Question ... would you use this porch once it is decorated?

WW Water & Wellness: I would not use the space but my husband would sit in the rocker, weather permitting.

cpaul1: So you think the space (3'8"x11'8") is too small for a rug, rocker, and small planter? Other neighbors have a rocker and plant and I would love to have them as well. I definitely don't want to crowd the space...I like your suggestion of moving the railing, but that's not in the budget at this time.

IMO this space is not a front porch it is barely a landing and the handrail up the center makes it look even smaller I think you would be hard pressed to put a chair there at all.

I can see the area off to the right side (if you are facing the house) for a chair and plant. Then add some potted plants on the steps on the right side of the railing. I would add to the railing on the right to enclose the area better and give the appearance of a porch. Add a hanging light in front of the door.

If he wants a rocker, put on on whichever side gives a better view (or is less blocked by the brick pillars). I find it hard to believe that a hefty model like your first link wouldn't crowd the door from whatever side. Maybe tape off the space at a realistic sitting angle and see what it looks like. Or use a packing box with the same footprint to give you a more volumetric feel.

Also, I'd put a planter or two on the right side of the right railing, to disguise its strange location. No point in featuring a swath of empty steps.

Ideally, move the railing to a normal spot to eliminate the awkwardness. Add a concrete square at the bottom to step on.

Otherwise, the chair, rug, planter should be fine. You should fill up the right side steps with plants on each step, as suggested by WW.

Large door wreath to match your cushions and the season-- yellow cushions, spring, forsythia. Etc.

Thanks for your suggestions everyone! I definitely am taking them into consideration. I will keep it simple since the space is quite small (keeping in mind there is approx. 30" hidden behind the bring column on right side).

My husband is fine with not having a rocker, so I will purchase a smaller chair. Also, yesterday I just visited Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel for inspiration. What do you think of the following options?

CHAIR – Is it OK to have an armed dining chair on front porch?

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/torrey-all-weather-wicker-roll-arm-dining-chair-natural/?pkey=cwicker-outdoor-chairs&isx=0.0.4424

Overall: 28.25" wide x 28" deep x 34" high

https://www.crateandbarrel.com/regatta-dining-chair-with-sunbrella-cushion/s283987

24”Wx24.5”Dx33.75”H

https://www.crateandbarrel.com/regatta-mesh-dining-chair/s595837

24”Wx24.5”Dx33.75”H

[https://www.houzz.com/products/malibu-dining-armchair-with-sunbrella-cushion-gray-with-beige-prvw-vr~52947759[(https://www.houzz.com/products/malibu-dining-armchair-with-sunbrella-cushion-gray-with-beige-prvw-vr~52947759)

W 24" / D 25" / H 36"

RUG – Should I purchase a runner (2.5’x9’) or mat (3’x5’)? Does the entire chair, or only part of the chair, need to be on the rug? Blue, gray, or combination…solid, striped, geometrical design?

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/jensen-diamond-rug-blue/?cm_src=PIPRecentView

https://www.birchlane.com/Estella-Gray-Navy-Indoor-Outdoor-Area-Rug-ZIPC3704.html?ds=97662

https://www.birchlane.com/Northridge-Beige-Indoor-Outdoor-Area-Rug-DRBC7068.html?ds=103670

https://www.birchlane.com/Isle-Gray-Blue-Indoor-Outdoor-Area-Rug-LYH9581.html?ds=103670

https://www.birchlane.com/Beachcrest-Home%E2%84%A2-McCall-Gray-Navy-Indoor-Outdoor-Area-Rug-SEHO4424.html?ds=103670

PLANTER – What size should the planter be under the mailbox?

Under Mailbox

Gray (if light rug) or white (if blue rug)?...https://www.crateandbarrel.com/sand-ball-planters/f73309

Blue (if light rug) or white (if blue rug)?...https://www.crateandbarrel.com/sand-tall-planter-with-stand/s219813?&a=0&source=igodigital&_=1495403162573

https://www.crateandbarrel.com/metallic-bronze-small-planter/s218403?&a=0&source=igodigital&_=1495410273530

http://www.westelm.com/products/5992107/?catalogId=71&sku=5992107&bnrid=3902401&cm_ven=Google_PLA&cm_cat=Shopping&cm_pla=Planters_Terrariums&cm_ite=AllProducts&kwid=productads-adid^188986455527-device^c-plaid^295050654428-sku^5992107-adType^PLA&gclid=CIT27uiXgtQCFQSHswodsFMFBg

http://www.westelm.com/products/iris-planter-chevron-stand-d2955/?cm_src=PIPRecentView

On Steps, to Right of Railing (no plans to relocate railing)

[https://www.houzz.com/products/beau-window-box-planter-black-36-prvw-vr~87615576[(https://www.houzz.com/products/beau-window-box-planter-black-36-prvw-vr~87615576)

https://www.crateandbarrel.com/zinc-rectangular-rail-planter/s415523?&a=0&source=igodigital&_=1495403199112

https://www.cb2.com/oscar-matte-black-rectangular-rail-planter/s284723?a=501&campaignid=622772844&adgroupid=29662345389&targetid=pla-288981615027&pla_sku=284723&scid=scplp284723&sc_intid=284723&gclid=COXvp-eVgtQCFYWCswodWt0KoQ

Now I just need to pull it all together somehow!...Will work on pillows after I get the above just right.

Thanks again!