Lilacs don't bloom reliably here. About half the time they bloom (if we had a cold enough winter) and the other years they don't do much at all. In my opinion, that's not good enough for a shrub that doesn't look all that good when it's not in bloom.
In a small space like your front yard, every plant should count!
You have lots of options if you want a flowering shrub. Even a camellia!
But the big issue is going to be deer. If fencing is not an option, then your choices are somewhat limited.
Liriope is good against deer. Sweet alyssum is an annual that does really well here. Looks good until frost.
Have you considered bulbs? Daffodils and alliums would do well, but tulips and lilies are just too enticing to deer and squirrels.
