I like your second pic idea, but rem the flowers only bloom for about 2 weeks out of the year, so not only keep the flower type in mind, but also the foliage so once the flowers are spent, you still have something pretty to look at :). But the second pic looks as if you'll be doing a lot of jack hammering etc. to do a different walkway? I assume you're planning on doing this anyway, not just to make the landscape work, correct?

Thanks for the reply! Yes, going to be redoing driveway and walkway, so figured might as well customize it a bit and create some more planting space. I think we'll do something with "layers" where the flowers are currently... long grass and others that bloom at different times to keep it interesting :)

That sounds like a great idea, maybe grab some stuff on clearance now and put it in the ground to get a jump start? Like perennial flowers etc. you're bound to find some good stuff cheap this time of year...depending on your growing season that is

Look at a native Manzanita (Arctostaphyllos) like 'Austin Griffiths" rather than a Maple. It will be much happier, easier to take care of, and not too big for that spot. Spring flowers attract hummingbirds, dark red bark contrasting with blue-green foliage is stunning.

Your front garden looks very small for one of the large Magnolias. Hopefully you thinking are thinking of something like a Magnolia x soulangiana such as 'Black Tulip', not a Magnolia grandiflora (huge).

Crape Myrtles are great smaller trees if your area gets adequate heat. If you are in a cool part of the Bay Area (SF) they won't be as happy. The bloom period is not long, but they are spectacular in bloom, you are far enough north to get autumn color, and the bark is beautiful as well.