Hi Stephanie......Well the very first thing I noticed was the sidewalk and the path to the front
door, needs to go, The sidewalk should be scored cement, the path large stepping stones with grass in between. The lawn needs fertilizing, and your landscape needs color. I would remove the small tree and plant a Magnolia, possibly two. All the plants next to the house need to have color as well, Hydrangeas, Rhododendrons, and Camilla's mixed in with the green, as large as possible. The shutters on the few windows should be removed. I would
suggest the gable over the front door and the portico be sandblasted to create an aged
patina. If that's not possible perhaps use chalk paint. Large sconces on the face, and a
bronze lantern hanging in front of the door, will give curb appeal to your lovely home.

Yes, your grand home deserves a grand pathway! Also like the wood trim on this elegant home:


Or perhaps shutters like these and a more playful path:

Matilda, Good for you to ask for help, so many of us have already had, and resolved our design challenges.
The walkway is the welcoming statement to the front door, (my opinion) so make the width generous and decorative. No fun having to 'walk skinny' up a narrow walkway! Possibly use an even larger 1/2 round or widened apron that ties in with the widest part of the entry vestibule. A quick way to add elevation interest to the yard (mostly flat now) without having to wait for larger landscape plants to mature is to try a couple of very large planters or urns, 22 to 36", with some evergreen like Japanese boxwood (very nice green) with flowers etc. Just start with the walkway as the focal point, than continue through the front planting beds. The beds seem to need more structural emphasis, 18" to 24" high stone/masonry retaining wall, possibly higher with capped top, for sitting, or just added impact. Whatever trees you choose, make sure that the matuer height will not detract from the curb appeal of the house, and that the root system will not invade the plumbing. Best to check with local nursery for species, tech info while planning.