Since the house is so close to the street I would definitely think a fence would be in order but not one that looks like a fortress. Setting it back a bit from the property line and doing plantings in front would look good -something like a cottage garden. The existing fence is very rustic and planting some flowering vines or climbing roses on it if you have sun is another isea to soften its starkness. Don't do shrubs in a row like soldiers lined up. If your front yard is small I would consider a lawnless landscape with low growing evergreens, ornamental grasses, perennials and annuals. Painting your house a medium tan and the trim a sage green would add to its appeal as would window boxes with colorful seasonal flowers. Here's an example of a fence that is not too heavy : Check Houzz for more examples of frontyards .