If you need new bays then box bays would look good. If not I wouldn't fool with the cost. I would ditch the shutters and trim out the windows with a 4"-6" trim. Color wise a dark blue, creme, white, gray, tan, would all look good with white trim. Do a search on houzz. Stone on the porch and chimney would look nice too.

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Using some different textures on the exterior will certainly improve the appearance. For example, mixing the type of siding such as shakes/shingles and adding stone accents and stone columns on porch. Depending on the style/color you wish to achieve, I prefer not to have drastic contrast between windows, trim and siding..
Also consider adding steel accent roofing on the bays instead of the asphalt shingles. Remove the shutters.