I would suggest a square column and I would also switch the beige color to gray for a more updated look and a better complement to the brick.

Square. 8" is not much larger than what's there, so consider a 10" too.

Agree with the square column and straight porch header. Are you also planning to paint the house? I think it needs a little color. Perhaps just adding more color to the landscape and re-painting the door? The squared off hedges could also use some updating. Good luck with your project.

Thank you for the quick feedback, I really appreciate it as I hope to make this change soon!

Here's another vote for square. We had a similar situation. And, I ended up doing a bit of rectangle. Turned out great and is unique. An unsolicited suggestion - paint your front door a color -- on the conservative side, black or brown/gray. But how about a bold shade of red, blue, green.

square is the correct answer most of the time.

Square looks great. While you are at it, you might consider removing the upper shutters and beefing up the trim around the Windows

Square or rectangular would be best with your straight lines. The chunkier the better.

Trying to visualize a square column

The way some of you are able to add the column right onto my porch is so helpful! Great suggestion about the door being a bolder color, just not sure Tried to find a paint color like the blue of my flower pot but haven't found it yet,,,,of course that leads me to.... do paint the storm door the same (I am thinking yes...). Do I put my shutters back up and paint them blue...too bright for me I think and then I am overwhelmed by decisions

Blue color I like

Square for sure. Looks like you have plenty of space for a brick base on the column, if that's what you want. Can you match the brick?

The lines of your house are all straight and square...a bold square column would look best..

Your shutters are a tad bit narrow, so I widened them enough to look like they are functional, then painted them and the door and storm door charcoal. I added a brick base to the square post, but it doesn't really show behind the hedge. I also squared up the header.

Thank you, that really helps me see. I have pulled out the older shrubs since this photo. Now have smaller low plants and a small Japanese maple on the corner, which does open it up a bit. I looked into matching the brick at a brickyard, my type isn't made. Looked at some complimentary stone but I only have 12 " of space there.

Yes the square one. Would use the color shown, it goes very well with the stone.

Maybe a large planter, like syoung's, on the porch to the right of the door in Grover's rendering? That would add some color and a little zip.