I am not a pro or anything but I really like the exterior.

i think it looks good. I'd maybe lighten the shutters a touch but definitely wouldn't paint them.

The shutters are a bit rustic for the more formal architecture of the house.

The way they are hung -- away from the window so you can see the wall between them and the window is distracting.

It looks like you are trying for the popular "modern farmhouse" look ...

Also not a pro but I think maybe a bolder front door color vs the soft blue.

Could you add black metal accents to the shutters? The things that are shaped like an S and meant to look like they're holding the shutters open. Or even just some other black accent on the top and bottom of the shutters. Or paint the door black? (I have some example pictures but the app keeps crashing when I try to upload them - search black shutter hardware!)

For the same reasons PPF. mentioned, I think a change of shutter is needed, a panel shutter would look better, especially seeing you have california shutters inside. If you do change them out, eliminate the gap. They need to be sized to look like they would cover the glass and meet in the middle if closed. Photos below show panel shutters.

Some more landscaping changes would really improve your property. Love the dark hip roof,your white brick and the trees framing it, lovely. Are you keeping the low (brick?) that are in the foundation garden? You could add another question in the landscaping forum if you want to tweek your landscaping to complete the new look.

PPF, thanks for the honesty! The shutters are operable and the hinges we used required them to be attached that way. We are going to see if we can get a different hinge to allow it to be closer to the window. I guess we are going with a modern farmhouse look. I appreciate the feedback.

Erica- Thanks for the suggestions! I posted in a Facebook group and several people mentioned a darker front door. My husband is partial to the blue door- but we will see. Lol! It’s difficult to see on the picture, but we do have Shutter dogs (I think that’s what they are called).

Bette- I love the inspiration picture! I will have to think more about the shutters. You are spot on about the landscape! I knew it was lacking, but I didn’t realize how much it can affect curb appeal. Thanks for your feedback!

Complementary wood door and black numbers and larger black lanterns. The low brick surrounding the planting beds are distracting. I might paint those bricks black or use landscaping to cover. Overall, I like it!

I know this is an old post but rest assured you’ve got a great look there! I recognize the space between shutter and window as meaning authentic functioning shutters—the best! I’m struggling with decision between dark and white frames, and leaning toward the dark cuz tinted glass nowadays makes the window itself look like tiny black holes, the dark frame widens looks in a good way. Yes to fresh landscape! Great job!