I would paint the front door, add beefy trim around the upper windows , and get a professional landscape plan.

Could you add a small forward facing gable to the porch roof over the front door -- perhaps similar to the picture upper right:

https://www.google.com/search?q=small+forward+facing+gable+to+shed+roof+porch+roof&client=firefox-b-1-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjNraDDvfHqAhVtoHIEHUXjCW0Q_AUoAXoECA0QAw&biw=1366&bih=654#imgrc=mI8039qzF0BgoM

Actually like the basic uncomplicated landscaping you have.

If the front door is a natural wood finish, then would not paint it but you might paint the white trim around it the gray color from your brick and paint the white posts the same color.

When budget permits, consider larger upstairs windows.

Thanks for the suggestions. The windows and trim are definitely an issue.

My long term goal would be to convert the carport to a garage and add square footage above the garage to balance the house.

Until you can do your garage conversion I would beef up the columns. They are far too undersized.

Thanks for the tip about the columns. They do look very undersized now that you mention it.