Please include a photograph that shows the ramp and bump out.

I'm not saying this is the only way to remodel the porch, but it definitely needs to be made more inviting, which begins with widening the steps ... to at least 6'. They could be placed right, left or centrally.

The roof and trim are nice colors, but if this were my house, I'd be hoping for a reason to paint the siding a different color ... probably some degree of grey or taupe. The corner boards and downspouts should be same color as siding. The porch rail ought to be same color as rest of trim (white.) Not another brown. The windows have skinny trim. I think the house could benefit by the addition of shutters. Maybe beef up the trim around the window bank just left of door if you don't think shutters will fit.

I'd get rid of the circle of planting pinned on the yard like a big brooch. The tall material in it hides the entrance. The rest is a distraction making it work overall against making the entrance inviting. The area will not seem so empty once the trees get up and running.

Bump out may have had something to do with the wheelchair.

flo I feel the same about painting hardy board siding as I do about painting brick.... I won't do it. you change a no maintenance product to something that will continually need upkeep. the composite decking on the other hand is something I wouldn't mind painting because it is a lot smaller, cheaper option I could live with and change later.

From the manufacturer:

Can You Paint Hardie Board Siding

Yes, you can, and you should. Painting Hardie board siding will significantly improve its look and its longevity. Siding finishes generally last for around 15 years, so you need to do it, and do it right.

Painting, when done properly can really bring out the wood feel of the Hardie board. If you clean the surface correctly, and appropriately apply the paint, you could have a beautiful look that will also protect the siding from cracks and wear.

I am not familiar with painting hardie, but any house painting involves 75% prep work, and painting is actually the easy part. I'm afraid no matter what else you now add... you will still have a house the color of pale toast, unappetizing. Is there a possibility of moving the entry steps to the front door and close off the ramp? I would then add 2 large fat posts to the right of the door spaced evenly, 3 roof peak trim as in Doug's suggestion, but bigger with a curved base (matching the wood posts), remove the medallion landscaping and plant season long flowers (wild flowers are usually your best bet), window boxes in trim color, and house color anything but gray- light green or deep blue with trim in the same color way but darker. landscaping choices are zone specific, but the eye likes to move up and down, vary the height and hue. start large at the far left corner and work your way across, ornamental grasses cover a lot of space (but forewarned some can get large) fill in with the blanks with hosta & annuals. work with what you have now, no need to remove anything, just remember to vary height, color & texture.

The bump out is so the wheelchair can be positioned in the sun. It's also a spot to park it out of the way of the flow from the front door. My father built a similar structure on my grandparent's house so my grandfather could enjoy some sun and still have the option of the protection of the roof.

My opinion--I would paint the house.

4’ is also the common turning radius of a wheelchair.... Another factor in addition to those already mentioned is the safety risk if the stairs are aligned with the door for someone in a wheelchair i.e. the risk that you roll out the door, lose control a bit, and roll down the stairs! I am disabled and use a walker - occasionally a wheelchair. The front steps here are offset from the front door for safety. Safety over-rides aesthetics in this sort of case! If you don’t anticipate ever needing a disabled accessible entrance, redesigning and rebuilding the porch/entrance makes sense. (BTW that ramp looks too steep....)

Thanks everyone for the input. I get the ramp and bump out for safety but hopefully won't be in the need for either anytime soon. Really would like to do something it just looks wrong to me. But money and tIke you know. Glad that this has been picked up again as I was thinking about reposting