does anyone have any ideas for me? I hate the black bench and want to fill the patio up better and maybe add a splash of color but don't know what color to coordinate with the tan and black. I am open to suggestions.

chopgrl--It looks like you have a conc patio area. If you want to add some interest, you could add some planter boxes aligned with the windows above, and still have room for the bench in the middle if you wanted. Another suggestion, requiring more expense and additional effort would be to modify the existing front gable roof to form a 'Dutch" hip (gable), which is part gable and part hip, that would provide some cover for the patio and entry door on this facade. (pic). This option would require working with a designer to verify that this work would not be in violation of local bldg and zoning codes--It may be possible that 18"-24" of overhang could be pressure blocked back into the existing framing, but this and anything larger, possibly aiming toward a covered porch is much more technical relating to design, code and structure. Technically, it appears that you need a guardrail on both sides of your concrete entry stoop, as it is 4 risers or more in height. Depending on how you addressed these suggestions, I believe these would allow you to better define your front patio and entrance. Paint the door a bold color you like, too. Good "Houzzing'.

yes,we are actually going to cover the porch, I forgot about that... and put some sort of railing back up around the porch. I am open to suggestoins on a color for the front door and possible painting the bench the same color. Do you think the patio area should be fillled up more or less??

I think that the patio is too low in relationship to the door, especially if it will be integrated with a roof extension above. If I was going to build a covered roof over this area, I would ascertain whether it is permissable to build at least a 6' deep raised porch that is covered with your governing municipality. I would consider 'burying' the existing steps under P.T. wood and composite decking (avoiding demo hassle). I would put the stair to the driveway side outside corner, and provide a handrail/guardrail per code. If you would like a sketch of how this could potentially work, contact me directly.

As far as the porch goes, have you thought about turning it into a sunroom type of enclosed porch? I agree about the bench, maybe get rid of it all together. Once you have your enclosed porch you could add some fun modern chairs for people to sit in.