I would use a brown color that is the same as the brown on the lower portion of your home. Need to see a photo of the front door to decide on door color. Best wishes!

What about a bright periwinkle to play off the hydrangea? I think a buttery yellow might also look nice.

If you are going to widen the step-up, consider installing decking all the way across the porch level with the step. That would be fun. A little more maintenance, and you would have to see how it hits the bottom of the rails. You might be able to remove the rails, or if you like them, add rails to meet the step, then you may not have to widen it or install decking. (Posts likely need to stay.) Regarding deliveries, I have found that some delivery people rarely step all the way into the porch if they don’t have to. Think about where they typically leave packages near your door. You may not need to widen the step for them. Ha! Fedex just delivered a big box. They used the first 2 of the 4 steps up to my porch. That way, they didn’t have to bend over as much.

How about a bright cheery color, instead of black, for the door. Maybe even the yellow of the draperies I see through the windows. A portico, or even an awning would be nice above the door, for anyone coming to visit in the rain. Since you dislike yardwork, I would keep the daylillies you have there, and fill in with a couple more. Add some nice miracle grown garden soil around them all, and then buy bags of mulch, to put in the beds. It will be much easier for you to take care of, so you dont have to spend a lot of time on them. I cant see your whole front yard, but, if there are no trees, maybe a small type flowering tree or two, would add some curb appeal. Sorry about your husband. Its not easy, when you are left to do it all yourself.