Terracing is always a great option. You can use keystone block and it does not have to be that expensive. Then create a shallow, wide slate stairway down to the house.

I meant to register the comment under my professional Houzz id

I have seen homes where the slope goes AWAY from the house. Our problem is that our slope is towards the house. It's probably 3 -4 feet higher by the sidewalk some points, because of how our house was built on the lot and because the street starts heading up a hill by our house. I can't seem to upload a photo to Houzz but you can view photos of what I am trying to explain here: Photos of Sloping Front Yard

Terracing can work, you will need to divert runoff away from the house by adding a french drain in the bottom terrace. A good landscape contractor should know how to do this. You can also curve the terraces to be at an angle to the front of the house.

My concern would be your house flooding if you get a lot of rain at once. For that you would need a drain tile buried to get the rain away from the house.

The alcove patio design is literally the first thing I have seen that is a similar situation as ours. We would incorporate draining. There is already a french drain system at the bottom of the driveway (near the garage) and I am assuming there would be some way to divert water into that drain.

The first photo is also relevant. Yes, the idea is to turn the front yard into something more than it is now - just some green grass on an unevenly sloped yard.

After you figure out the drainage issues, start thinking about the various views that are important. You will want a design that is pleasing to see from the sidwalk and road(?) above, from inside the house (possibly from different level, some of which may or may not include privacy?), and as a space to be travelled through to reach your front door/garage/side and back yards. This should give you a good idea on the heights and density of plant material you want. Once this is determined, be ruthless! Do not let yourself be seduced into planting anything that will overwhelm the sight lines you've elected. Patience shall be rewarded.

I'm late to the party. Hopefully, you have already remedied your problem.

I have this SAME issue!! Did you ever come up with a solution? The old concrete walkway from the sidewalk is buckling (Redwoods nearby) and it has brick so I'd like to make it more modern and can't find any inspiration photos.

Any photo ideas on tbis? I have a similar issue. We dont have issues with drainage. i have large sloped front yard that is partially terraced near the house and we have some down terracing near the road but having issues eith how to finish it out.