I would consider putting a small portico roof over the top of the door, it does not need to come down to ground, it could come out like two feet and then have some nice 4x4 angle back to the house for support. This would absolutely be more inviting, also get rid of the storm door and if there is a nice door behind it go with a fullview storm door. Hope this helps

You could also have a nice little awning made from a Sunbrella or other outdoor fabric. Definitely replace storm door and paint your door with a nice pop of red or something like that. A window box with flowers under large window would also liven up the look.

You can update your entryway with pavingstones by Cambridge Pavingstones with Armortec. Consider replacing your existing steps and walkway with beautiful and durable pavingstones. Then you can add on as budget allows to create your dream porch. Please visit our website and view the beautiful photos in our electronic brochure and our gallery. By linking to Cambridge’s Designscape Visualizer you can upload a picture of the front of your home and actually re-design using Cambridge Pavingstones and Wallstones. Visit our website at www.cambridgepavers.com.

Before photo of steps and front entry

After photo of new steps and landing we built using Cambridge pavers and wall stone.

What a difference that white picket fence makes. I envisioned it in my mind's eye, so to speak, without the fence, and it really lost interest and value.

You said in your opener that you plan to build "the front porch of your dreams", in the future, well - build the base of it now.

That concrete step and landing looks like something designed for the trailer park, that is all one piece and portable, purchased at WalMart. I'll wager that it can be just pulled right out in one piece, and set at the curb on trash day.

Build the basic steps and landing for your dream porch, making sure it is wide enough for a visiting family to fit on it when coming or going, and not be swept off by the door swing.

It is not 30" above ground, so you don't need to build the handrail in advance of the future construction.

Be sure you build outdoor steps, not indoor steps outdoors, that is: 2 risers + 1 tread = 26". For instance, 4" risers with 18" treads. You need less rise and more tread outdoors than is the case indoors. Other ratios used are 5-1/2" risers with 15" treads, and 6" risers with 13-1/2 to 14-1/2" treads, but no higher than 6" risers outdoors, please.

When the finances permit, you will be ready to build the super structure and railings that work well when viewed with your surrounding picket fence.

I'm excited for you, have fun!

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Thanks for the ideas! I started the process today by finding my clippers and shovel to get rid of the ornamental grass. I'll definitely get rid of that storm door. I plan to paint my front door a bright lime green, and then put an all glass storm door on (new Englanders MUST have storm doors). I'm also considering new lighting for the porch - a nautical meets transitional sort of look - along with a new mailbox. The house numbers need pumping up, but I need to envision the door and lighting first. The concrete stoop and walkway need to go, and will be budgeted for phase 2 (anybody out there in Houzz Land feel like giving me 6 million dollars?). Will post pictures as the project progresses.