How about gray wood and black shutters? Something like this..

That Architectures 101 article on "Shudders", suggesting their removal in about every case where shutters are used, keeps being put forth as the final holy dictum on the subject. Personally, I reject it, thinking that today's use of shutters have moved well beyond actual or simulated function and have become, just trim ... another way to add some interest and detail on an otherwise dull and bland box. Accept it as the maxim if you will, but I think this shutter removal fad will run its course in another decade or so and start to be mentioned in the same way as "that's so 70's" ... or whatever decade you want to comment about that has little to offer today. Can't figure out why someone would say that landscape beds need to be serpentine. That can't be true because there are countless instances where it couldn't possibly work or be good. And the snakey serpentine is almost always bad. The bed line should geometrically fit the occasion. It's usually straight lines, curves, or a combination of the two. Maybe some angles thrown in. There is no blanket rule that fits all houses. The foundation planting does not seem to fit well to the house. It seems to have the urge to smother the house, but seems also to be simultaneously suppressed in its endeavors. The unbroken roof comes across as an uninteresting element and the house seems exposed. Some small trees off of the corners would help these conditions. the burning bush off of the right corner could be such a small tree, but this one is most likely too close to the house for that. The stoop could stand to be larger and not smothered by plants. A clearer path from the drive to stoop would help, too. The yard overall seems exposed so maybe some street trees could be fit in, too.

With your light gray caulking, light gray trim, front door, gutters, and garage doors would tie everything together. You'll get a more modern, streamlined look if you remove your skimpy shutters. Some foundation landscaping with deep beds on the side would really enhance your façade. You could also get a more open look by removing the brick planter in front, or at least consider getting a landscape designer help you deal with that and the left side of the house.

So I started looking at new garage doors, and now I'm thinking about changing the whole outside look. All trim is currently painted a cream color. Would you recommend something different? Also, I gather no one like the shutters. I understand they're not functional, but I'm afraid the windows would look bare and utilitarian without. The houses that I think look good without shutters are more Frank Lloyd Wright-looking (not sure what the real architectural term is); this house is more traditional looking. Ideas? Thanks!