Reader Q: Help My Ugly Front Porch!

Jen is a reader looking for some help today with her front porch. She cannot make any structural changes but needs help with color and perhaps some furniture ideas and placement.

Jen's stoop - Any suggestions?

Jen says, "It's a fairly useless porch and it's waaaaaay too white. We are going to replace the screen door and I'm thinking of painting the front door a bolder color (it's now black). The walls of the porch have been primed and I'm just trying to decide what color it should be painted. I'd like to warm up the house a bit. And I'd like the porch to reflect the style within our house, not necessarily the 60's split level style. Our *style* could be described as eclectic--contemporary cottage, perhaps. Cozy with lots of books and comfy furniture but not cluttered. Oh--and the picture does not properly show the planting that is to the right of the front step. I've got a huge bunch of black-eyed Susans there right now, but would happily change it if someone has ideas. The whole area is just plain awkward."

Hmmm... Perhaps a lovely before and after from blogger Tissue Papers may inspire Jen a little?

Or maybe Martha Stewart can help (link)? Do you have some tips to help Jen add a little curb appeal to her porch? Thanks for writing in, Jen!

(images: top from reader jen, bottom two from the tissue papers blog)