I would suggest starting with the landscaping and updating the paint colors, and possibly later replacing the front door and/or garage door, to see if you're then more ok with the overall look before venturing into architectural changes. You may also want to look at homes of that style to see how their curb appeal has been maximized.

I, too, don't care for a stucco arch. You may be able to disguise it with a rectangular arbor, even an arbor which reaches across the garage, too. The style seems to be a modified southwest sort-of-Spanish style, minus the clay tile roof. To keep that not-Spanish feel going, you could avoid everything terra-cotta. If you want some plants in pots, colorful enamel modern styles could be used. Don't use terra-cotta colored rocks or mulch. You could have flowering plants in one or two colors only, and avoid cactus. Replace the scalloped brick edging. I assume you will change the color of the house and trim. I don't have a suggestion on that. Use mostly native plants to use as little water as possible, but go to a specialty nursery to find interesting shapes and foliage. Don't try to get everything done at once. The inside may be more expensive to do up the way you dream, so don't expect to be able to do it all right away. It can also be hard on relationships, so take your time. Don't adopt all the current fads....fads fade. Enjoy your first home.

Looks like a pretty rose garden in front yard. So you might bring in more of the cottage feel

its hard to tell with the tree in the way what the rest of the architecture is offering. However, I will say that it would be best to stay true to the architecture of the house. Whatever type it is. If you try to change it, it will look like your tried to change it... Embrace it, or, why bother.

Congratulations on your new home. Now comes the fun part!

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