Hi Debbie: Just got to check out Behr paints last evening. I didn't get any samples, so this is just from color swatches. Here's my recommendations: - If you can find a paint color consultant in your area, I bet it will be worth your time and $. They may recommend colors you've never thought of, painting the brick, etc. The sheen of the paint you choose, as well as the paint product can affect the appearance of the color you pick. Pros are great at guiding you through this. - To keep it simple, I'd do your trim and screen door in Behr Painter's White (PPU18-8), Eggshell or Satin Enamel - A safe color for your front door would be a green (assuming you don't paint the brick). I'd do the front door in Semi-Gloss Enamel. A few possibilities are (all Behr) Alpine Air BXC-38, Potting Moss BXC-82, Simply Sage PPU10-16. Would love to see you "after" picture!

I'd consider landscape architects who are especially interested in the hard-scape aspects of design. In a city neighborhood near me, there's a small house and yard that handled the issue beautifully. The walk from the street divides. Straight ahead, the walk continues level to a couple of steps up to a porch that is perhaps 8 feet deep. The path to the right curves through the plantings. The ground has been sloped so that it is at the same level as the porch at the right end of the porch. When I first saw it, I was more interested in the porch roof and plantings. It took a moment to realize that the path was for accessibility.

@molman I understand! Thanks for explaning. My image was kind of funny now that I get the plan. I’m liking that idea too, and better than railings. Building the attached benches visually widens the porch top & would balance the porch with the new awning shed roof cover above. Since they’d be attached, they’d be stable so no fall hazard & actually might be handy for the mailman to set packages on so you might see them! Or, you’d have a place to sit and watch over the sheep! 😁 New, lower than the yews, shrubs could be added next to each side of the steps to reduce the illusion of the benches hanging in the air. Since you don’t want to widen the porch, your bench idea seems to me a great idea.

I think that a wooden deck is in keeping with your home’s style (which is fabulous, by the way!). You could explore using Ipe or a synthetic decking material in a dark tone. I don’t think that you will be able to match the stone on your home, so I wouldn’t even try. You might also explore better, more interesting modern lighting for your entrance way to make it more inviting. Do you require house numbers anywhere on your facade? In the end, I am sure, you will explore a renewal of your landscaping. But I would keep the porch in the forefront as you work on siding. Your house will be beautiful when you are done!