I'm open to getting rid of the existing bushes and flowers as well.

Its not really my cup of tea either; however removing existing bushes is a good idea and perhaps relocate the flowers to another area. Are you interested in adding some privacy since house sits so close to sidewalk? Perhaps a hedge?

I would add dark grey shutters. Adding onto the front of the house will require code research. I suspect that your home is very close to your front yard setback. Hire a professional in your area if you entertain any ideas of increasing the footprint or modification of your existing structure. One thought is to increase the pitch of the hipped roof at the entry, as from this angle the foyer doesn't read as part of the existing home, but an addition. Correcting the roof would add a lot. As I suggest, a professional can help you navigate any codes, permitting and HOA approvals. I wish you well in your pursuits.

I agree with DMH DESIGN about the shutter and color for the front elevation. I might suggest painting the entire siding around the entry area (only) and the sides that return to the structure the trim color to fresh up and center up that elevation. Increase the scale of the entry lanterns and a couple of overscaled planters below the lanterns.

Please remove the screen door with the bars! Paint the front door a nice cheery red. Or black. Or any color you like.

Replace the shrubs with a variety that will remain small & not grow out of control - less maint. - Put them across the entire front of the home for uniformity. Add a row of monkey grass in front of them (be sure to put edging on the bed to keep the monkey grass from creeping into the yard.

That is a nice ornamental tree, have a landscaper move it into the yard, centered on wall between right window & corner of house, 1/2 way between house & sidewalk. Edging & mulch around it.

Where the sidewalk moons out in front of the steps - I'd put small curving beds with low-growing perennial flowers such as Lantana or Mexican Heather. This will minimize the "concrete effect" going on with your entrance.

Agree on shutters & planters on porch above. Get some Round-Up & kill those weeds poking through the lower steps.

As to the curb appeal I would remove the large tree on the left and clean out the beds . Plant broadleaf evergreens such as Azaleas or Rhododendrons as background and front them with colorful perennials and annuals in beds on both sides of the walkway. Plant a tree on each side of the house for balance and add some window boxes and containers for season color. A short to medium picket fence would look good with your style of house. Below is a doodle of my ideas.

We agree with DMH Design as well. Adding shutters would really enhance the curb appeal of this home. However, a dark gray may blend a bit too much with the siding of the home. What about a cranberry or a navy? We would also suggest either panel or louver style shutters. Below are the colors we offer, as well as some examples of our shutters.

Agree with @DJSquire Designs, Building a "Portico" is an excellent idea for your entrance.

I agree with DMH DESIGN, but would suggest using a gable instead of rising the pitch of the existing hip. If your footprint will allow it, I would extend this gable to create the arched opening DJSquire Designs suggested. By all means, change the front door.

If the pitch of the roof can match that of the two story gable, either the hip or gable could work, depending on blessings from bldg dept. Visually, the sides of the hip could be a different pitch, and it won't draw as much attention to itself as it would with a gable that has a flatter pitch, because your eye is not drawn to the roof material as it would be to the fascia.