Dori--Build a raised porch, if it s possible. Consult with a designer/architect-- you may not need a guardrail, but could add one electively, if you wanted (pics contain examples of full height farm porch and decorative historic porch rail). The porch should be bullt flush to the underside of the door threshold. that way if accessibility is ever an issue for you or family members, you can install a door with an accessible threshold, and fabricate or rent a ramp to make up the distance btw grade and top of porch. Eliminate 1 column, align others to visually aligh outside of door/wdw. and the middle post between the door and window. Pull steps forward of porch floor and build the width btw the left (per pic) and middle column, it will make porch easier to furnish and you'll maintain a nice wide landing in front of the door. Even if you don't need structural posts, if the roof is cantilevered, make them structural with a moment resistive connector top and bottom. Get rid of the plinth blocks and pour a proper depth footing from which to attach the base of the column in a Zmax base. Use p.t. lumber for the frame and top with Trex or Wolverine, for low maintenance. Consider skirting the porch area to match siding, or perhaps if budget allows, create a moisture resistive assembly, and face with faux stone. Your steps should match the deck framing and deck surface. Happy 'Houzzing'.