You’ll be asked for a full frontal photo, so post one in the comments.

That is true! thanks for making me notice

Hi Sammy, do you think that is an expensive job? I have the impression that it is like an spiral because the city doesn't allow steps in front of a parking pad.

I was thinking, How can a porch be outdated? You showed me.

Yes, it'll be expensive ... but worth it.

:(

Put the stairs in an L or T with a landing half way.

S. Dawson St., Seattle -Phase 1-FRONT PORCH · More Info

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I like that. Thank you!

In the mean time, you can use Rustoleum paint to paint the railing all black...

I think your best bet is to paint the railing black. I would also re-tile the steps in a slate tile or in a brown.

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It would help to see the whole front. If that front yard is a parking pad, I’d get rid of it, return the steps to street facing and add landscaping. That would improve the house greatly. paved front yards are not very welcoming.

I'd definitely do an "L" (like tangerinedoor suggested) since your city wont allow steps in front of a drive. I would also price railing for the entire front porch, since you have to replace them for the steps anyway. I know Lowe's and Home Depot have them in stock.

Find out if there are any building restrictions first. Like if the stairs can face front or have to go to the side. Or if you might not have the room for a front facing staircase, and that's why it's curved too.

I agree you will need to get the answer of what is allowed . I would not waste money painting until you find out. I agree that an L will be a better choice if allowed A better pic from further back is also good and do you need the parking pad ?

I would simply paint the railings dark charcoal gray.

Start with the local authorities and find out what the rules are for replacement or modification. Just be honest...I bought this, it's ugly, and what am I allowed to do with it? If you don't get an acceptable answer, just go dark color and paint whatever you can

I suspect one of the design considerations was the position of the gas meter. Before you go crazy trying to design around that issue, contact the gas company and see how expensive it is to move the meter. Probably rather pricey, but ask the question rather than just guessing at the answer.

Rebuild with the stairs straight. I don't know your area's exact permit requirements or the structural state of the house, but if you have enough space in the parking strip to not pull up all the way, you might want to consider extending the porch forward, over that cement landing and putting the (straight) stairs on the right side that leads to the grass. Add a few stepping stones and you'll have a redone porch, better stairs, new railings, and a neat little walkway to the stairs. If that's not permissible, you might be able to close up the section of the porch where the stairs currently are and open a section for stairs on the right side, covering the concrete slab (walk-up from the left side of the photo).

That is a very scary staircase. I can't imagine it with snow and ice. Maybe check out what your neighbours have done?

Thank you everyone for your kind suggestions!

Looks like an expensive job and you can't get it done right away. Find out what is permitted, feasible and within budget. Personally, I would bust out all that concrete, remove the stairs and railing and take the home back to what it looked like originally. Is there a home in the area that has not been messed with that you can pattern after?

Congratulations on your new home! The brick columns are a great feature and the wood ceiling looks bright and clean.

There are a lot of utility items that are unfortunately placed on the front of your house: the gas meter and lines, thick, crooked electrical wires, A/C unit, electric meter and a box that might house a water valve?

At a minimum, any change to the steps should include getting the electrical lines tidied up too. I agree with the "L" shape instead of curved and the suggestion to cover them (and the concrete) in slate or a brown stone that will coordinate with your brick. Your porch railing isn't bad in straight lines but IMO looks distorted on the curved steps, especially in white.

Some short term, relatively inexpensive ideas if you need to save up for the larger project:

• Rent a pressure washer and clean the concrete and skirt of the house. Paint the railing black.
• Clean the A/C unit with a water hose (not the pressure washer) and cover it with a screen (you can order online.)
• Do you trip over the gutter downspout? It seems to cross the steps. Consider cutting out a section and point the drain toward the driveway.
• Add color and texture with plants. Cover the gap under the stairs with a tall planter near the wall and add matching planters to the right of the window and to the left of the gas meter. Finish covering up the gap with gradually smaller planters, following the curve of the stairs.

We're seeing the front of your house naked - you can dress it up by adding furniture and plants and rugs on the porch, maybe new house numbers and mailbox and lush grass.

This is great advice JT7abcz! I will try to use it all. Thank you!