If you replace the gravel with sand or plant substrate, I think you will be well on your way. If you are talking high tech, carpet plants, etc etc, there is more to it than what we have covered so far. I am not super familiar with your lighting, but I think from what I have read it is pretty much medium light on your size tank. To get to some of the more advanced plants, you would need to look into injecting CO2, higher lighting, and along with that comes serious nutrient imbalances (meaning you have to dose fertilizers very regularly). It also takes a lot of artistic touch, and a lot of trimming. I have been at it for awhile, and still can't come close to duplicating the iwagumi and aquascaping contest winner layouts you see out there.
That being said, with what you have and are planning, you can have a very successful planted tank. It doesn't all have to be about high light, demanding plants... and it would be better to start where you are headed anyway. High tech tanks are great... but things can happen in a hurry with them, and nothing good happens quickly in an aquarium.