Subject to the internal layout of your home, I would consider building a new entry area and designing the staircase as an internal feature and completely removing the external stairs from your elevation. This would certainly give an updated and modern appearance to the home. The living area being upstairs doesn't limit you to having external stairs. We design many homes with the living areas to the upper floor, especially coastal homes. Again this is of course subject to the cost and extent that you would like to redevelop your home.