A couple more pics as you approach the house. Yes, I know that big decorative window is awful. It's on the list. :)

Pay no attention to the mess on the porch. Furniture is being powdercoated as I type, and I've bought a nice big rug to cover the ugly cement.

You can add a nice house number sign onto the front porch column close to the steps. I really don't see much wrong with the approach from the driveway. I think you'll have a better feel for what's needed ON the porch once the items you mentioned are in place. i would keep scale in mind--it seems to be a large expanse with very small furniture. If you actually sit out there, get two rockers, a better-sized table, place a large rug under those pieces to make it feel like a dedicated space.

Will the rug you purchased cover the entire concrete? A good way to get a feel for whether the rug is the right size is to use duct tape as your rug "edge."

Also, you could paint the concrete--front step included. Not suggesting a stripe, just giving you an idea.

Hi Anna. Our furniture is pretty big - a curved couch, two chairs, end table, coffee table. We're having it powdercoated and I had all the cushions remade in a nice outdoor fabric that will coordinate with the house color and new rug. Rug won't completely cover the ugly concrete but it's pretty big. I was considering relocating the azaleas that are on the left side of the steps and maybe even take down that railing to open that space up a bit more. I'm on the fence. The front steps are the same brick as the rest of the house so I wouldn't want to paint them, but I did think about painting or resurfacing the concrete.

I think once your items are in place, it’ll be fine, sounds like you have a nice plan. I would not remove the railing foe safety reasons, but check for code requirements.

Oh wow, it's really hidden! lol

Your furniture plan for the porch sounds lovely and I imaging having the door tucked away adds a nice sense of privacy and security. What about removing/relocating the bushes in front of the porch? Removing them might make the space look larger and more welcoming where as now they seem to make the space small and dark. Maybe swap them for some flowerbeds.

It doesn't sound like you'd want to take on awindow-to-door conversion but it would look really great if you did. You've got a lot of space from an exterior view and having the steps lead up to the door would look very welcoming. You'd also have to consider what's on the other side of the wall and how that would affect the layout of your porch furniture, too (I'm sure you've already thought of that though).

You've got a beautiful home, I'm sure whatever you decide it'll look great.

Good luck!

- Ariana