Well congrats on your new home! That's so exciting. It looks like you have a Split or Tri-Level there. That style can be challenging in the curb appeal area because you need to avoid blocking the lower level windows with greenery.

With that in mind, I'd start by cutting back the tree and trimming the one bush, then I'd remove the shutters and see how it looks without them. Shutters on the top and lower level windows may be too much or busy which is why the PO removed them. If you do decide you like it better with the shutters, I'd maybe try a medium to charcoal toned gray and I'd do the door in the black or the same color as the shutters. Or you could try a brick red. Both those colors would work well with the light yellow siding as well.

I don't think shutters are the problem with the curb appeal. The house needs professional landscaping. The foundation plantings, those near the side walk and that little island in the lawn just aren't making enough of a statement. It's like somebody went to Walmart's Garden Center bought a little bit of this and that from the clearance section and where ever they felt like it planted stuff.
The house needs planting that will compliment its color and size ALL year long. I think I'd even consider taking out the tree and just start with a blank slate.

Do not cut down a tree just so you can start with a blank slate. Trees add value to homes.

I re-did the landscaping around a similar style of house for my MIL many years ago. Bring the landscaping out from the house to the other side of the sidewalk in sweeping curves.

Live with the house for a while, at least through the winter and decide whether you want to keep the yellow siding or not. The shutters are too small for the windows, so don't be in a hurry to add them back to the windows on the ground level.

After you have lived in the house for a while, take a very good photo of the bricks and then go to a paint store and ask for help with complementary colors.

If you are going to keep the front door red, I would paint the storm door the same color.

I'm working on a similar project and have read a bit and been watching "Curb Appeal" on HGTV. I'm definitely NOT an expert, but here it goes.

That big, shady tree is lovely but blocking view of your front door. *Ideally I'd take it down and plant something smaller to the right of the door, but could you just remove lower branches?

Could you add a tall planter with evergreen to the left of the door? I like your door, by the way, and I have the same house light so if you want another, let me know, because it isn't right with our decor.

Because of the driveway you have lots of hardscaping. Add more plantings to soften things up in the front yard; consider year 'round interest.

...Pam

Yes, congratulations! It is so exciting to be in a new home with so many possibilities open to you. I had a few thoughts that you can certainly take or leave...

I would limb up the front tree some. Then, if you enjoy gardening, I would create a curved bed from the step at the front all the way to the little bed all by itself out front and running along the sidewalk and driveway. I would begin by adding shrubs in that bed along with perennials. That would give you something pretty outside the lower level windows, but nothing that would block too much light. Hard to tell, but you might even have room for a small flowering tree or two out front as well. Don't know your zone, but crape myrtles flower when most things are starting to fade-a nice pop of color during the hot days of summer. We still have some blooming now.

I would paint the garage doors the same color as the siding. You might also consider painting the screen/storm door to match the front door. Several of our neighbors have done that just recently and it looks great. I would have to look at more split foyers to decide on shutters for the lower windows. I am not sure whether I think that would be too busy or not. Maybe someone will photoshop different ideas for you! We do have neighbors with one, but their lower windows are full-sized and there is more space from them to the upper windows. Like lukkiirish, I like the idea of black or gray shutters with a black door, but others may have a better idea.

I didn't say CUT DOWN, I said trim back, you can't see the house save the low branches and that adds curb appeal.

Congratulations on your new home. Since your main concern right now is shutters, I'd say yes, add them to the lower windows for sure. As for color choice, why not stay with white and keep it easy, since your upper shutters are white and your garage doors are white. If you're willing to paint......well, the possibilities are endless, but would involve repainting the upper shutters and the garage doors. Enjoy your new home.

Here's a pic of my DD's home, which is a split level and has shutters on the lower level windows (the shubs have been trimmed since this was taken):

Love the details on your house Bonnieann, looks great!

There is no obvious entry walk. I see no way to get into the house because the walkway is narrow and hidden.

1 - remove the bush between driveway and walk

2 - Get rid of the hanging baskets. They are a hazard on a driveway and especially along an entry walk.

3 - Widen the walk with something - more concrete, or pavers along the edge. Make it wide enough that 2 people can walk side-by-side.

3 - Make a larger entry area with more pavers and make it stand out with a low railing or some lighting.

4 - Matching shutters on the lower windows would look good.

I'd love to see more definition for the front door. Strong color is a good start, but if it were mine, I'd be jonesing for a porch...a small roof structure overhead, a defined porch area...something that says welcome, you've arrived.

I agree with some landscaping. I tend to want more in that regard than most. Try posting your photos on the Cottage gardening board. They might have some good suggestions.