Great advice!

Yes, I agree they are fairly narrow and I think practicality must trump original design in this regard. You can still remain true to the era, and simply widening the steps to flush with width of verandah will only improve upon the original design. I believe it will also future-proof the steps as I can imagine as people age, they sometimes require the firm arm of someone else to assist them safely up and down the stairs. I have to agree with Mel about the letterbox. IF you are set on mixing styles, then perhaps use the same timber you used for the letterbox to face facade (street facing) of new steps.

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I'd go for the contrast , and go charcoal . Not really a highlight colour , but it would show a reasonable 'break' between the light cream and the light grey , in a reasonably subtle way , but surfmist or similar would achieve nothing IMO .