It isn’t a “rule”, it is archetectural correctness…do not put shutters on windows where, if you imagined closing them, the glass would not be covered.

So, on your new design (very nice), no shutters, as none would fit properly.

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Also, like just about anything, why spend money on phonies…(be it Rolex watches, LV bags)? Buy the true shutter and its true hardware or go without. Bare windows can be attractive on their own.

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Forget the shutters and focus on the entry, stairs and a covering over the porch landing.

Sounds like everyone would take the shutters off. We really like the charm that shutters create. We also want a white painted house. If we take off all the shutters the house would look white and boring? You can't see the roof because the house is on a slope so there won't even be a contrast with the roof.

The house was built in the 1930's and originally had shutters on it. I think the original owners put new larger windows in above the garage and thus were left with little room to have shutters on both sides.

I'm trying to also envision something over the main doorway but I'm not sure how to integrate it as there is a stairway to the landing and a porch. How would it integrate into our low roof line? Any ideas?

I agree shutters can be charming, but more so when they're sized right. As Judy mentioned, each shutter should be half the window's width. If actually functional, they would cover the window when closed. Sometimes you can fudge a little, but the double and triple windows you're showing are just too large.

Enlarge the photo of the contemporary home I posted above. It has black windows (as do I on my home) and it takes the ordinary out of plain windows.

Your windows are perfect for this treatment, as there are muntins in all. Love!