For paint, flooring, etc., I would not ignore the stone colors, but rather, find color(s) that blend with them. Some of the stones seem a little orange. Consider a color palette that would play up or tone down the stone colors. How about the colors in the orange/brown stones in the foreground of the picture, toned lighter for paint? Perhaps some shade of the same palette for the porch flooring?

To me the doors are a part of the beauty of the house. I don't see room for shutters with the windows as they are, nor height for a top curve like that of the door.

Is there only stone at the base of the columns or is it elsewhere on the house? Hard to see from your photos which are either very close or very far away. You can stain or paint the stone if you use the correct product.

https://romabio.com/masonry/

Add some pictures to your ideabooks of what you mean by a French look. Not sure what that is. Does something in this article speak to you? https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/exteriors/curb-appeal/country-french-style/

I would not change much with your house. The doors totally fit the style, which I would say lean toward Spanish Mission.

What kind of garage doors are you planning on installing? Wood or wood look?

so, this house is not really a craftsman, but I think I know what you're talking about. I googled "traditional french house" and got really varied results! it would help if you posted some inspiration photos.

it would also help if you post better pictures of your front porch and garden bed area, taken from the driveway. it's really hard to see from what you have above.

I think your color choice sounds lovely. personally, I love black trim with white houses.

I agree that you should remove the curly iron from the door (if it's removable). it's so late-90s "starbucks". replace the glass too.

I think the grey stone flooring is really lovely, I'd keep it for now and concentrate on other details first.

do you think the yellow stones around the column are a veneer? they might be removable. not sure what to suggest replacing the columns with though.

A few more pics:

I probably was mistaken when I called it craftsman. All the stonework, especially in those earthy colors make me think “craftsman”. But yes, we love the view, deegw!

Vivien, yes, the stones seem to have all the colors I don’t like. Beige, white or gray would have been preferable. I’m choosing to ignore the stones for now...but my plan is for my husband to come to the realization that they need to be addressed in a few months...maybe just in time for a joint anniversary gift to each other. (I got to add a hall bath 2 weeks ago to our remodel project as a Mother’s Day gift 😊)

I WISH the windows were curved at the top & longer. Love the shutters for those types of windows!

Partim,
There is more stone. In a low retaining wall on either side of the house. Lots of stone. I added more pics. Any recommendations for colors if we paint the stones?

Houssaon,
The original plan were beautiful wood paneled garage doors. But that plan evolved many times due to cost and issues with matching the smaller golf cart garage, and We eventually just chose simple paneled (steel?) doors that will be painted the same color as the house.

BF,
These are a few of the houses that I’m drawn to. I was hoping to incorporate some blue into this house, even if it’s just planters and maybe shutters, (but I get the feeling they won’t look right with this sort of house🤷🏻‍♀️). About the door...I used to LOVE that style, but my tastes have moved on. We just moved in 2 months ago, so I didn’t pick it. The stones are real, unfortunately. The tile flooring has to be replaced as it’s a tripping hazard due to several broken areas.

Most garage door look better with windows, so I hope you are planing to have them.

searched French Country exteriors on house, seems to me that your stone and colors aren't far off. I think a blue or green trim around the windows and door, and a natural wood door would be great.

Wow, what a view and nice looking house!

I think the surest way to update and change the appearance of your home is to concentrate your efforts at the entrance by adding more glass & eliminating the arches. Paint the framework black and the window frames black and the house white. This house won't do French successfully.

Limewash the stones

http://www.bullockmcintyre.com/#/lake-austin-residence/

how about this stone mosaic rug?!

I would pick a few colours in gray, white and beige from Romabio and go over individual stones, beginning with the orange ones.

Houssaon, no windows. Hopefully we don’t regret it. We decided we were trying to get them to just blend in, and not make a focal point out of the garage.

Thanks for the pic suggestions, Hansen!

Rustynail, thanks! It’s a beautiful view. Lots of sailboats out right now.

BeverlyFLADeziner, those are stunning options. But just more modern than I’m comfortable with. I have very traditional tastes. But the lime washed stones, I love!! I wonder how much that would cost. Any guess?

Partim, is this something I should hire someone to do, or is it a easy enough to do myself?

Google "whitewashing stone" and you'll see lots of youtube how-tos. It doesn't look hard. http://erin-artandgardens.blogspot.com/2013/02/painted-stone-fireplace-before-and-after.html

The limewashing for the stones you can do yourself. Go to the Romabio website and view the videos. Very easy to do.

Your home is contemporary. Don't force it to be something it's not.

this is the stone rug I tried to attach earlier.
Check out this product from houzz - https://www.houzz.com/products/huge-floral-mosaic-rugs-124x177-prvw-vr~105478650

I can see how the stone bases, rafter tails and trim up top of the entry remind you of Craftsman style. However, I think this home is really just a builder's conglomeration of whatever he thought would sell in the area and at the time. It isn't French or Spanish, but you can take it in a new direction it you have the budget for that. I don't think your windows are appropriate for shutters. I like Beverly's rendering of a lime wash. Romabio could be a source for staining the bases if that is real stone and not a faux veneer. You should probably pick out a front door first because that will inform the other choices that will bring all of it into line with a specific style.

Looks like lime washed stone and white stucco with Spanish style doors on this pool house.

Lake Forest Pool House with Stone and Stucco Exterior and Arched Double Door · More Info

Here's a Mediterranean look.

Eurocraft · More Info

Nice traditional iron doors.

Iron Doors & Double Doors · More Info

More Med style

Miami Charm in Highland Park · More Info

I feel like the area either side of the door is too blank. kind of an expensive change, but could windows be added? (only downside is it would personally bug me that the rest of the windows have white frames.)

or move the light fixtures to that wall and add some potted plants?

I’m not a pro, but I think a white and black theme will help undo what you don’t like about this house. It would be hard to make it French Country but you can add French blue accessories to a white house. Changing the front door and installing new side lights will definitely help. Your view is spectacular!

Partim & BevFLADeziner, I’m excited about white washing/lime washing option. In googling it, a local company popped up that uses Romabio. Hopefully it won’t be too pricey, because spending any length of time working in this heat and with all the possible snakes lurking, I’ve decided is not something I want to do myself.

Decoenthusiaste, not much left in the budget for the exterior after all that we are doing inside, (pretty much everything). But yes, it’s real stone. Unfortunately. We removed it from the fireplace and ended up drywalling over it in the guest bathroom. Left it in the guest bedroom though. It was extremely difficult to remove. And I LOVE the idea of putting lanterns (bigger ones!) on either side of the door. rather than back on the posts (we already removed them for painting)

I love the traditional iron door you posted. I’m waiting on a bid to remove the scrolls on my iron door, but keep the iron around the edges. And yes, definitely some planters. I want to remove the cactus and other things, and maybe do some Italian Cypress trees. And get rid of the bubbling fountain...again, snakes! (This is Texas).

RedRyder, thanks! We love the view. It’s definitely the only reason we bought a house that was built 50 years ago. Hoping I might be able to do French blue planters. Just this morning I tried out 5 different “French Blues” on the inside. I was going to try and do white, but it just looks so sterile. My last house was blue (inside) and I loved it.

Thanks EVERYONE, for taking the time to share your advice, I really appreciate it!!!!

I understand how white can make a house look sterile. What about super pale blues or greens? Just a hint could make the house feel warmer. Show some inside photos and maybe a pro can make some paint color suggestions.
As for the door, removing the scrolls might be possible, but the labor might be expensive. Let us know what quotes you get.

Xlarax- any updates?