We also dealt with a similar issue. In our case the choice was to keep the kitchen where it was or to flip it to the breakfast room area. Doing the latter gave us the big, spacious, functional kitchen we wanted, but it also opened up a view into the kitchen from the front door. One can't see any appliances, but you do get a lengthwise view of the island , the big triple window windows over the sink, glass display shelf uppers, and the prep sink in the island . We also did panels on the DW which would have been visible near the sink. I tried to figure out some other plan, but really no other feasible thing to do unless I wanted a kitchen about half the size. The way I look at it, there's also always the possibility of installing a pocket door (there are some really high tech systems out there) in the future.

I am thankful for any and all suggestions! I appreciate all views. The new door is an insulated steel door by Waudena, out of Wisconsin. I do open the casements windows on either side of the front window, but if the door is open I can see my Purple Martin colony and part of the garden from the kitchen. I live in North Dakota with -20 to -40 temps common in the winter, howling winds, banking snow, and all sorts of lovely weather. A storm door is a necessary evil. Still, in the brief but bright summer, I'd love to have a "view."

I'll stand in disagreement with removing the shutters, in spite of it being a popular thing to do on Houzz forums. I think the house will look vastly more plain Jane without them. The second picture shows the door to be fine looking. I wouldn't worry about it as what really matters to the new arrival is being directed to the ENTRANCE of the house, which happens to be your covered porch opening, which is nicely framed by corner posts, roof and floor. But it needs improving. Greatly widen the access paving strip that connects to the porch slab such that it is obvious where to go and looks inviting for more than one person at a time. Eliminate any raised landscape "edging" that flanks the walk as it is neither necessary or attractive. Expand the foundation planting at the side of the house such that it surrounds the entrance .... but NOT the front walk. There should be some planting along the side of the house that makes it look like one should not go beyond the porch slab. Also, there should be planting in the back yard that screens houses beyond the back lot line. From the street, you should not be looking into the back yards of those distant houses. Flank the porch opening with seasonal color and likewise for the arch window. Not shown, but there should be some plantings -- small trees possibly -- that put some separation between your house and the houses at each side. Also not shown, I agree with a small bench at the front porch. Plantings at the side of the porch could act as backdrop for it so the end of the bench would face the street. If the bench faces the street there is really only room for a chair or stool. If not a bench, then a bucket of flowers or something at the house wall corner.

I love that door! That deep red brick is very powerful, saturated color, and it needs Trim and accents that can stand up to it without battling. British racing green, a deep blackish green or greenish black, or charcoal, ith a little bit of thin white lines (more experienced people will have advice as to exactly how to place this), would be beautiful. I would use something just a tad lighter for that floor. Given the fact that people are going to be walking on it and leaving scuffs and shoe prints, I'm afraid the darker colors would always look messy.