Put some raised flower beds in front on either side of the steps, and plant some perennial flowering shrubs, e.g. hydrangea, azalea, etc., and maybe a Japanese maple. Put the taller shrubs/trees against the wall and the shorter ones in front.

Alternatively, add a front porch. Extend the portico across the full frontage of the house.

I'd also consider adding new lighting. The sconces you have are too small and are getting dwarfed by the expanse of wall. Get larger ones, and also add two more: one near each corner of the facade.

Barn lights would look great on this house:

14in. Barn Light Fixture With Gooseneck Arm, Satin Black, 14-1/2" Long Gooseneck Arm · More Info

Short Neck Barn Lighting - The Gardena Farmhouse Style Steel Light, Green · More Info

Thank you! The layered plants sound like a great idea for now. I thought about extending the porch, but that may have to wait until next year.

Just noticed the small paved area next to the porch, which looks like a great spot for some outdoor furniture. Then, with some shrubs on the other side, extending the porch wouldn't be necessary.

How about a regular window frame mounted to the exterior wall, with a shaded mirror behind it? This would look really cool with an American Gothic style window.

Tinted mirror, I mean. Soothing that wouldn’t be as “shiny” but would still reflect some trees and landscaping and other color to give the illusion of a real window.