I'm surprised that you're starting a major re-landscaping project in summer.

That bird of paradise is nice, why remove it?

The landscaping is dated and we want to get rid of the bushes. We live in Southern California and want to get it done while the weather is nice.

Here are some ideas:

Thank you Doug! wow! We have to keep the security gate and steps. There is a small grade where the current bushes are now so planned on adding rocks, ground cover and minimal plants. we arent adding any additional cemet, tile etc. have to work with what we gave and just remove current ground cover, bushes, trees trees, etc

Would you agree that in order to see what kind of space we have to work with we should have everything removed first? And then starting the planning orocess from there? What is the best time to have the landscaping done?

Where in So Cal? Other than in the deserts & hotter inland areas it really makes no difference when you landscape. I live in coastal So Cal & other than when sunset happens there is very little difference in the seasons. 60’s to 70’s, occasionally 80’s during a hot spell. It would be well worth the $ to have a landscape design done, even if done by a good nursery

When I lived in San Diego there were restrictions on outdoor watering so we planted in fall to take advantage of rainfall. If California no longer has water restrictions that's marvelous, congratulations to you all!

Bring in a local landscape designer before removing any plants. Some plants may be worth relocating to other areas of the yard. After you have a landscape plan and cost estimates, you may decide to implement the plan over a period of years as your budget allows. Your landscape designer will take measurements and create your plan with the current plantings in place. Then you can work on one section at a time.

Here's an option with rocks, ground cover, and a few plants; could start with gravel cover until the plants fill in. (I like something softer and cooler than all gravel.) This uses drought-tolerant southwest US natives (except for the bird of paradise, which I moved and expanded, and the blue chalk sticks at the front). The ground covers both have gray-green leaves, relying more on texture than flower color for interest. (At this small scale the different textures don't show up very well, so I'll add closer pictures with identification.)

Your blank walls are perfect backdrops for art, if that appeals to you. The three lines shown on the wall over the garage are a kinetic sculpture of three stainless steel bars, finely balanced to change shape slowly in the breeze (search for "kinetic wall sculpture Krasl Art Center" to see the original, although I couldn't find a video of it in motion; it's mesmerizing to watch); the curvilinear sculpture on the right makes a mid-level focal point as visitors ascend the stairs.

Maybe replace the wood steps and rail on the right with concrete and metal, as more in keeping with the MCM style? (And eventually replace the garage doors, as others have said.) I can't tell how far your property extends on the right; maybe I didn't go far enough? And I don't know what you are allowed to do in the strip between the sidewalk and street (shown with boulders and ground cover).

Ideas, anyway . . .

Left of walk ground cover is Artemisia californica 'Canyon Gray', feathery and taller, 1-2 feet:

Right of walk ground cover is Lessingia filaginifolia 'Silver Carpet', tighter and shorter (about 4 inches):

I put the Lessingia in the parking strip as well, but you could explore other options.

The airy reddish flowers against the right wall are red Hesperaloe parviflora (red yucca, no thorns, but might get too big for that narrow space?). I would probably replace the round pavers there with rectangular ones.

Great project!

I’m glad you are thinking of drought tolerant plants:) Plants with striking structures look great with MCM homes and they can let you see more of the house than a lot of shrubs would. Heres some of our octopus agaves that would look great against your house with a gravel mulch IMO and are low care and water use.

"When I lived in San Diego there were restrictions on outdoor watering so we planted in fall to take advantage of rainfall. If California no longer has water restrictions that's marvelous, congratulations to you all! "

Not to be pendantic, but is this true, broadly speaking? I was struck in southern California how many gardens had summer-wet climate plants, that so clearly MUST be watered during the dry season. Never mind the obvious presence of green lawns everywhere! Of course, lucky me, I was visiting in what was one of the last wet winters (2010-2011) before the megadroughts of the mid 2010s.

Anyhow I think we all agree that no matter one's climate, it's easier to plant it, and forget it, than have to worry about water! And in California, that certainly means at the start of the water year as it's called by hydrologists. (Oct 1) We just had our driest May definitely since I've had my current garden (2006) and maybe since I've been gardening at all (late 80s). Less than 0.5" of rain. I was completely panicked as I'd recently planted various plants I considered absolutely priceless. But generally, in my climate for the past 17 years, I can usually plant even thirsty Asian BLEs and only have to water them 1-3 times from that point forward. But I live in a rain-all-year east coast climate, I know how to mulch, and I have high quality top soil. 😀 Fortunately we've gone back to almost normal rainfall for June. (knock on wood)

Or very minimal: gravel, boulders, white sage and a fruitless olive tree, low ground cover on the path to the side.

In California everyone traditionally plants in September...the new growth will get winter rains and have a better chance of surviving...assuming there are rains lol. Also because people hate wasting water. But every plant needs water.

Start tearing out plants and constructing your new walls and grading etc. now, and you will be ready by this Fall to plant. Install an auto-drip...even for drought tolerant plants.

A drip system on a timer saved our new landscape when we were out of town. Get the timer you can set days of the week, number of minutes etc. It's been 10 years and still working and the yard is beautiful. Turn it off when it's raining. We're in the Bay Area but applies anywhere.

Gorgeous renderings..it's gonna be so nice!

Okay enough about water, @simplynatural has two fantastic DIY concepts.

I studied your close-ups and your hardscape, the steps/rails and retaining walls are in excellent condition, great original design, and practical. You can save a ton by keeping them. Paint the steps/rails black.

And yes start ripping out now. I would save the little tree for last. It might look okay there, it needs thinning out.