The shutters do seem rather close to each other, but it is a Colonial and shutters just seem right. Have you considered changing the shutter color to a light gray or another color that wouldn't be so pronounced and still complement your door color.

That is very unusual! Too many windows and not enough room for shutters. What was the builder thinking.

You could take them down to paint them and first see what it looks like without. I would definitely do a low contrast color to minimize the crowded effect.

I can't find the thread, but not too long ago there was a thread where someone posted several pics of light colored homes with the shutters painted the same light color of the house (white, I guess). It was smashing! Maybe someone has it bookmarked and can post it for you.

Here's one with a light colored shutter...not a good view for your home, but the color looks like it could work and take the contrast down a few notches.

[Traditional Porch design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-porch-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_726~s_2107) by New Orleans Design-build Highland Homes, Inc.

another, again not a great perspective

[Traditional Exterior design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-exterior-home-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_736~s_2107) by Minneapolis Design-build Great Neighborhood Homes

Here's a low contrast pic

Here's the link to the thread I remembered.

Here is a link that might be useful: White houses with white shutters

Thanks for the feedback, I havent' thought about going with a lighter color for the shutters. Perhaps going with a creamier white & then changing the front door to one of those fancy wood ones?

no shutters, not even lighter colored ones. Cute dog :)

I would not remove the shutters; paint them white and keep the door.

Paint them a lighter color, do what you prefer with the door, replace or paint any color you like, then, if you still don't like the look of the shutters you can remove them or replace them. If you can make them look good with a coat of paint, it will be much easier than redoing the whole front of the house and you may not like the look of the house without shutters. I'd try paint, first.

Do the slats on white shutters show dirt and mildew more than darker colors? It appears that way on Olychick's last photo, but maybe it's just the shadows. The white frame makes the slats look dirty. Coming from someone who has to pressure wash our house every other year or it will look like a hobbit home.

The shutters are the wrong size which makes them look wrong for the house. They are too long and appear to be too wide, leaving no reveal of the house between the windows. There are sites that will explain shutter sizing but I'll try to keep it simple.
Imagine the shutters were operational and could open and close.
The shutter needs to fit into the window "well" and meet in the center. Yours, if closed would not fit together and would go over the molding on the top and bottom. (hope this makes sense).
I think shutters belong on CHC houses but if they're sized wrong, it'll look "off". I think that's where you're at. Color can be determined later.
Now here's a thought. If you're thinking about replacing them anyway, I'd take down the ones on the ground floor and trim them down to the correct size, remount in the same holes and see if it doesn't make a huge difference. Then you could play with paint, whatever.
Good luck.