I think the existing windows fit the style of the house. I also agree with your husband that a beautiful wood door will look great with the stone. Once you do the stone, the house will look balance. Then with some interesting landscaping in the yard and along the driveway and you'll have a good looking home!

I agree, I think the window fits the style home. I think you need to add color to the landscaping. Consider some large planters especially where the siding is missing. If there was a way of replacing the door or at least the side lights that would help. If not paint a deep red color, add some lighting and place a wreath or hanging on the door with a colorful mat. Perhaps center a window box which sits on a stand under windows and place where the siding is missing.

Hello Heidi Schmidt, I would keep the the existing windows at the front, If I am correct it looks like you have the door wall ready for your cultured stone?? I would stick to a nice charcoal stone, possibly something with a bit of deep brown running through it..
I would also go with husband's idea with a nice rich stained wood door..A black door with a charcoal rock would really just blend, you want your front door to stand out.
Also, you can add black accents around the house with outdoor pots/furniture etc. You need to create depth in the front with the landscaping. You have the opportunity to add big pots of flowers along the front of the two small windows..Fill the garden in front of the large windows, it looks quite sparce..
I love your chimney..Hope this gives you a few ideas..

I vote earth tones for the rock-work (to go w/the roofing color)! (I love the roofing material!) Because the front door is surrounded by white trim, as are the windows, if you painted your door any color other than white--what color would you paint around the side-lights flanking the door?
BTW--I love the windows--please don't change them!

Thanks for the input. We are wanting to go with a craftsman style home. Yes, we have a scratch coat of cement, ready for cultured stone. As for the existing tile roof, it needs to be replaced so we are going to go with a black steel roof. Shingles will be way too expensive. The bottom windows will be staying but the top ones we really would like gone. My leather furniture are suffering from them. They are faded from the sun. And in the winter that room is sooooo cold, you freeze.

Where the two windows are and over in front of the porch on the left hand side is two planter boxes all along them. We had a row of boxwood shrubs there but they are out right now because of construction.

We also have a new door to install. I've attached a photo of it (door only).

Keep the ideas coming!