Exposed horizontal surfaces with brick are usually not a good idea in areas with snow and freeze/thaw cycles. While there are good quality bricks which don't absorb much moisture, it's the numerous joints that cause a bigger maintenance issue. That's the reason (besides decorative) that the tops of brick walls, etc. have capstones. If you want to do it and live in a northern climate, make sure you select a very good quality brick and keep a good number as spares in your garage for future upkeep. Another option is to combine the materials. For example, those beautiful southern brick stairs pictured above would be northern-fied in the Chicago area by capping the sweep coming down, the top of the posts and the stair treads with Indiana limestone, Lannon stone or similar material. Then there's granite, etc., too. This post was edited by DreamingoftheUP on Thu, Feb 20, 14 at 9:43

grapefruit - my poor husband has already painted the porch three times. If I try another color just to see how it looks he may strangle me. I might test the pewter in a few places, especially if we are going darker anyway. justgotabeme thank you for your photoshop! I don't know why I didn't think of that. The darker color looks good and adds some weight to the steps RoseAbbey - I am afraid the brick color might look too pink if I use it across the porch It is a good idea for the next door color though.

RES - that may be true for codes in your area and general national codes, but there are at times local codes that says differently. Always good to check before spending a lot of money. I think putting the patio down has caused the issue with needing steps there and eating into the available patio space. Steps down from the patio would have been preferred with the design or the design taken the drop into account from the start for anybody reading this and are at a point in the project where they can fix it. At this point it will be awkward with the placement of the fireplace no matter what you do unless there is the possibility to move or not keep the fireplace. Another option not mentioned is to create a landing in front of the door that also includes that corner spot and then turn the stairs to go alongside the house instead of in front of the fireplace or make the stairs go in all directions from that landing. I think the last part is what I'd do. Then the corner space can be used to put some pots of plants in that corner and the stairs going in all directions will look a little less off and more intentional. Kind of like this deck has steps all around - https://cdn.homeadvisor.com/files/eid/19330000/19335529/1885810_ddetail.jpg?modifyDateTime=1430870981000

I'm hoping to get ideas for a low-maintenance porch paint color for my porch steps and floor; comfy seating for people; and homes for 3 feral cats that have adopted me (I live in an area in which pets get dumped, unfortunately.) My porch is small: 5' w x 17' l x 8' h. I have to paint it yearly because these colors show dirt so easily. I'd love to have an inviting place for people to sit, as well as a safe place for the feral kitties. I've added some photos of a neighbor's porch that I love - but their porch is a lot bigger. Any help with colors, seating, and pet-friendly suggestions? I'm thinking of painting the porch steps and floor a dark gray - for low maintenance - but nothing about my house is gray. Thanks for your help. (And I'm hoping this isn't a double post. If so, apologize.)