Are the windows brown? Do u like the fretwork. I would remove it and bulk out the columns and pave the porch adding planters in front or on porch. Get a shutter company to come measure up and quotes. They should be able to show you brochures.

Removing the fretwork and bulking out the columns as suggested would look beautiful, tiling the porch and maybe topping up the gravel on the driveway would look great, and adding your interior shutters will look beautiful.

What sort of look are you wanting to achieve , would be the first thing I'd ask .

You bought the house presumably because you like some features . Also , it is of a certain age and style , so unless you spend big dollars , thats always going to be your base .

The fence on the left hand side looks to be at least 3 different colours of panels , while the garden shed is another .

For the sake of $200 , I'd be tempted to paint the poles and fretwork a dark charcoal , and do the fences and garden shed the same . The darker tone is on trend , but also it wouldn't stand out as much , and keeps to the era and style , particularly of the darker framed windows . A dark classy look , if you like .

So then it'll be a bit dark and moody , which a lot of people like , with the bonus of the slightly more upmarket windows and fretwork . You can add dark planters as per Julies suggestion , or you can go for big bright sunny coloured pots . You can even do the front door to match -- a bright orange or yellow set amongst the darker colours will look great , and people won't get lost looking for the door haha .