I think it works with or without shutters. I will say, that adding something non-functional should at least look functional even if you have no plans to actually use them. So don't just stick on fake shutters but find ones that are functional. Personal preference: no shutters.

As for front door color, I think the black (?) currently there makes it a bit of a black hole so look for something more colorful but not gaudy. Get sample pots and large pieces of poster board and have some fun: a deep plum, olive green, whatever catches your fancy. You may surprised at what looks best.

The front walkway appears to be in good condition, however, it does appear to be narrow. If you find the need to update or replace it in the future, make sure it’s at least 4’ wide.

I think landscaping in front of the three windows would help as well.

Architect Hugh Newell Jacobsen didn't need shutters.

Neither do you.

Looks good.

I like the shutters. If you get them, get good quality raised panel.

I would wash the roof and thin out the red leafed tree.

If it were my home I would put on functional-looking shutters sized right and in the right location. You won't be able to buy the right size shutters in a big box store where they sell the skinny plastic ones.

I like the idea of the raised panel shutters houssaon mentions for your home.

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The shutters add some contrast. Also, more landscaping, particularly on left side where you’re displaying shutters in photo. More + taller greenery around windows there.

Maybe a wood door.

We can't do shutters on the entire house because the windows on the front porch area are too narrow.

If the windows are narrower on the porch, order narrower shutters? I think this house is a good candidate for shutters, it adds some dimension to the facade and goes with the traditional architecture. When you go to measure for the shutters, think of your interior window treatments- If you would buy a 36" x 72" Venetian blind, you need a 18" x 72" pair of shutters. If the porch windows are 30" wide they would get 15" x 72" shutters...

I love a wood front door, but with the covered front porch, it looks like the door would disappear into the shadows if it were wood or even too dark colors. If your front door has white trim around it then a wood or darker door works IMO. I can't tell from the pics posted if you have much trim around the front door or not. Right now we are getting the black hole effect on your lovely home.

Try a lighter, brighter accent color or even a soft color for your front door. What is your favorite color? Try that :)

The front door should be the accent color and not the same color as your proposed shutters.

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^This one is surrounded by white trim and sidelites so it doesn't recede into the shadows.

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I vote for the shutters!

I think the shutters add dimension and character to your home. One suggestion, though: I think that your interior window treatments need to present the same color to the exterior of your home. Also, I agree that the front door needs to be more visually prominent (lighter, more colorful perhaps), and more and varied-height landscaping in the front planting bed. Lovely home, with so much to work with!

Thanks for your comments

Another vote for the shutters. The detail around the windows is hard to see now that it’s whitewashed so I agree it needs some dimension. Very pretty.

Thanks for your input! The house isn’t quite finished in these pics - still not finished thanks to the rain.

Install shutters where you can, but did you really whitewash the brick and not have the roof cleaned first?

Select a soft color for the shutters like this grayish green.

Thanks - the roof is going to be cleaned but it just hasn’t been done yet