Dreaming of a new front porch

Now that spring is just weeks away and spring-like weather is already here, I'm thinking of how nice it will be someday to sit out on the front porch reading to the children or looking at the stars.

The existing porch is falling away from the house and the floorboards are rotting and, in some places, fallen right through. A remodeled porch has always been on our list since we decided to renovate the house, but it has been of lesser importance than essentials such as a new roof and basement windows.

The roof was completed last year, the windows should be replaced soon, so I'm beginning my front porch wishlist.

New columns as the old ones have rotted.

Remove the vinyl siding and replace with traditional porch spindles (which of the scads of styles possible is the question).

Railings high enough to keep the boys safe.

A simple swinging front gate to keep little ones on the porch.

Trex or other very durable floorboards. No use having to redo the porch again too soon.

Screen the whole porch in? It would be nice to keep mosquitoes and cats out, though I'm concerned about screening/frames looking too modern, blah or like an afterthought.

New front steps. Wider?

Extend the depth of the porch as much as possible under the existing roof so we can comfortably use the space with our existing porch furniture.

While I'm dreaming, I'd love to wrap around a corner/side of the house so we have a place to grill, even if that portion isn't roofed and is either open or with a orthopaedic over top.

A way to attach flower boxes to the railing? Definitely think about where hanging flower baskets, porch pots and bird feeder(s) will go.

Two or three clotheslines for drying across the length of the porch. Maybe retractable or high above seating areas. I can maybe install these as long as the carpenter gives me strong supports to which to attach them.

KEEP THE EXISTING, ORIGINAL BEADBOARD CEILING!

Paint the front door green?

I'm not sure what will look best for skirting. All I know is that I hate lattice. Actually I do know what would look best: fieldstone. But let's be reasonable about affordability. I've never seen a faux stone panel that doesn't look too fake for me, but I'll keep an open mind in case I have seen one on a house that looked so nice I didn't even realize it wasn't the real thing.