Dara, as you know, many homes in that part of the country are shingle style, many with gambrel (barn style) roofs, so you may want to consider stripping off the existing horiz lap siding, then running bold horizontal trim at the floor line of the two-story massing and then adding shingles. In terms of scale of elements, your existing wall plate heights only allow you so much flexibility, with respect to changing out columns and other stylistic elements, in terms of proportions. Features like oriel window projections can be used, if proportionate to the major elements. Here are a couple of examples of homes of that style, illustrating the standard kit of parts that are used. Anything is possible, if within reason and budget. I wish you well in your pursuits.