I agree, it needs that trim. I was thinking, also, on the corner by the garage, adding a pilaster that wraps the corner, and also maybe a pilaster on the wall behind the posts (between the shutter and the mailbox). So I guess that means square posts?

Go from the three smaller posts to 2 larger, or 1 large? or one larger at the corner and 2 smaller (same placement as now?)

Looking at the picture it seems that the shutters are too narrow also, although there isn't a lot of room for larger. I will be getting new shutters also (have to pick a color for those also after the siding and trim is up; the siding will be a grayish green and the trim a cream)

Corner pilaster would help. Here's the best info I've found on shutters: http://www.oldhouseguy.com/shutters/

Yes, but that article totally ignores the fact that narrow decorative shutters are characteristic of minimalist traditional style, and many years of colonial style. They were never meant to look like they were real, regardless of what the internet has decided.

I think your house will look worse without them, frankly, and shutters to make oldhouseguy happy will look scrooged in.

ETA A couple of examples.

1950:

1960:

It's just how the houses were designed to look.

Definitely keeping shutters! I'll be coming back for suggestions on color. As the siding is going up, it seems to be a stronger green than the sample I had (the sample was more of a subtle greenish gray) but I still like it; just making me rethink the color scheme.

Now that the siding is off of the porch area, I can see that there is a solid 8" tall run of (plain) trim along the top that was covered by the aluminum. We will be reproducing that. There was also trim around the garage door that was covered. We are going to actually make that a bit wider than the original; and the contractor has talked me into replacing the garage door -- so I'll have to choose a style for that, too.

But I still need help with this decision on the posts!!! I am sure that I don't want round. I can choose square fluted, plain or recessed panel; and a variety of bases and capitals. I think fluted are too ornate for this house; recessed panel might add some interest. The basic decision I need help with though is whether to go with one 8" or 10" post at the corner, or two 6" or 8" posts (either one on each side of the corner or side by side in front).

Perhaps I should start a new thread: Help! I need help with choosing posts, shutters and garage door! Maybe even a new front door!

With the small shrubs there, it's difficult for me to tell exactly how wide your stairs are, but I'd take that into account when you decide on posts and their positioning. From what I think I'm seeing, I'd consider using 4x4 posts as a frame along the entire side and around the front corner (as it is), but I'd build a wooden lattice on it. I'd also figure a way to visually extend the 'lattice' work or some appropriate trim across the top of the front of the porch... just to give it a little privacy and a more finished look.