Paint the lattice as close as possible to the color of the stone , this is not something you want to draw attention to.It would be nice to see the handrail match the rest of the porch railing.IMO some well placed planters to keep overgrowth under control would be better than larger flower beds, maybe a narrow bed infront of the lattice. Even dwarf trees take up quite a lot of sapce that you just don’t have.

Staining your foundation? No, I like it the way it is right now. It is a natural color and looks like it belongs. It looks like an actual stone foundation too :) You have a very lovely home. A few plants in planters like Patricia mentioned + the painting of the railing and you are ready for Spring!

I wouldn't do the dry river bed, it would take away from your beautiful yard IMO.

If it were my home would have the water from your downspouts moved away from your foundation area. youtube has DIY solutions or you can bring in a professional.

IMO= in my opinion. Sorry

I would be inclined to plant a row of small shrubs across in front of the lattice, something like Hydrangea paniculata 'Bobo' which will be in bloom for months, but doesn't get much larger than 3 1/2'. Mulch to keep weeds down and plant an evergreen groundcover such as Veronica 'Georgia Blue'. It would need a buried edging and weeding perhaps monthly for a few minutes each time, but would soften the front of the house without taking up too much depth - 4' would be enough. You could add pots with seasonal color as desired, but right now I think the front of the house looks fairly stark.

I love the front porch railings!

I, too, am thinking of spring! The weather's been nice this weekend and I've had a chance to get in the yard and putz around. I agree that the had railing should be painted white. I think the lattice and grey trim would benefit from a coat of white paint also.

For before the lattice work, you could consider a few miniature boxwoods to soften the lattice. Some well chosen perennials and annuals in could go in front of them , so you end up with descending tiers. The boxwoods will stay green all year, but will have to be sheared occasionally to keep them neat looking. Hydrangeas, would be lovely, too. They won't stay green, but they do offer some winter interest.

You could also consider a window box with an assortment of seasonal plantings.

Do not paint lattice white. Paint the color of stone.

I prefer natural shaped shrubs for a house like yours.

If you enjoy gardening you can add annuals in front of the shrub/ground cover.

Pay attention to the mature size of plants when buying. Otherwise you become a slave to pruning.

Don't plant things that will block view of the path.

Larger house numbers.