Paint the foundation or face it with stone to look like the steps. Remove all the faux stick-on shutters and go for a window box across the three ground floor windows. You may want to beef up both the window trim and your entry portico so it is more decorative. Wire it for a hanging lantern and paint the door a fun color.

I love your adorable house and I think you're right on track with the ideas you have! Your downstairs window is begging for a window box - adding that will go a long way toward adding more cottage curb appeal. I also like the idea of black for shutters...I would look for a solid shutter, versus the louvered ones that are often sold in the big box stores. I can also see a red front door really looking nice...maybe you could get by without the storm door? Benjamin Moores "Cottage Red" is a nice deep red that would be a good choice. Have fun!

Thanks to you all for the great feedback! It is so helpful. Re proper way to use/fit shutters- what is the best reference so I can educate myself? I suspect my husband won't be okay removing them completely.

I should also mention I plan to paint the siding, well at least try and match the color. There used to be 2 brick sides to the stoop and once we removed we had to patch there were gaps in the siding we needed to cover!

Please pull out your landscaping beds further away from the house. The beds should be at least 6 feet deep and no plant should be under an eave. I also vote if you keep any of the shutters to go with something other than louvered and to paint them a pretty color. Think charming cottage.

This is a VERY long explanation but you can take from it what works for you and go from there. The basic premise with shutters is that they should be large enough to cover the windows when closed. Hope this helps! http://www.oldhouseguy.com/shutters/

I love the idea of a flower box!