add a band of light on a second switch along overhang.

Add grasses along front. Fertilize grass could add canned lights under soffit. Think Ralph Lauren western wrought iron carriage look entrance , also add architectural soffit brackets. Great bones just needs jewelry

Invest in some landscaping. Create a curved bed in front of the walkway extending and widening across the front of the house.

Replace the mailbox.

Remove the hose.

Paint the front door and bold contrasting color and add a container plant to the porch.

You can update your exterior with Cambridge pavingstones and wallstones. How about making your driveway a focal point with beautiful pavingstones that lead to your front entrance. Cambridge wallstones in the front of your home can highlight landscaping and increase curb appeal. Please go to our website and visit the amazing photos in our electronic brochure. By linking to Cambridge’s Designscape Visualizer you can upload a photo of your front entryway and re-design using Cambridge pavingstones and wallstones. Visit our website at www.cambridgepavers.com.

I love the look of a small pergola/arbor over the garage doors. Houzz has many examples of this idea. Good luck.