Not sure where you're located, but a gravel driveway may help to soften the house versus asphalt or concrete. Soften up the area with grasses. Here's a link to a photo of grasses with a hot color palette http://www.spacemakerpress.com/catalogue/catimages/st05imgb.jpg You can always choose a more muted color palette as well. I would definitely tier the plan heights so they're taller against the house and gradually get lower. It would help to bring the house to human scale and not appear towering above. The pathway could be in a natural stone - the same color as the gravel driveway (if you can do gravel).

Ouch, Lancewood! Nice read, FORM :)

Unfortunately it is also a requirement in the CCC District plan restricting ones fence height being over 1.8m. There are also stipulations about visibility of no more than 50% through the fencing so most home owners opt for the cheap solid timber fence. It is rather frustrating when we design these beautiful homes and the client has no regard for landscaping and the house is subsequently 'blocked from view.' Perhaps a little more client education would go along way for us to push some great landscaping designs and make more of a house on a section.

You can not beat buxus hedges and roses, some inspiration. Also take some pics of house and grounds and when you have a fair idea what you like, take them down to a garden centre, they will help you