Is this the front or back? I'm confident you'll get some ideas. Be prepared to answer questions so we can learn more about what you and your family like. I first recommend starting by using Houzz to its full potential--namely creating a few ideabooks and searching for photos on the site. Add pictures you like to the appropriate ideabook and revisit those books often. Don't edit your collection in the beginning. If it appeals, add it. You can add and manage ideabooks in your profile section of Houzz.

I'd replace your entry light with something nicer. Maybe add more. One to the far right, two to the left of the existing fixture, one between the windows and another on the end.

These are entitled dont do this and shrubbery..lol. When you buy new plant read how large they will be come unless you like the large lump look....

These are some of my favorite plants Knockout roses, hydrangeas, lavender, coreopsis liriope and different grasses that have different colors and grow to different heights

Consider decking or hardscape with expansive, gradual steps to the yard instead of the current deck.





I think replacing the slab walkway with a curvier one made of pavers would add a ton of character and warmth.

Maybe a bright, fun color on the door and pick up the color by adding a tall urn or two with greenery planted in it/them.

If you want to expand the seating area you could try something like this....pavers in sections; not extravagant, but still lovely

If this is your homes entrance that is used the most, the most inviting thing you can do is paint your entry door a fun, inviting color. With the stone in earth tones and the gray on the siding, I think the most interesting color that works color wise is a rich purple. Something muted like http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6265-quixotic-plum/ Change your light fixture to something galvinized and cottage like. Add some nicer than usual chip seal / pea or small round gravel (4" deep) to the drive while it is still wet enough to get ground in pretty good. Walk is good to have something to shovel off!

Try some consistent evergreen foundation shrubs between the path and the house and a different option massed along the front too - in groupings / massings that will grow together and be about 30" high on the side, 42" high on the front. Mulch under them. Cut the grass out of the area, and in front put a border in - use the path as the border for the side. Ask your local nurseryman for recommendations for evergreen foundation plantings and plant them tightly at mature size not tightly now.

Maybe add a storage box with a front cover right under the deck for things like the propane canister and the stuff that needs to stay outdoors in the snow so you don't have to tarp it / let it melt down too / shovel it out.

Fluffalorium is glad to be out in the sunshine after all and got caught by the camera!

It looks like the area in front of deck is used for parking. Try curving driveway to left side. After removing existing walk add a new one that has a wide entry to drive and house. Make the walk curve out to the right( half the distance of the deck) and flow back in. The new space on the left of the walk can be filled with small shrubs, perennials, and some unique pieces (stone/boulders, sculpture, birdbath, water feature, etc). Dress the deck up with nice railing/balusters and increase width of stairs. Walkway paving material can vary depending on budget. I think a good salt resistant paver would look the best but stamped concrete (sealed), would do good as well. For a low budget walk, pavers on the ends and loose aggregate with edging would be a good option.

I will recommend installing acid stained concrete then engrave it and once you ave done that, everything will fall into place as far as sitting, vegetation to add more curb appeal. look at these pictures of our work. They started as ordinary concrete.