SFGate

lessismoore You could break up some of the lawn area with pavers/pebbles, maybe even some low walls. Then add dryscape plants/elements. Some well trimmed junipers, red flax, grasses ...
[houzz=Backyard organized with low walls.]
[houzz=Eichler front yard]

EasyTurf Low watering? Low maintenance? You want EasyTurf - you get the same look and feel of a lush, green lawn, but not all the maintenance and water costs. Our installation crews will level the ground and make sure to work around any tree roots. Check us out - www.easyturf.com - and let me know if you have any questions. Good luck!

yvonnecmartin Where are you located? What horticultural zone?

Urban Oasis You definitely need to keep with a mid century modern/contemporary look. I would just keep the lawn where you would use it - if any at all. Then for the modern look just choose a couple of plants and repeat them, keeping them in drifts. You probably want to stay symmetrical. Choose drought tolerant plants like most grasses, kangaroo paws, new zealand flaxes and/ or succulents. Install drip irrigation to further save water. You could also create a walkway to your front door using rectangular pavers and leaving space in between to fill with pebbles and/or ground overs like dymondia.

Hanh Thank you everyone for your input. My house is in Southern California. Thanks Urban Oasis & LessisMoore for your input. That's what I would like. I just struggled on the plants, so definitely thank you for sharing.

Hanh

groveraxle Some good ideas for some one who did it himself: http://totheweb.com/eichler/frontyard/front_yard_2005.html

Hardscape and native plants.

claudiann Where is your door?

Hanh The door is in the carport, front & left side of the car. See the attached below.

Urban Oasis If you are in the Los Angeles area feel fee to contact me.

Lyon Landscape Architects Based on the images Urban Oasis has shown, I would stick with their mid century style ideas and add some textures and colors with grasses and succulents as mentioned. It looks like a good opportunity to add an ornamental tree or 3 to provide shade and keep the front yard cooler throughout the day. Its a blank canvas! So many fun opportunities! Good luck