So everything is brand new, right? One question comes up: What was the reason the stairs were placed there in the first place? And if you want plants, do you want them against the house below the window too? I'm not sure I understand what you mean with 'paving job'..

Hi rinqreation, yes it's all fairly new.
I think I want a box hedge along the retaining wall (diagonal) and some plants to the right of the stairs too. The stairs were there when we bought the block.
By paving job I meant maybe paving most of the space instead of having a "path".

Cute little house. My first question is what are you doing with the stone post? Maybe a light fixture would be nice. https://www.houzz.com/photos/1-27-east-bay-boulevard-traditional-entry-houston-phvw-vp~1764748 I think you need to decide how much yard work you want to do, If you want minimal up keep then add more hard surfaces. Choose your plants and then decide on the rest. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/9-low-growing-hedges-that-make-good-neighbors-stsetivw-vs~3855506

Are you open to moving or rebuilding the stairs?
The path towards the front door could flow better if a little less off-centre.. Maybe a little diagonal, with a rock formation in the style Kelly suggested?

MORE PICTURES PLEASE! Face it, you LOVE clean lines and texture. Your Ideabook is great. Do you want an outdoor seating area? Do you want a shaded front area? Did you want to replace anything that is there already or do you want to salvage it? The only thing that doesn't quite go--for me-- is that post. Lighted or unlighted, it's in the way of seeing the front yard. It could, however, be made into a great arbor post, and neat to have an asymmetrical design too. Are you interested in a xeriscape, rock garden, flat stepping stones to door or what?
Could you just inbed stepping stones into the charcoal and plant ornamental grasses?

Wow thanks all for the ideas and feedback. Unfortunately the post, wall and stairs have to stay, every house on our street is the same. I like the idea of having the rocks and ornamental grasses too. Just want something simple and easy, nice kerb appeal! Lots to think about.... Thanks

Emily, Please select my name (in green right before your name) and go to my Ideabook called "Land Ahoy" to see some great stepping stone and rockscapes I think you ought to love!

How wide is the walk immediately out of your door? In the picture it is hard to tell. If it is narrow I would suggest widening that part no matter what paving you decide to get.
Just out of curiosity what have others in your neighborhood done with that block pole? Perhaps big vertical house numbers?

groveraxle, yeah, you're right!