Please attach a photo :)

Sorry about that! I've attached a photo. Thank you!

I would remove anything that required regular trimming. That would probably be the majority of your shrubs. The day lilies are a good choice, so you could add more colors of those. Of course, they won't be pretty after the summer. Much depends on your local climate, but a nursery in your area should be able to suggest dwarf shrubs that don't lose their leaves. I notice a length of CLF between your house and the neighbor; that lowers property values, so I'd remove it or compromise with the neighbor on the cost of doing so if it belongs to them.

Okay, thank you. I’ve figured out that I am in zone 6a. I’ll definitely use this information when visiting the nursery.

What are your thoughts on oval shaped shrubs or box like shrubs?

Thank you so much for the feedback and rendering. I’m in Chicago, IL. I’m going to find a good trimmer as I would not do it justice at all.

A good trimmer won't be a 'mow n' blow' guy as they trim to how it is right now. It will have to be someone who is not afraid to make hard cuts right off the bat. You'll be left with sticks but it will only last a month. (For most any shrub except juniper, for which you'd need to start over from scratch.)

I agree with Yardvaark . It looks like a yew, which will respond to a hard prune. Get a landscaper who hand prunes. It is so worth the money. Most use electric hedgers.

Were I doing it myself, I'd use the shears as hand pruning is too time consuming. Still, it will come out with a nice finish if done only once per year in late winter or early spring (if it's in fact a yew.) Once per year is why it must be cut hard ... not by someone who is timid about cutting.

I was thinking like Yardvaark except just two that flanks the central feature. I am not sure you front yard is big enough for the pair near the street.

I think that I would also replace the planting in front of the house with something like dwarf lilacs, spirea, etc. You have a lost of straight lines in your house in a small space, The dwarf plants would help break the straight lines.

The flanking plants could also be something like rose of sharon and them grow high..

You have posted this in the Lawn forum.

Although I am not the official spokesmodel for the Lawn forum, I will speak on its behalf.

Replace the lawn with a victory garden. Full sun, right? Avoid overthinking the design elements.

I’m it a pro but I think removing that large bush and replacing it with dwarf species would be much nicer for your lovely house. The day lilies are a good idea, or crimson colored azaleas. I ripped my entire front yard because it kept I growing too high, covering the porch edge and blocking the view. Your architecture is hidden by his huge bush. I’d take it out.

@Yardvaark This is drawing I am referring to in the message.