To my eye, the shutters have a lot of character and functionality. It is a lot of wood, but it’s a look I love. It would be a shame to not make use of them, particularly if you are on the fence about them. I’d bet the money to replace them all could be used in better ways. I’d lighten the look with light upholstery.

Are the shutters all over the house? Maybe just change them in a couple of places and leave the rest.

I dislike shutters and would go with roman shades

Tough decision..I’m leaning towards @Debbi Washburn suggestion of changing out some. You said you have really nice views but tend to leave shutters closed. Is that due to space constraints & the shutters won’t swing back against wall & out of way? The window you show has 3 separate shutters so the middle one looks to be really in the way if opened away from window. That functionality - or lack of- would push me to replace at least those in community living areas. Maybe I’d go with wooden blinds though to blend with shutters in adjoing rooms. You’d still have light control of the wide wooden slats but could pull blinds up for full view.

Of course she would recommend...sorry, mean thought...

You have top notch plantation shutters which operate independently, top/bottom. I can attest to at least $500.00 per window. The install is perfect. Try using them to work with the natural light. Bottom closed always gives privacy; top open lets in light. The light coming into the house is lovely, but the view isn't extraordinary enough to reinvest in Roman shades. And, the shutters only need dusting, not dry cleaning.

As suggested, put your money into a rug or new upholstery. Think Robert Redford (sigh) and Sundance catalog.

Hickory floors...my favorite...no matter the stain (I love Saddle), the wood has so many variants, it works with everything.

Thanks for those tips! That’s a really nice photo. She suggested we change out the carpet in our living room and put in a stone surface. Maybe slate or a travertine. That’s a nice look with that sectional!