Wouldn't recommend painting the foundation black, it draws too much attention to it. The area between sidewalk and foundation is a hard area to landscape due to the alkalinity from the concrete and dryness. Talk to a landscaper about what to use in your area. What area are you in?

Black shutters would look great, I would leave the foundation the same color as the house.

From right to left, consider one hydrangea below the shutters, pick one that grows up to 5'. Then two azalea under the double window that grow not more than 3'. Plant them so you have room to walk between them and the house. Put down mulch.

Try a window box under the picture window with annuals.

Keep in mind water requirements as hydrangeas are perfect but water guzzlers.

I live in NW arkansas. there are currently rose bushes and some other bushes in the area now.

Is there an overhang on your roof?it looks like the top of the window is very close to the roof?Maybe it's the photo.is there a soffit there between it?just asking this so I can get ideas for you.

yes. there is a 2ft overhang on the roof.

I think Cathy's idea of different heights of planting would look great.See attached pic may be of some help.

HI -- Your house does not need shutters . The windows are a busy looking style so they don't need the shutters . You could just add a little more white trim to the window frames . I don't see a problem painting the foundation dark but if you put foundation plantings then the foundation won't show anyway . You could add a nice white panel under the large window enough to cover those last bottom rows of siding . That would be better than maintaining a window planter box . What kind of roofing do you have ? I think it would look nice to have the roof edge and eves painted a very dark grey or navy/black . Get some plant advice from your local garden center for the landscaping and the best foundation plants . Now is the best time to buy . it's the end of the season so everything is on sale .

Here is an example of black shutters with a blue house.you asked about painting your foundation a different colour from house I think that would only make the house look smaller in height.

Sorry it's attached now.

Amber it's a lovely house as I'm sure you know,but I agree it might look even better with the shutters removed it's worth a go,then if if you don't like it without them you can just put them back on.

It's a beautiful house and I like the shutters and wouldn't take then off.

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, or installed over bare walls to create a beautiful non-invasive green wall. They are also portable so you can re-arrange their placement or move them out of harms way during inclement weather.