I should have added - we need help designing front steps and the whole walkway

You do not post a ground plan of the space allotted for your seating area and can't tell from your pictures. However, I think your porch area can be enlarged, and a modern railing with glass be installed on the right side. Depending on what you use to rebuild the porch and stairs, you can perhaps cover the stairs with a coco runner.

I think you need to have a pro explain the steps thye need to all be the same and why do you think you need 4 ? The shrubbery for sure has to go and if those are fake in the pots they need to go. IMO the front door is all wrong . It is MCM for sure and does not work on that house which BTW can be a bit more modern but not ever MCM For me the cobblestone walkway and steps are for sure not modern so if changing all of that mabe a stamped concrete or slabs for cleaner look.I have no idea where seating could go so maybe better pics showing that area. I do not usually put seating on the front of a modern home.

Here are some ideas:

You have a beautiful home. Do you have a photo from further away?

Do you want a particular stone or brick? What are you looking to change? The size, style, or material?

I would collect some entrances you like and bring these to a landscape designer to help you come up with a plan.

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You identified some priotities and if ready to move forward suggest looking into hiring a landscape designer. When presented with options/visuals based on your budget, you’ll be in a better position to decide on a design. If important budget wise, discuss stages for actual landscaping completion.

Thank you Maureen.

This is the first time I’ve used this platform and I thought I could reply to each comment but I don’t see how I can, so thank you everyone for your responses. This is helpful as I gather ideas since driving around looking at houses and recommendations from landscapers so far haven’t provided anything I like. I appreciate all the different perspectives.

You can answer the questions here in comments just start the comment with the name of the person you want to answer. We do need better pics so post those here too in comments .

Is the seating area something that will actually be used? Do you not have other outdoor space? Who enters your home here and how often?

You do not need to create a focal point. The contrasting brick on your home provides enough focal point as does the pathway and stairs. It is the current shrubs that hide this already existing focal point.

Because you like a modern look, I think less is more here. Find the right color pavers. I'd suggest a color to match the caramel color brick. I'd pavers large pavers instead of small cobblestones or brick. Make the path and any planting cut outs linear instead of curved.

Plant tall columnar shrubs along the garage between the front door and what looks like a window on the garage. It is hard to advise whatelse to plant without seeing a more wide view shot from farther back. I cannot tell what is along your property line or what is between the street and the current view.

With the right landscaping you will not need the clutter of containers on the stairs.

What climate do you live in. Are all of the door mats needed?