The porch should be in front of living areas, not bathrooms or bedrooms. Would that be to the right of your door? Are you planning a covered porch?

yes and yes. LR is to the right and 2 windows to left are in a bedroom.

Keep in mind that a porch will cut down on the amount of natural light coming thru the front windows. That being said to increase your outdoor living space I might suggest a porch that spans the entire front of the house. It would have to be lower slope than your existing roof but could tie in as far up as the ridge. Not only would that increase your outdoor living area but would probably give the house more presence as well. Good luck!

I also would like to see the porch go all the way across the front. I do like the brick, just as it is.

I like the brick just as it is also. You could remove the shutters entirely or paint them black so they recede and the focus is on a porch. This ranch has light greige trim paint and light, airy railings. What really makes it wonderful is the thoughtful landscaping. Get a designer at a small garden center to help you plan deeper beds to set off your pretty brick house. Please don't paint it. You'll save money and time if you beautify it other ways.

Nice home! I would not stain the brick. It will always look painted. To me, not as nice and not original.

As far as color of stain... gray & navy are trendy colors, as most are in design at some period of time. Grays are waning, navy is current.

I personally love the red as an exterior color. It fits the home's style.

For a porch... I would either build the right side direction from the entry or the entire left side direction from the entry, but it's not necessary for both sides.

You would need to consider the amount of use you anticipate. In addition, the cost differences. Plus I would want to extend the roof or a pergola .

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/1007175/front-porch-great-additional-for-a-vibrant-neighborhood

This is a nice look for the living room side.