You are on the right track...get rid of the shutters, beef up the trim around the windows, around the roof line and beef up that column....add trim if possible around the front porch. Put a light fixture over the porch area.

Most of the rest is landscaping issues...Does the sidewalk go to the street? Think about getting rid of the concrete and the straight line....curve the walkway instead, esp if you can get a better view of the front door by doing so. Maybe look into stamped concrete for the walkway. Add plantings...maybe turn the area on the left in front of the window into a patio area with chairs and plantings to add charm.

As far as color, you can go in any direction you like, esp with a white roof. Go to the Ben Moore website and look at their exterior paint combos for some ideas.

I got to get back to work.... it is just your house has such good bones.

Also try the home decorating forum. I do like Daina's yellow version. Big shutters! And yellow!

Not a fan of bright colors on houses, but I guess it depends on where you live. Your house just needs a little contrast, so it stands out a bit. Wider trim and new shutters will look great.

Right now the house has the blaas because the paint choice and roof color don't compliment one another. Even if all you do is paint that little strip of trim up by the roof line a contrasting color, the house would be cheerer. Dark blue, deep red or a rich gray-green would do wonders. Then you can think about painting the main part of the house after you settle in.

The landscape could be easily fixed with a deep garden area in front of the window and the addition of perennials and small evergreens as dainaadele has shown.

The suggestion of a curved walkway in an interesting material is also a good idea.
Diane