Agree with developing shade gardens under the trees (can start small and gradually expand). The existing walk from garage to entrance is quite close to the house, so unless you're planning to relocate that, sunny cottage gardens will have to be to the front of it. Something like this?
Can't tell if a new walkway from the street will need steps (shown) or can just be sloped. Might also choose a softer color than black for the shutters and widen them slightly. Maybe prune the tree on the left to reveal its trunks/structure?
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Railing proportion looks right
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