Here is an idea with brick & pavers.

Brick pavers, check out the outdoor room on my profile, the pavers look like old bricks. That is the style I would recommend.

In DC myself. First have to ask yourself: "am I in a historic district?"

I would recommend a limestone stairway to pull the eye up to the front door. Be sure to paint the doors an enviting color.

Hi....Your home is beautiful, I would suggest used brick.

You have a beautiful home. If you live in a part of the country with snow and frost, I think for the steps either natural stone or pavers. Bricks tend to have a lot of maintenance issues at ground level.

I agree with brickIn...bluestone would be wonderful. Your home is lovely...looks like a classic Woodly Park!

If the cracking is not severe, it can be repaired to accept another coating of material that can be stamped into many different patterns and colors. It would be far less costly than replacing your steps. Consider calling a professional who works with such coatings for a consult. Look into Duraamen decorative concrete flooring systems and their dealer locator.

Stone or brick for the walk and steps would certainly be in keeping with the style of the home, and I'd recommend they be installed on a concrete slab for longevity's sake. The retaining wall could be poured concrete or CMUs (block) with a stucco finish or also veneered with brick or stone. It looks like your yard is tiered so the retaining walls aren't too tall, so you could go with a dry-stacked fieldstone. Natural stone plays really well with brick, http://www.houzz.com/projects/86863/It-All-Started-with-the-Dog

We're local to DC so feel free to call or email for a consultation.