do the property values in your area support a larger change than bigger columns, and paint? if so, or you bought your house at a bargain price, I'd investigate changing the two Gable dormers to a single shed Dormer. then, work on the porch. which would be much easier with a single, lighter mass above the porch, I think.

I never suggest painting brick, but in your case I am changing my mind. I would paint the brick on the front of the porch to match the siding. I would leave the interior brick alone. I would widen the stairs to be full width of the entry,, hang a base Music of the Spheres wind chime (90" tall - perfectly pitched sound) and a small bench on the non door side.

For functionality, I wouldn't remove the awning. Looks like cat beds on the porch and kitties would get wet if its removed. Also people will get wet. It's really not very obvious and the functionality is great. Power washing it would help. If she can't remove the swirls, then I would paint the security door the same color as the front door so it will disappear with no contrast. What about a green? Not sure this is the right green, but it's a start.

sketchup is easy to use for 3D drawings. You would just measure the porch and reproduce it in sketchup. You can use a layer for each option.