The house has some issues I tried to correct. Those bow windows are totally wrong for the house so I have changed them to double hung windows.

There are quite a few items that are not centered like the front door and the octagonal window.

I don't know if changing the portico will provide you with enough bang for the buck in changing the appearance of the house. The house in your inspiration picture is much larger and a portico this size is not the right scale for your house. To Beverly's point, changing the bay windows, garage doors and front door would do more to improve the appearance.

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5203840/1960-s-colonial-exterior-remodel-how-would-you-update-this-look

to get anywhere close you would have to be willing to stain the brick or paint it.

Personally I think not trying to spend $$$$$$$ on a house that is not that style is a bad idea but rather embrace what you have and make it look the best it can. i feels like it has balance issue.

also i would get a very small double spot in white over the garage, that would help the balance the decorative light draws attention to the above window being off center.

replacing the bay windows back to normal, removing the octangle window all together, and painting out the bit of trim above the windows.