I was involved in a project where I insisted that if they put shutters on that they be hung the right way and that they at least look functional, and it did add to the expense compared to just tacking them on the house. 1) The louvers on correctly hung shutters face UP when they are open. This is so when they are closed the louvers face down. Most people get this upside down and we are so used to seeing it this way that it looks more natural the wrong way. 2) Operable shutters require sturdy hinges let into the frame of the window, shutter dogs to hold them open, and it is recommended that there be a bullet catch on the back of operable shutters to hold them more firmly against the house than shutter dogs do, or they rattle in high winds. Then they need the bolt hardware to hold them closed. This is a lot of hardware for something that will generally stay in the open position, but it's all necessary if you are going for realism. 3) Windows that are close together will often have shutters that overlap. Or if the window is close to the corner the shutter will not lay flat because a downspout is in the way. This does not look pleasing to most people so sometimes you end up cheating the shutter a bit narrower to show tiny bit of wall in between. This is a fine line, it still has to Look wide enough. But on a historic house the shutters are whatever size they need to be and they fall where they may when open. Shutters were also used for security and this is why you will see them on areas protected from the weather like porches. The reason you only see them on the front facades is because people want to save money.

There isn't much in the way of shutters (decorative or storm) in this forum. Might want to try the home decorating section as I think folks have had more luck there.

Not ideal, but you can't re-roof any time soon, I imagine. You can still head in the direction of something more appropriate to a tropical location by painting house a pastel to offset the roof color. White is good too, but I'm just thinking to offset the dark. That's if you,re in the hot south. Oterwise, you have all those beautiful forest green shutters and window boxes of red geraniums,, window trims, etc to mix with brasses and coppers. I agree with you and others who don't don't like the look as these are now.. Looks like mourning to me, but I'm not up north where dark can be appropriate. ( I must be neighbor to an earlier respondent as I'm also about 70 miles from West end Bahamas, so we do see a good many Bahama shutters and coastal-style houses here in S Fla.). Your windows are wonderful and long - so good for cross breezes, so the shutters you have are a little longer than I'm used to seeing. Since you have them, unless you can return, at least take a stab at painting one or two. Have done professionally, if you like the result, but only if you really, really like it cause why live in your very beautirul new home with something you'll feel unsettleed about. Archetect should help you. You paid enough to him of her to be due at least a little advice after the fact. Window trim paint colors may give you the accent you need. Good luck. I know how it is to have your heart set on something.. Its a bummer theres no way to see in advance. True of so many things. You have a hone to be proud of. Good job. Now, this one headache. You'll see it through.

I like the look of Bahama Shutters and we are putting them on our house.. the question is what color not IF they should add the shutters. Colors can be difficult. I would hire someone local that is good with color and have them help.