Azaleas and hydrangeas are always my "go-to" plants. Get dwarf varieties so they don't grow to hide your windows. A new tree further from the house might be in order and don't forget about smaller ornamental trees - dogwood, redbud, Japanese maple, etc. Consider removing the storm door and painting your entry door with a nice pop of contrasting color - maybe based on some of the floral installation, or simply red. Also think about re-doing your shutters so they look operational - they'd add a lot more impact to your home. Here's an article for you.


http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/residential-architecture-101-shutters/

We have to agree with decoenthusiaste about adding functional shutters to your home. The current shutters that are installed on your windows are not properly sized. Shutters should measure out to at least half the size of the window, so if they were functional and able to close, they would cover the entire window.

We would recommend a Louvered or Board and Batten style for the shutters, depending n the look you are going for. I attached some pictures of both for your reference.

If you would like to see properly fitted shutters, in your choice of color and style, feel free to use our Shutter Snapshot visual. This allows you to see the shutters before the actual installation. http://www.timberlane.com/resource-center/shutter-snapshot/#.U5CeQ3JdU-c

You could install some Hanging Garden Trellises from grownsolutions.com. They can be hung in front of windows for a natural air conditioning, privacy screen effect. They are also portable so you can re-arrange their placement or move them out of harms way during inclement weather.