You'll be getting your color from what's IN the planters! If it were my space, I'd use faux-lead or square black planters.

Pretty narrow space to flank the door.. I would think about putting a trough planter on the left wall as you approach the front door ( or a bench flanked by two vertical planters.). And since picture is narrow I can't tell what room you have in the area to the right.

I agree that the space is too narrow for planters near the door. Put flowers under the window to the right, against the left wall before the doorway, or maybe further down on the steps. In front of the door, replace your mat with a larger one that is the same width as your brick threshold.

I purchased two large terra cotter planters from a local store and used leftover house paint to paint my planters. That way, I have the colors that were used on the house. BTW--The colors look great with my Stromanthe that my husband planted in these pots. Here is a photo:

Lamparella.... Wow, nice porch. You could even place a trough spanning the space between those two pillars. Visible from the street, I'd do black .

Regardless of which planters you choose, paint the storm door the same color as the door. You'd be amazed at what a difference that will make!

same color as door, chartreuse, or an orange-red. then do some Coleus plants since you get shade. different coleus have the same greens/ orange red tones.

A long, low planter between your two columns would be perfect.

It doesn't look like there is enough room for two planters on either side of the door. I would get darker gray/black planters and do something more out on the brick steps/porch.

like someone said, paint the terra cotta planters. you can buy them for a few bucks. seal the inside and outside with primer, then paint. use the rustoleum can spray or left over door paint.

and the coleus is a good choice. they like shade. stick some ferns in there too. keep them pinched because coleus get leggy.

and maybe stagger them out onto the porch area or next to the window.

I like the idea of black planters with what appears to be black hardware on the house numbers, door and windows. I like Beth's suggestions for plants which would bring in color.

Yes black planter and red flowers .

You might also consider staining the concrete porch. That will give it a more finished look instead of just raw concrete.

A black low planter on the column would be a nice contrast.

Yes, larger door mat, and bring the planter/s forward. I don't know if they would get enough light at the front door, anyway.

Beverly's planter on column (in black) and larger mat look great. I think that's your answer.

For something a little more fun, you might consider these planters from Grandin Road. They would look great with your door color, which I love. Notice the green detail.

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Rusty orange (pulled from brick colors) would look great. Placed somewhere that allows for a large size. You may only need 1. Have some fun w it! :)

One of our neighbors had a couple of those Grandin Road planters out at Halloween filled with pumpkins.

Ha - I guess he has to be happy too.

I like the hanging ferns and really like the concrete painted. However, I feel like it's going to get to congested with to many plants. Color, you need more color to break up all the green. Maybe taller planters that flank both sides of the garage. I'm no expert, but that's what I'm seeing. Keep the existing planter as well.

love the porch stain! looks good. beautiful home. maybe plant some violas or impatiens mixed in the flower bed w/those green shrubs to give some color. put some bright mums(or the coleus plants) in the green pot on the stone ledge.

what if you did a small porch swing off to the far right, at the edge of the porch? you could get a nice color pad in greens/white,,,

doesn't have to be big. even a large chair swing could work

Agree with Beth the hanging swing would look very nice or a settee if you don't want to hang a seat.

Black, red, or an oil-rubbed bronze finish on the planters (tall, not wide) would look nice!

I like zinc or faux copper pots for a brightness and uniqueness.....see Ballard Design for lovely selection of planters.

Sure! Here are some neat ideas that we came across. While more modern, they could work with your traditional porch.

No problem! If there is room on either side of the front door and you have shade-loving plants, you could tuck them there in front of the sidelights.

Otherwise, maybe directly in front of the shutters with lower planters inside each column at the front edge of the porch. Although, I am just now seeing your updated photos with the hanging ferns. Very nice! But yes, it might be getting too congested with plants. Could the ferns be hung higher?

Beautiful home, by the way! And those shutters are really unique.

Instead of color, I think material. cor-ten steel, or zinc are my go-to materials for planters.

Ferns are such a classic choice though. :) You've got a lot to work with so have fun with it!