I would bite the bullet and built a similar structure. I don't think a deck is in keeping with the style of your house. I would not build out to the window on the right. I am always concerned that someone could peep into the room. Build it wide enough for two chairs if you are looking to sit out there, otherwise keep it the same size. You can make the steps wider. They are a bit tight now.

Can you reuse the railing?

Take down the shutters. The windows are wrong for them. You could paint the front door a interesting color. Then I would so some foundation planting.

I agree that a 5x8 porch isn’t useful for much more than meet-and-greet. And maybe a flowerpot.

If you build a bigger porch, why don’t you build it all the way to the right corner?

I don’t care for the white vinyl (?) railing and posts. If you build a wooden porch, hopefully the railing and posts will be wood, too.

It’s kind of an odd front door - did it used to be a double door?

Some replies to both your points/questions:

I would not build out to the window on the right. I am always concerned that someone could peep into the room.

That window is over the kitchen sink so not really a big deal with privacy.

Can you reuse the railing?

No it's chepo poly that's barely hanging on. I don't like how it looks either.

Take down the shutters. The windows are wrong for them.

Well aware of this, fake shutters are a person pet peeve of mine, but not bothering with that project for now as getting the interior into this century first before doing much else w the exterior. Hate the actual windows too but those won't be changing anytime soon as we'll likely move before their lifespan is up.

You could paint the front door an interesting color.

It’s kind of an odd front door - did it used to be a double door?

Door is original, but will be completely replaced in a few years during a total gut of the kitchen/entry area.

If you build a bigger porch, why don’t you build it all the way to the right corner?

Mostly for cost purposes and to allow some space for landscaping.

If you build a wooden porch, hopefully the railing and posts will be wood, too.

Porch would be wood with likely mix of wood and metal railings

Here's a semi-decent example of the rough style of porch we'd build if we don't go with a brick rebuild. Like this home, we're just at the correct height that we by code don't need a handrail. rebuild: https://www.houzz.com/photos/brucewood-contemporary-exterior-toronto-phvw-vp~1857385

I think you're very much on track with your rough idea above. I'd call it an entry deck not a porch. Such decks are becoming common in my neighborhood of mostly 1950/60's modest-sized homes. They feel more welcoming and spacious than the original landings, especially as those original landings are usually enclosed by shrubbery. Five or 6 feet out from house and extending to underneath the kitchen window is perfect. I love the clean look of not having railings if you don't need them. And you can plan for widening the walkway to your front door because a generous walkway always looks nice. Sounds like you all have several years worth of projects lined up -- smart to not tackle it all at once if you don't have to :-)

You'll need to use a surface that is not going to be slippery when covered with snow in winter. It should also be easy to shovel the snow off. Check composite decking to see what the manufacturer says about climate.

The porch or deck should be in scale with the house. If you plan to sit out there in summer, would you prefer a screened porch?