I don't mind the ironwork, but I don't love it. Is is structural, or just there for decoration? It doesn't appear to be structural, and it bothers me because it is not centered on the entry area or the stairs. I think teacat's suggestion of taking them down and using them on the left between the two windows as a trellis is a great idea, tho I would paint them white. If you decide to keep them where they are, I would paint them white. I wouldn't add columns - wrong for the house, imo. I would prefer to see the porch open, if possible. A bench to the left of the door, house numbers in a decorative plaque above it. No coach light - wrong for the style and period of the house. I think the overhead light at the door is more effective, anyway. I would also consider painting the sills on the windows in white to match the windows and other trim. I think it would give them more weight. Once you get rid of the ironwork, I think the pots will work well. But they need some greenery hanging over the edges, to connect the vertical lines of the evergreens to the pot, and not have the gap. Perhaps the bench could have a cushion with some red in it as well. Sometime I hope you might consider painting the front door a pretty eggplant or teal, or even a deep golden yellow color. It would be stunning. Then you could bring in the bench in white, with a colorful cushion in a sixties print with the door color, black from the shutters, and some white in it. At that point you might have to change the color of the pots to black.

beef up those posts w/cedar. you could wrap what you have. Something along this size. (or wrap them in the white,,,either will work) I would paint the trim around your windows with a darker color (charcoal, black, bronze/brown) to give it some contrast. Can you look on Craigslist for another door (if you're on a budget)? something with some glass, perhaps? For instance, w/this door color, I'd do all of the trim and fascia in the same tone. stain the cedar posts a bit darker, paint the bricks the same color as your siding and perhaps tile that cement porch. It would look like a whole new space.

Thank you all! I do like the no-railing front porch idea. We do use the porch ocasionally, so a portico may not be the best. Also would you suggest black shutters or some other color? How could I make the upper windows look longer than they are?

Try this: extend the deck 3 or 4 feet, to run alongside that pretty chimney. Simple horizontal board underskirting, of same material as deck. No railing -- this will open the sight lines to a nice chair/table/bench/bistro set on the deck, looking out. Yes, you need a post to visually hold up the roof, but I don't think it needs to be that much bigger than what you have now. I'd paint the post to match the house color, not the deck color -- to emphasize that it's there to hold up the roof, not to sprout out of the deck. Something to draw the eye to the front door itself ... maybe a pot of yellow flowers, maybe a small plant-stand table at the door (it's handy to set something on while you open the door), or a bigger sidelight at the door? Also consider: if you are permitted and think you need additional sun protection, add an airy, pergola-type roof over the newly extended deck. I bet your new stamped walkway will be a big improvement, in and of itself. :-)