no shutters. landscape is what is lacking here.

I agree with flair lighting. landscape is needed

We are planning on landscaping in the near future. Any suggestions on what would look good back there?

Also, is this not appropriate for shutters or could those add interest along with landscaping?

Yes, black shutters would look nice but you also need some landscaping....using your garden hose, you can lay out the shape of a garden that would be "lawn mower friendly" and then put plants in that are appropriate to your area....you certainly wouldn't want anything this large, but it gives you an idea of what some gardens "could" do for you....

Deep Chocolate would be great!

Thanks all for the suggestions! I know we def need landscaping :) thanks groveraxle for showing me what shutters would look like!

Yes to shutters! Your home is not only appropriate for shutters, but would definitely benefit from the added visual impact.

It could just be the angle of the photo, or perhaps I haven't had enough caffeine yet, but with the siding, stairs, roof ... there seems to be a lot of horizontal lines. Adding more with louvers might be overkill. Have you considered panels with a custom cutout?

All our shutters are made to be operable, if installed properly, but you can also install them to appear functional, with the hardware as well. If you want to see what your home would look like with the shutters, you can submit the image and our artist will create a rending of your home with your choices, so you can see what properly fitted shutters would look like on your actual home!

http://www.timberlane.com/snapshot

While the home style is appropriate for shutters, the window style is not.
http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/residential-architecture-101-shutters/

Not being a double window, and likely a casement, it actually is appropriate for shutters.

i say you landscape first, since its not cheap, and then add shutters if you still think. i was also thinking you could create a great seating area there with a pergola.

Yes to the shutters and yes to some shrubs .

Timberlane, Inc: they are casement windows but actually open outside and not inside. Hope it's still ok.

Yes, it is. Most casement windows here in the USA do that. And we have many customers (homeowners, builders, architects) who use our shutters with them.

Yes to shutters!

Any liking for a glider, etc. which would also cover the meter, with fragrant container plantings on each side. Pretty pavers could extend out from last stair across house......any outlet for a small fountain?

is this the front? I put a swing in our front yard in place of a front porch, which don't have.

This is the back of the house

YES! Shutters will add so much to it

I really like the black shutters as shown. They FIT the window as I hardly ever 'approve' of shutters. Love them with the railing.

Shutters