Those are great ideas.

When you update the railings it might be nice if you could create something to disguise that hunk of concrete. Maybe wood slats to provide some texture like you see below.

This is a nice color scheme for a Dutch Colonial.

Thank you for your reply, Beverly! We're hoping to cover the concrete foundation with landscaping for the time being. We're still trying to determine whether to paint the foundation the same color as the siding (most likely darker blue/gray) or keep it lighter. Thanks again.

If you add cable to the face of the concrete you could likely train a hydrangea vine.

Your ideas are perfect and will definitely add curb appeal. Dark blue grey with a white trim will look smart and a few more details like the foundation slats suggested above is a great consideration depending on the landscaping. Here are some inspiration pics. I hope this helps.

#1 Note the white railing, white stair and white round columns. Also a simple straight awning along the porch and matching awnings on the second floor give this sweet curb appeal. Looks like boxwood along the foundation.

#2 Note the heavier white railing and tapered square columns. You may want to consider doing a heavier trim around the windows and door.

#3 Cute idea with a curved trim around porch and shutters on the second floor windows only.

#4 Note the very interesting decoration at the peak of the house and with a paint color change!

#5 Again note this interesting decoration at the peak. It doesn't have to be a window at the peak, it can be a louvre oval painted the same as the trim. This shows how nice a heavy trim around the windows and doors look. Don't forget the most important focus is your front door. It should be important and welcoming. I love all the moulding around the front door.

#6 Again heavy white trim, square tapered columns, white stair. Love the hydrangeas!

#7 Beautiful inspiration

#8 Note the double round columns. I tried to find a better pic, but if you can imagine, the top part of the peak is scalloped shingles.

Great plan--personally, I am partial to square pillars but either will look so much better than the metal! I have replaced porch columns and would strongly recommend using fiberglass (like Permacast) instead of wood. It is a little pricier but really not much more for 8' lengths. Fiberglass won't rot, will hold paint better and can't be chewed or pecked by little critters.