Sorry dude, but it looked way better before. Plant some new trees ASAP (further from the building this time, though). Also, those windows are wider than they are tall and not the type of windows that would have shutters on them, so added shutters, whether accurately sized or not, would look stupid on them.

Thx. Had issues with the older tree letting critters on the roof and causing too much moisture around and under the foundation so had to start with the removal first. Cottage was build with windows this shape so doing what we can to work with the existing shape. Would appreciate any constructive suggestions.

No to the shutters. Not at all right for your windows. You had to remove those trees and plantings. When the time comes, you can start again with more plantings done right this time. Take it slow, find out what does well in your area and what you like. Good luck.

You definitely did the right thing by removing the ill-placed trees/vegetation right up against your house. Agree with the above that shutters aren't appropriate for your beautiful wide windows. Agree with houssaon - do a new landscape plan where the trees are placed appropriately. Post your dilemma in the landscape forum and see what those talented folks can show you.

IMO seeing the front of the house would be more helpful than the side or the back

Maybe some window boxes just to get things rolling? It does look rather bare, but shudders would look odd with this window shape. I think window boxes would add color and some "weight" under the windows to help visually balance out their width and how high they sit on the house. Good luck! Correctly placed landscaping can come at a later time. Good luck!

you need new bigger windows and landscaping, no fake shutters

This view is technically “the front” of the house. It is what you see from the street when you pull into the drive. The opposite side of the house faces the lake with a screened patio. The “entrance” is just a side door along the right side of the house and would most likely be a different post entirely. ☺️ I will post in landscape design also. Can’t do too much of that until spring (we are in Ohio) so I was trying to see what could be done first.

Windowboxes - Black? White? Windows are approx. 58” wide. Would a 60” window box be ok?

Do you have a photo from farther away showing the full front of the house?

You could add window boxes for liveliness while your new landscape is being planned. In Ohio winter they can be filled with cut pine boughs, pinecones and some red berries such as bittersweet (berries real or fake, no one will know). Here's a sample arrangement in an urn.

Rather than window boxes, how about beefing up the window trim. The insp pic below is to give you an idea how wide trim really enhances the exterior - this is for concept only:

As mentioned, shutters are not appropriate for this style home but you can make the home more interesting by adding trim and panelizing the area below the windows to make the house appear taller. See image below

You can improve the landscaping with beds of perennials in serpentine plant beds around the house.

We brought our siding up to the window edge, cause it was wood and it would be hard to keep caulked and painted pretty,---- unless you are using something that is a lifetime guarantee coating that is advertised often in this area, or some siding material with a factory color white on it? It is the side of the house, so if you need shade in the summer, the awnings would help the inside the most.

The color insets in the picture, might be trim, but they make the home look like a manufactured house, not a cottage? in some ways. The color is nice with your existing home colors. Maybe that is a good color for any awnings you might have installed, or even vegetation you might put into an 'island flower bed' in the side yard, or whatever yard decor/vintage painted chairs or bistro set? you might want to display amongst a special small area of plantings(which takes alot of work to maintain, also, admittedly)IF this is your residence..

Update a few years later: Added a driveway and some boxwood plantings. The Lilac shrubs added did not fare well. Considering residing the house adding larger trim around the windows for more interest. (Rooms are small inside and can’t really enlarge the windows much so working with what we have.) Entrance/Door to the house is on the side. The screen porch photo is the back side of the house that faces the lake.