I would plant a row of boxwoods along that walkway up to the stairs to make the entry more welcoming. Leave the small porch empty or put a small pot of flowers for color where the snowman was. If you could change that aluminum scroll support with a round, white column, that would look nice.

Since its not a large area, you could paint it with one of those products that make it look like granite. Behr has one called Granite Grip.

I have planted Yew Bush’s by the porch. Boxwood the deer kept eating! I bought the house last year and I put in the flower bed... once the flowers bloom it will look better. For now I use 3 large pots ( purple ) for the straight away.... I was worried it I made a hedge all the way it would close off the sidewalk? I love the column idea!! I wonder if they make something I could just put over the existing? Please help with pictures or mark up mine... I’m new to using Houzz.

I have to assume that by "budget friendly" you mean not enough that it would take to actually fix that front porch. So I would jut paint the front door a dark black-ish color to go with the roof. And replace that scroll column with something not so dated, or worst case scenario paint the current one black to match the door. I think anything beyond that you would be looking at some money.

Do you need the iron post for support? If not, remove it. Not sure if it's your budget, but what about wrap around steps? Obviously not that many as below, but just to continue the concrete steps to the front. Also, put in a nice lantern next to the front door.

Change the stairs so that thy face the front door. It is possible to rent jack hammers. Then a new set will have to be installed. Slate or wood would be nicer. Remove wrought iron pole if possible.

You can get column wraps for that post (which I'm willing to bet is structural and can't be removed), or a carpenter could wrap it for you probably cheaper. However, it will obstruct for view, and by the time you wrap it, it will be oversized for that tiny porch.

Pots of flowers on a small porch like that caused me to fall and break my leg. It is very dangerous. If you can't enlarge it, then don't clutter it with anything.

Can you grow a flowering vine up the wrought iron? A super fun colorful entry rug? A piece of picket fence across the front with a window box hung over it? A fun color of paint on the storm door?

Like Groveraxle said, you can’t wrap a new post over the existing. It will be too large. I think a small scale round post would really make a difference in how your home looks from the curb. That, and landscaping will make all the difference. Your home is quaint and cute and doesn’t need “fixing.’

It’s not cheap but you really want the landing extended beyond the column and then a wrap around step detail going down both the side and front.

She’s asking for “budget friendly “ options. Wrap around steps would be lovely though.

Yes safety = more $ in this scenario. Just ditch all decor for added safety and save for a much needed upgrade.