You have plenty of room for trees. If you add a porch, it will remove all your existing landscaping on what is a fairly barren patch of grass. I don't see the point in removing the arches. Dated is a stupid concept. Houses are built to last, so all houses are going to have trends that fall out of (and often back into) fashion.

I'd plant a clump or two of paperbark birch relatively near the road. They are lovely all year long.

Golden in fall

lake house · More Info

Lovely in spring and summer (note this is way, way too close to the house)

Birch Tree Charm · More Info

Pretty in winter (they lose their leaves, this must be an early snow)

Winter Landscapes · More Info

I agree. I see nothing wrong with the house except the green desert out front. Clumps of trees, shrubs, spring bulbs would all improve the blank look.

It needs trees that will mature at taller than the house. Like the ones on the left side of the photo. Right now the house and the landscaping are being Gulliver and the Lilliputians.

Mess with the house only if you like setting money on fire.

Agree. Trees. Plant trees first and then shrubs. Where are you located (general area)?

A lovely setting.

Your front entry is underwhelming. I’d remove those vertical shrubs first thing and then consider a slightly larger entry landing and steps. Is there a sidewalk from the driveway to the front door? I’m picturing a wide (4’ at least) sweeping sidewalk and then a larger, less cluttered and trimmed-up flowerbed up against the house. Kind of like the photo below. Notice how wide-open this entryway looks.

I agree with a nice clump of birch closer to the street, but be sure not to obstruct drivers’ view around the corner. I would also develop a planting bed incorporating the utility boxes near the street. Plant things that won’t grow very tall, maybe a clump or two of dwarf perennial grasses and an ornamental boulder on the house-side of the bed, knowing full well that repairpersons must be able to access those boxes.

First thought would be to remove those two tall green shrubs (?) flanking the entry followed up by planting trees in appropriate spots.

Quite frankly, I would want a deep tree/shrub border down near the road for privacy. Of course, you'd want to make sure it doesn't obscure sight for drivers, but I would surely work on getting that privacy.

Why would you want that handsome house exposed to everyone who drives by and why would you want to live in that house and see a road and cars rather than a carefully chosen border giving a variety of spring flowers and fall color...and attracting birds and pollinators?

A good landscaper will be able to plan it.

I think some shade and ornamental trees to highlight but not obscure that home would be lovely.

Such great suggestions. Thank you!!

A front door canopy and a front walk.

These are concepts not final plan.

No point at all in having a long, long walk to a road without a sidewalk where no one walks! Clearly visitors arrive up a driveway, and I would think there should be a walk to the front door from the driveway.

The OP asked for curb appeal...something that looks nice from the street and draws the eye to a welcoming front door.

Yes, there is an existing walk from the driveway to the front door.

But it doesn't look nice. It doesn't look welcoming. Useless paving almost never looks nice in a non-arid environment.

As mentioned, this is only a concept. I agree the walk should be reworked. My AI does not allow me to add specific detail....I just don't have the software needed for a final plan.