I agree with you on the windows, and like both of your ideas. I really wish I would’ve reached out sooner! The dormer was smaller and had to Be enlarged because ceilings ended up being too short upstairs at the clipped points and this brought everything up. Unfortunately, windows were already ordered and framing done. Now I am trying to minimize the odd look! We initially were planning on batten board siding, but am thinking at least on the dormer I need to take it horizontal.

I am at a loss for color. I like a simple, clean look. I was initially thinking white with a square shape natural stone. But, I also like the monochromatic dark houses I am seeing. Should I leave stone and brick off? You’re saying leave it off of the front and back of the house on the porch areas?

Thanks for the help.

Do not do any brick on the walls. As PPF said, do it only around the base of the house both front and back.

What colors do you like?

I’m going to listen to the pros and keep the brick/stone off of the front. Do I need it around base? Would it look better to leave off completely? I do not like red brick or any of the modern ledge stone.

I like white or a dark grey.

Consider having the openings reframed, spreading the windows out, and using a wide trim between them.

You do not need any masonry, but it does look good wrapping the foundation -- but only if it wraps the house. Leave it off if you only plan on doing the front.

Thank you drawing up

Do you have any color or siding style input?

Before you decide, what are the colors of the houses surrounding you? I have a house to paint myself, so I don't want to my house to be the same color as the house next to me. Just a thought. Also, choose a color that will "fit" your neighborhood, even if you decide to go unique. For instance, is your home near the ocean, in the mountains, in traditional suburbia, etc. Try to find pictures online or in magazines of a house exteriors that remind you of your house. How do YOU think different colors look on a similar style of home? You might also find a local hardware store or place like Sherwin Williams that has an app where they can scan a picture of your house or exterior plan into their computer and click different colors to show you what they will look like. But the most important thing is what YOU like as a color choice in the end. Have fun!

Do you have an architect, designer or builder design center to go for first hand options and help?

If you like dark grey then do dark grey with white trim. Always a classic and will look great with your black windows. Then pick a fun color for the exterior doors.

By the way, my home is in Georgia, near the coast. It's a Nantucket Cottage/Bungalow style home. I'm thinking a bright yellow or blue/grey, since those colors are not already taken in my neighborhood.

All great advice. We are in a Midwest country setting. The house is (will be) on a street with five other homes. The only house already there has natural cedar siding.

SL, when our neighbors had 5 sample colors on the wall, we never dreamed they'd choose the same color as the house next door! (Lighter, but not by much)

"...Do you have any color or siding style input?..."

--Less finish materials is almost always better than more finish materials

--Unless using brick is mandatory, I'd completely omit any brick. If you find brick attractive, I'd limit it to a "foundation course", approximately 2-feet above grade, but only if you're prepared to install it on all sides of the house. Stone masonry is more expensive than brick, but the same comments apply to its usage.

--Painted vertical board and batten is a timeless and always appealing siding...on all sides of the house. Paint color can be a warm white, an earth tone neutral or a carefully selected color (but not any color). Trim can contrast or blend as desired. Garage doors should always match the siding color, so as to minimize the visual bulk and scale of large garage doors.

--Standing seam or the less expensive V-crimp metal roofing is always a timeless and appealing roofing. Various colors are available. If the upper roofing is asphalt shingle (I can't read the notes on the drawing), it should be a "solid" harmonious color and not a "variegated" or "blended" color which will contrast and not be compatible with the metal roofing.

--Front door can be a harmonious stronger color or neutral, or even simply match your trim color.

You really need someone to help you assemble a finishes board, which we cannot do on this forum since it is so visual and varies in appearance from sunlight to shade.

Good luck on your project.

Thanks for all of your feedback a while ago. Thanks to you all, I had them increase window size and removed the brick from plan. Now That windows are in, I’m still stuck on color.

Hi! My husband and I are building a very similar home to this design. I'd love it if you could share your updated exterior photos and any info you'd like to share on what materials you ended up choosing?? Congrats on building your dream home!

@dcluttrel we still are waiting to finish the exterior and have not finalized colors, however we did make so the following:

1) made windows in the center dormer larger
2) eliminated masonry and opted to go for a simple/modern look. The entire house will
Be batten board cement siding.
3) I am leaning toward an off white color but am still considering going dark And need to find a paint color ASAP—-open to suggestions:)

I will post photos to this thread when we have more complete. Good luck with your project!