Did the removed trees etc. give you some separation from the road? THAT is your biggest issue--why is it home soooo close to the road and sidewalk!! You might find you wish you had the privacy back.

I’m going to presume that you don’t use the front yard for anything as it appears to be close to a large road. You just want to “pretty it up?’

This is what I would do:

Definitely larger columns

No raised stone beds

Leave the brick alone

New lights—one third the height of the door

House number plaque or new house numbers

Storm door (if keeping) would match the front door color

Do not buy one of the Victorian-style doors. A simple door with divided lites would be good.

Landscaping depends on how much work you like to do. I planted a succession of blooming perennials and shrubs and go out every week or so to pull weeds and deadhead but I enjoy it. That may be too much work for some people. If your goal is just to make it more attractive when you pull up or for passers-by, plant a few interesting long-blooming shrubs, or go for texture over flowers. I would probably add a small tree to the side.

At each change, step back and look critically, honestly and decide if the changes are resulting in the effect you seek.

I would probably add a small tree to the side

Yes - the remaining or added foundation plantings that are there now aren't enough to provide a setting for the house. And the one shrub to the left of the door is already growing up in front of the window there. More than a bunch of foundation planting what your tall looking house needs is to be framed by trees and shrubs of some size mostly to the right and left of it.

ideas: