hmmm i agree on the idea of using what you have with those diagonal posts. one thing i think we all need to see is how the house would look like without the landscape covering up the front as it is hard to tell when we only have the 1 photo , if you do decide to remove the landscape it would give us all a better picture of how the facade would look and what may compliment it.

Local regulations will probably require a railing, like it or not. I agree, the shutters are ruining the French doors for me. If you want to actually exit the house via the French doors, I would plan on one porch all across, without curves or separations. The required railings will change your house a lot. You might do better to install a "gingerbread" wood railing at each French door, without a porch to step out on, for safety so the doors can be opened and the outside air enjoyed. Where do you live? Would retractable screens be needed due to insects? As for the entry, I might prefer a larger porch that spans that entire extension and has flared steps and railing. Here's the idea; simply a way to keep you from falling out of the open door. Style them to match your cottage's look.

I pulled up this photo. The brick is a little darker but similar to yours, I thought. I like the idea of a green for your shutters and I wondered about painting both door and trim a dark color, maybe a dark purplish almost black. I think the column could be pulled from your chart, a warmer tone than your current white - maybe Swiss Coffee. Think about whether you'd like that same color for your railing and maybe a dark brown from your brick for the treads and risers. Here's a screenshot of some greens that might work. This link will let you identify all the colors shown, if you want. I love your brick. https://benjaminmoorefrance.com/en/colors/1560