I'll stand in disagreement with removing the shutters, in spite of it being a popular thing to do on Houzz forums. I think the house will look vastly more plain Jane without them. The second picture shows the door to be fine looking. I wouldn't worry about it as what really matters to the new arrival is being directed to the ENTRANCE of the house, which happens to be your covered porch opening, which is nicely framed by corner posts, roof and floor. But it needs improving. Greatly widen the access paving strip that connects to the porch slab such that it is obvious where to go and looks inviting for more than one person at a time. Eliminate any raised landscape "edging" that flanks the walk as it is neither necessary or attractive. Expand the foundation planting at the side of the house such that it surrounds the entrance .... but NOT the front walk. There should be some planting along the side of the house that makes it look like one should not go beyond the porch slab. Also, there should be planting in the back yard that screens houses beyond the back lot line. From the street, you should not be looking into the back yards of those distant houses. Flank the porch opening with seasonal color and likewise for the arch window. Not shown, but there should be some plantings -- small trees possibly -- that put some separation between your house and the houses at each side. Also not shown, I agree with a small bench at the front porch. Plantings at the side of the porch could act as backdrop for it so the end of the bench would face the street. If the bench faces the street there is really only room for a chair or stool. If not a bench, then a bucket of flowers or something at the house wall corner.

Is your porch a space where you’re going to want to sit out ever? Or is it strictly for going in and out the door? I wouldn’t put a bench if it’s not a reasonable place to actually sit for a moment, it looks weird to me when someone has benches that are obviously just decoration and never used. I think primarily it just needs some color - a large interesting pot with some planting, perhaps a small table if you like the idea of a place to put your packages while you open the door. (I’d put the table to the right of the door, by the doorbell, so it does have to be fairly small.) Also, what area are you in? Is there anything that is handy to keep on the front porch? For example instead of a table we actually have a small cabinet as we have steps up to the front door and live in an area with snow. So we keep a small container of salt in the cabinet where it’s trivial to grab it and do the steps and walk on the way in or out if someone notices they’re getting bad but doesn’t have time to properly get out the shovel and big bag, and for in between proper shovel and big bag cleanings. We just found that we stay on top of it better if there’s a stash of salt easy to grab.

You appear to have installed new landscaping. Your porch seems to have space for two seating groups. I would acquire a small table and two chairs for the right side of the porch to balance what you have. If they were all from the sample collection....finish, color, style, it would link the two areas. Try Lowes or Pier1 for affordable outdoor furniture. They are having sales right now! Unite the seating areas with colorful cushions. You might also center hanging baskets of colorful annuals centered between the porch posts. We can’t see the floor of your porch. Make sure it is clean by power washing it. Then, perhaps, depending upon its length, a runner...or two matching outdoor rugs. Have fun with it!

I like the idea of metal art on that big blank space -- something with some color. Also a colorful door mat, maybe a rug under your chairs, a small table for a glass of lemonade, house numbers (above the porch?), and some plants. Oh, and a pretty wreath for the door. I really think you need COLOR -- you're already swimming in neutrals. I know you say those aren't your chairs, but measure them -- then buy something a bit bigger. They don't come anywhere near "filling the space". Your porch appears large -- you might need something larger, like an outdoor sectional or a large outdoor sofa + a matching chair. Here are some inspiration pix I like -- I particularly want a chaise of some sort because I'd like an outdoor reading spot, and I want space for 2-3 people to sit comfortably. What function do YOU want for YOUR porch?