I think rinq's first picture is fab and would look good down either the left or right hand side of the garden depending on how the sun falls. I would guard against attaching it to the house. We have light issues in the UK. We have something similar on the back of our kitchen and although the kitchen is dual aspect it still means the kitchen has become dark. I would also paint the house ivory (which I know would be a big job with the pebble dashing) but I think it would make a massive difference.

Would suggest widening the path, and keep it straight BUT halfway along widen it to create an area .say 8'x8' and put large pots planted with shrubs in around the sides, so the eye is diverted from the straight line, but you can still walk the shortest route. Plant an interesting small tree to either side, in the lawn, say Liquidamber, Witch Hazel, maple, Magnolia ... something with seasonal interest/foliage/flowers. Put a large attractive lamp at end of path.

Just to add a quick designer's note! This room which I designed was a display room in the Ideal Homes Exhibition many years ago. It was designed to show the public current (at the time) trends in sanitary ware and to create a "talking piece" in the house. So, it was never intended for personal use nor was it in a private residence!!

I agree with Bespoke Interiors Redbridge UK, definitely put in full height fences, not trees. If the neighbours are problematic (sounds like they're related to mine), the fences will be a safer option than trees that shed leaves/fruit which they might take issue with. Fences also take up less room in a small garden. My garden is only 3m wide, and I have full height fences on both sides. You can paint them or whitewash them if light is an issue, though I have left mine to silver naturally (I just like the look). Get the kids involved in gardening and put raised beds in front of the fences: I am training berry plants up the fences, so they will be green and leafy once the (currently 18 inch tall) plants grow in. Sunflowers are also great to grow along fences and there are plenty of climbing or tall edible plants like sweet peas, maize and tomatoes that are easy for kids to look after (and snack on!). Be careful of getting any evergreen hedges. I have a school one side and have had to ask them to really cut back their leylandii hedge, which has been horribly neglected for years, and it's now getting close to 3.5m tall (guidelines say no more than 2m). It's expensive to cut them back if they have been neglected, so you may be setting yourself up for a big bill down the line.