I would remove all shutters (they are the wrong size and style and do nothing for the home). Consider widening the portico to a better proportion although the left window may make that impossible. Maybe just remove it altogether. Fix the landscaping so the stoop doesn't look so squished. Add a row of windows to the garage door for some interest.

For the best curb appeal, remove all of the shutters and update your landscaping.

I agree that the shutters aren't a positive asset, and am glad to hear you're getting rid of the Victorian style front door. I assume the arched window with single shutter is on a stairwell wall and you want to keep it. I would prefer your home with a different style of porch/portico, but that may be more than you want to tackle. Here's a flat Federal style you could use and it would be less countrified than the current small portico.

Federal Style Single Family · More Info

@ Trace - showing for door only. If the windows were uniform as on the example, I might opt for them. Note that they appear to be functional and correctly sized. The arched window is the issue on a Federal facade, which the OP's home most closely resembles, architecturally, IMO.

No shutters anywhere, and be certain that whatever you do for a front door the manufacturer will warranty it if painted black, most will not sue to the heat it will adsorb. Especially if you plan to use a storm door, that door will bake.

Congrats on your house!

I would not have any shutters on this house, they’d have a very hodge-podge look with the way the windows are arranged.

My first projects would be getting the roof cleaned and addressing the landscaping. I’d get rid of many of the shrubs, especially between the entry and garage. Better landscaping will make a big difference.

If you are set on having shutters, then yes, just the top three. Wait and see before painting the pediments.

Similar style with black:

I’d take them all down and live with it that way a bit to see what you think.

"the portico will hopefully provide protection"

Not likely well enough based on that picture as it does not look very deep. Dark colors on fiberglass or steel doors are never really a solid idea.

Everyone is so helpful! Thank you, apparently consensus is no shutters but fix the landscape so now I need landscape ideas haha! Obviously the windows are arranged really close so hard to do shutters but I was hopeful there might be a way to make it work. No worries though, we will focus our attention on the yard. Any tips there would be much appreciated as well!

In addition to the decor boards, you might want to ask on the landscaping forum:

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/landscape-design

They’ll need photos from various angles, your location (nearest big city works), sunlight factors, do you enjoy working in the yard or prefer low-maintenance, and other info.

You might also try a consultation with a local pro, take photos to established area nurseries for advice, or ask neighbors with nice landscaping what works for them.

Hopefully our talented mock-up artists will see, too. :)

All the shutters have to go those weird one side ones are just odd . I agree to up the landscaping for more curb appeal and a new door in black if you like with some large black planters on either side of the steps . Take out the hedges there too

Lovely house and much better without shutters in this case. Black is a great choice for the door. I agree with deco regarding replacing the Victorian door. Also, at some point consider a garage door with windows across the top.

Definitely no shutters. The garage is also bright white vs a muted trim. I would try to make the garage blend in a little better with a darker color (windows on top also a good idea). Good luck! Cute house!