Where do you live?

Still getting introduced with Houzz, thanks for info.
Since your in TX, my knowledge of that growing zone is minimal, so ignore my comment. sorry.

It's tempting to keep the hedges but they are tired looking and probably have a lot of die back within - plus, they are not low maintenance - will need shaping often. Also, by having them flank your walkway, it narrows your path both visually and in navigating it.
I would remove your two crape myrtles also. They have been ruined by wrong pruning and have spoiled their beautiful natural flowing shape.
I would also remove your brick scalloped edging - go with a more natural soil ditch with curved lines to carry the eye to appreciate the width of your property. Right now everything is too linear and rigid.
I would plant one new crape myrtle at the outer edge of your home. Select some shrubs (check with your TX garden centers) that will not exceed your low window sills. Curve that bed around and where it joins the front walkway, add some lovely perennials or annuals or your choice. They should be enjoyed up close and they do make a welcoming statement.

Thanks for the advice. I'll have to check with our HOA on removing the crane myrtles but they were blooming last summer when we first moved in. We looked at Houston Garden Center but didn't want to take anything home since we don't know what we are doing. We were interested in the Japanese boxwood. Do you think those would work?

The crape myrtle will bloom, it's just they should never have been pruned when the trunks grew so large. What happens next is these ugly "knuckles" that produce jumbled growth instead of a soft fountain of natural branching.
Doubtful the HOA would object to replacing with same.
Check with a high quality garden center. Many of them have a "we plan, you plant" program - meaning for a nominal fee they draw a landscape plan and you do the planting of the shrubs.
Also, you can check with your local university extension agent for free advice specific to your growing zone temperatures and conditions. They usually have a free master gardener phone hotline. Best wishes. Lovely home.

A garden center will come out and do a plan for you at a nominal fee. Usually they will refund the fee if you purchase from them. I agree with removing the hedges along the sidewalk.

The boxwoods will work, but it will add to what you have to hedge and maintain. And it wont add much interest. Your photos show shade and you will need a lot of sun for succulents. To fill up the space while you are debating a more extensive landscape remodel, you could plant Fox Tail ferns and Pentas for some interest and color. They wont grow tall and block your window.

I agree the hedges running alongside the walkway should go, but that is a big job to remove. Take it slow since you admit you just have your Learner Permit for gardening.

The previous owner made the mistake of planting things too close to the house. Don't make the same mistake.

The Crape Myrtles have been allowed to sucker and I see skinny trunks that need to be removed. I would keep each tree having no more than three trunks.

I doubt if you want the constant work of keeping a hedge below the level of the window. I suggest a groundcover there.

The bed shape is not appealing and the "edging" is not attractive. I would straighten the bed shape to a uniform five feet from the house. That leaves you room to plant annual flowers in front of whatever else you plant in the bed. Remove any boxwood growing beyond the five feet limit. The remaining boxwood can be pruned to half it's size. I actually maintain my boxwood at about ten or twelve inches in height. Small hedges are cute.

I think you are in zone 9. I could recommend some plants if I knew which direction the house is facing. Houston has more than one native plants nursery. It would be a good place to shop and get advice.

A long term goal would be to remove the boxwood entirely from the left side of the path. No need to rush it though. I hope you come to love gardening, as I do.

I made a very crude image of some of my ideas. Please do not judge based on my poor artistry. It is the placement you should notice.

I just checked and we are in zone 8b. All these ideas are great! I really appreciate everyone's insight and suggestions.