My first thought and perhaps the easiest solution is a tree in the front yard that will soften the space, add interest and provide some shade. BTW... you can get larger trees planted.

how about an awning?

If you decide on a pergola, it does not have to completely cover the walled in area. It only needs to be wide/deep enough to provide shade. These photos might give you some ideas. Adding some climbing vines would provide even more shade.

I am in agreement on the pergola and have some red roses growing on it to accent the door.

Love the pergola, I did a Curb Appeal show with a home entrance that is very similar to yours. Pergola will fit perfectly! See before and afters:
http://kauferdesign.dot5hosting.com/curb-appeal-episode-1.htm

The lack of space on the top of your door is the biggest problem.

See this for a clean line version:

This company has retractable canopies that work with pergolas. Nice to retract when the weather is cloudy or in snow: http://www.shadefxcanopies.com/

This design has a cover that is weaved over and under the slats:

I like this idea, because it is just the frame of the pergola and then retractable shades: and

Retractable shades would have to originate from the side wall, because there is not enough space between the top of your door and the bottom of the facia.

We faced the same problem with a west-facing front door that got very hot late in the afternoon. We planted an ash tree in line with the door in the center of our yard about l0 years ago. The tree is now big and works like a charm. Be aware that it may alter
the types of perennials you plant in some spots. You have to observe where the shade is at different times of the day to make sure the plants are getting the required amount of sun. I'm very glad we planted this tree.

I forgot to add--your whole house is hot--not just the front door. Planting a tree cools off the whole front of the house, while protecting paint finishes from the sun.

I've read all the post and looked at the links, lots of good ideas. I don't know which direction the sun is hitting your door, but another spin on ideas.

1. A pergola on the right hand side of patio only, leaving walkway to door open.

2. attach some lattice on the brick wall opposite pergola, with a potted vine to climb up lattice. OH, like the one you already have ( I went back up to look at your pictures)

3. A nice outdoor rug.

4. And as stated above, a nice tree in the yard, invest in a large one from a nursery. I did this several years ago, I had to hire them to come out and plant them, but it was worth it for immediate satisfaction. I planted oaks and they grow rather slowly. There are some fast growing trees. I have a Chaste tree, very fast growing, has long purple flowers, somewhat favor a butterfly bush, butterfly's & humming birds love it. It grows to like 25" & 20". You do have to constantly prune it, to keep it from tuning into a bush. But this tree might be nice for the front yard.

The problem is just not sun hitting the door, but the sun hitting all the brick and concrete surrounding your door.

Maybe SOMEONE could do a rending showing the above. I know it is kind hard to visualize.

Good Luck and would love to see some pictures with what you decide to do :)

I agree that a tree in this situation would be the best solution. My favorite is a serviceberry tree.

The serviceberry tree is not a dense tree. It provides dappled shade. Beautiful spring flowers produce very tasty small berry fruit. Fall colors leaves are a spectrum of red, orange,and yellow. The tree could be a little pricey but it should solve your problem and it is a joy to have around the house.

Thank you all for such great ideas! I'm still leaning toward a pergola, I'm concerned about tree roots. I especially like the idea of a partial pergola, hadn't thought about that.

If you decide on using the existing slab and brick knee wall to anchor your pergola posts to and attaching any beams to the brick wall, I suggest you first check if the slab has a foundation going down to front line. I don't know what part of the country you're located, but if the slab only has a thicked edge instead of a foundation down to frost line, the slab can heave and settle with frost/thaw cycles. That could impact your connection at the brick wall depending on the amount of movement.

You can also use Infinity Canopy with or without a pergola. It is supported by cables so it's retractable. Unlike regular canopies that are one piece Infinity Canopy modular so it can adapt to any space, configured in any width and length, and in one or multiple colors www.infinitycanopy.com

First change the handle on the door to white................that will fix that problem. Plant a shade tree As for roots, that's not a problem if you consult with a qualified landscaper who can advise you regarding trees in your region.

.The pergola is just not in keeping with the style of your home and will be a maintenance problem over time.

Or just place a patio umbrella in your entrance courtyard for the few months of the year the sun is an issue.

A tree

You could bring up the brick abt 2rows, then put a nice decorative rod iron ( or something similar) across the top, then add courtyard size trees and potted plants, throw in a bench, and create a little courtyard that blocks some of the sun. You could go with a SunSail, and remove in less sunny months.

Ooh..maybe 3-5 rows of brick. ; )

awning. good thing is you can change the whole look of your home when it fades, the frame will last forever, and in the event of rot (it will, eventually, especially in direct sunlight) there is a very short turnaround for replacement canvas. you'd be surprised how much it changes the outside of the house. Doors swing in, and the angle can be minimal with a decorative side drop.