Really nice house. Yard already has the beginnings of curb appeal with the bricked path. If you don't use a front yard patio, don't keep one. Consider adding a row of plants on both sides of your bricked path to outline it -- perhaps liriope https://www.pinterest.com/pin/88101736443381440/ -- or another plant to line your bricked path that is suitable to your planting zone. https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Plants+to+Line+a+Walkway&FORM=RESTAB and then focus on finding a good shade friendly grass or other ground cover easily maintained by mowing -- perhaps clover or something else that is suitable for your planting zone -- for the rest of the yard. While having a door open toward the side of the house doesn't seem ideal, the reasons this was done are obvious: -- the door is facing the driveway on that side of the house and, more importantly, -- it enables the house to have (not just the one) two large forward facing window groupings. Unless you're willing to give up all the natural light the second window grouping brings into the home, the door would need to stay where it is. If you're considering changing the front windows on the left side of the house anyway, you could enclose what is now the porch to create a new, one with the door forward facing in the new front exterior wall. You could then add a new porch by extending the roof of the forward facing gable another 8' or so.

Can you draw a sketch of the layout? I'm not sure I understand when you say you want to move the front door to the front so you enter into the sunroom, but can't because the sunroom opens to another room. Or, are you thinking that you want to enclose the front door stoop, and move the front door out into that enclosure to face front instead of driveway? Your issue there would be zoning, if that kind of enclosed space is too close to the property line.

Well, creating storage niches is simple, then. Plan how big (wide and tall you want the niches. Presumably they will be less than about 14.5" wide (16" minus 3/4" times 2), otherwise you'll have to remove 2' x 4's. If it's a non-loading bearing outside wall you can remove studs; but check with an engineer or carpenter. It's likely load bearing if on outside wall. With the age of the house your studs may be farther or closer apart, too. You may also want to pack around the inside of the box (niche) with hard styrofoam insulation, which has greater R value than fiberglass. May also want to use canned spray foam to further seal? This way after removing some insulation you won't have as much of a cold spot on outside wall where niche is. There's a number of pre-made (pop-in) solutions like this: https://www.wayfair.com/storage-organization/pdp/wg-wood-products-bal-harbour-155-w-x-495-h-recessed-shelving-wgwp1493.html This example is interior wall. See here for a DIY: https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/walls-and-ceilings/how-to-make-a-wall-niche Second approach, similar to above but narrower: https://www.familyhandyman.com/storage-organization/build-a-wall-niche/

You could make your room a reading retreat by adding a console (with tv above) and store books, magazines, and photo albums, etc. Try pulling your rug out as well Suggest replacing the small table between chairs with something larger to make that area feel more substantial; but more importantly, for the addition of a good reading lamp, book, coffee cup, etc. Add pillow and a throw and for more comfort, you could move the chairs back a bit as there seems to be room and add ottomans.