Hardscape can be quite expensive . what is your budget? Are you talking about the driveway, walkways, etc. ? The pavers edging that border could be stained if color is the issue. ( masonry stain )

Could the two trees be removed? They don't really add anything to the design, and probably create shade that makes it hard for other plants to grow there. It looks as though the ground is uneven on the left side of the picture, so if you remove the paving blocks, perhaps you could redistribute the soil for a more level ground plane. Consider a planting bed with a curved edge, starting at the left corner of the house and ending about halfway down the driveway. What planting zone are you in, and which direction does the house face? If your climate is suitable, a tropical look would be cute and modern in this space.

You should start with removing the two trees. They are planted too close to the house (esthetics, safety...) and they don't belong in the flower bed.

Whatever design you come up with, those trees will be in the way.

"You should start with removing the two trees. They are planted too close to the house (esthetics, safety...) and they don't belong in the flower bed."

This is really just a matter of personal opinion and I find it a common one from those who do not live where large trees - often planted or growing naturally close to structures - are commonplace. And why can't trees be a centerpiece for a planting bed? It is certainly preferable to having them plopped down in the middle of a lawn with no context! There are scores of shade loving plants that would cohabit with the trees happily and soften the visuals.

I would also question the need to create a more level ground plane. A yard does not have to be perfectly flat......in fact, a completely flat yard can be quite boring and with little interest. Just remove the offending edging blocks and slope the soil down so it looks natural and intended.

It is very interesting to see responses from hobby gardeners with no landscape design training and the decrees they pronounce about what should and shouldn't be. As if they had a clue.

Love the trees.

Ignore the plants in these beds — I just want to show enlarging the area into a more pleasing shape.

Starting at the driveway, ending at the corner of the house.

It seems that this is an island bed? As in, there’s grass all around it?

I’d fix that by shoving the whole bed back toward the house and over to the driveway. Those little slivers of grass are a PITA to take care of.

About half my beds have no raised border at all. If you did a trench edge you could toss all the pavers that you hate.

One other thing: it’s hard to tell, but it looks like the bed is full of one kind of plant. It’s too full, and you need some variety in height and color.

Just saying...

I agree completely with what Garden Gal has said. Trees provide interest and shade where it may be desperately needed. Houses baking in the sun really sadden me and look horribly unappealing.

The shade plants around the trees should focus on foliage texture and color and let the flowers be secondary. Good foliage makes a bed look good all season long and flowers are just the icing on the cake.

The entrance to this house looks so dark; I had to squint to see the front door. As a person with seasonal depression, I'd remove the trees to brighten up my surroundings. The OP wants a fresh, up to date look. For that, choose one type of plant (evergreen ferns, liriope, sedge, etc) to fill this bed or limit your color palette rather than a mix. Using a type of plant which spills over the stones would make them less obvious.

If the area is fairly shaded in general then I'd consider variegated foliage when exploring my planting options. I added variegated plants along the side of my garage which is shaded all the time and I was really surprised at how even small plants can add some light.

Variegated foliage, silver foliage, white flowers, yeah!

I cannot take out the trees, restrictions and the heat here. I so far love JINX, the idea of extending the planting area to the edge and maybe taking out the pavers altogether, . going to look at that! Thanks to all

Some ideas: