The house we’re building

> I love the modern wood planks found on modern homes

What you think is a wood plank - may not be a wood plank at all. Wood is a lot of maintenance. Just saying that some of the paneling today is hard to tell.

I love the house you're doing, but it appears to be more modern farmhouse as opposed to the modern style in the first photo.

let me post a bunch of photos to show you some differences and see what you like.

this is one you had a picture of, but it reminds me of a modern Tudor style. it does combine your horizontal wood in a modern way.

basic modern farmhouse. metal roof accents, and lots of wood accenting. black windows

same, but with stone accent and darker wood

Black fascia, wood doors

more modern by bringing in some slat wood

now I'll bring in some darker colors. notice the black roof, black fascia and garage doors. wood accents, creamy white brick

white brick, black board/batten, black roof, cedar accents

love this one. all black (or a dark charcoal) in the front is a black ledgerstone

black and white combo

you could do dark board/batten

or dark gray siding w/wood accents

don't forget, the fencing can be done in the slat wood w/black pebble

I think (I may be partial) one of the "rules" would be to involve a talented local architect that has an eye for making such mix.

Try to stay away from variations of orange and black when selecting colors, they make for halloween houses.

It could turn out to be a good one as you will end up with a good design

I'd stay with the original design shown. The "modern" look you like just doesn't work with the style of your house. The original is nice and neutral. If you like the now look of "modern" do some on the interior that is inexpensive to change later.

Thank you Beth. I think you actually understood my question. I love all of those!! but I’m not brave enough to go black.. I think your idea of incorporating the slats into the fence is great! Perhaps between fencing and the 8x8 posts on the porch, it will all tie in and give a modern twist. (I forgot to mention, I’m on the fence about doing shutters).

Perhaps I wasn’t clear enough in my original post. What I am looking for are thoughts on substituting “board and batten” siding (that matches the brick like in the first photo) for wood grain slat siding (that contrasts the brick... As shown in the Tudor). I cannot find any photos of anyone doing this on a “modern farmhouse” so I thought there might be a reason.
Also, I’m aware that the slats are not real wood. I would never be bold enough to take that maintenance on. As mentioned in the original post Im considering Hardie Board (cement based siding). Hardie makes board and batten, shaker shingles, but their “slats” are really the same as shown. (A company called Nichiha makes the modern faux cedar slats) Also, my house is far from a “McMansion” lol. 2500sq/ft is an average/good sized home where I live. Perhaps the side facing garage is fooling the eye.
Thanks again everyone! I apologize if my original post wasn’t clear enough. I greatly appreciate all the input!

Beth, thanks also for posting the photo of the house with the black garage and “clay” colored windows!! If I can find a design that looks good without having to pay for black windows I’m doing it! Will save me $4000!! I love that one. We are doing a black roof and I could do a back garage door.. that’s something I could commit to! Adding that to my inspiration photos. Thanks again!!

I'm not sure where you live, but it's not advised to do a black garage door in Florida.

Because of it attracting more heat in the garage or because of fading? I should probably think that through you’re right.. it will be facing west. Lots of shade, but still..

uninsulated garages will get hot no matter what color door.

obviously if you paint, a darker color will fade faster. if you buy a garage door in a darker color that is painted from the factory, it should last longer.

since you have a black roof, i'm sure you'll be using the cool underlayment? I did a dark roof on mine (SoCal) and I have the gel cool roof underlayment. it helps dissipate the heat. Plus, the roof tiles are rated for for hot weather. its a CCR rating? I believe? depending on where you live and what company you go with, they have different tiles/products for each area of the country.

Beth. Thanks for the info on the underlayment. I’m not sure if our contractor has priced that or not.. When I researched black roofs I read that ample attic ventilation impacts heat retention more so than the color of shingle. Since we’re doing our own HVAC I’m having my husband put in extra attic venting. But will definitely look into the cool underlayment now as well. We’re in Oklahoma. Brutal summers and freezing winters. Weatherization and durable materials are a critical.

yes, absolutely.

I went w/Eagle roofing (got the cement tiles) and on the specs it was already rated for higher temps. my roofing guy then told me about he gel underlayment. I think it's from Boral. It's like a double sided sticky thing w/a spongey middle. absorbs the heat and then reflects it back up through the tile or something.

I dunno. what I do know is my home seems cooler than it was w/the old 30 year old roof tiles! And for what I paid for this roof, it better be cooler!

they look light gray, but are actually a dark charcoal/black!

since you're doing asphalt, you prob want to check w/the CRRC (cool roof rating council) and see which shingles are best.

Nerded out on roofing material research today lol. We’d chosen an Owens Corning “high impact” shingle because we can get a reduction in our home insurance for having that (we get hail, high winds, sleet and snow). Owen’s also has the 3M “cool shingles” that you shared above but unfortunately they only come in a few colors and they’re all light. (The “cool” series are the only ones that have the CRRC rating and that meet CA “title 24” regulations.) Hoping our shaded lot and additional ventilation will mitigate the heat in summer. Fortunately it’s only really hot for about 2-3 months out the year.

Hi! Me again! I’m still on the prowl for some faux cedar (fiber cement siding). I have found several examples of this being used on craftsman and modern farmhouse designs so I am getting more confident that this could work.
QUESTION: Who/How can I contact with design help? I’ve searched online but all I’m finding are builders that offer design assistance, and interior designers. Would my best be be to contact a local architect/draftsmen and get their opinion? See below what I found and what I’m working with.

Posting a few more..
I think this might be easier if we weren’t going with brick (looks great with green and darker exteriors). I’m also open to incorporating the cedar by using shakes. I just really like the warmth that cedar or wood brings to a white and black/gray color scheme

I may be able to help you. If you would like to see some options using various materials to see what the finished product would look like check out my web site, Creative Visual Concepts. I do virtual makeovers/finishes to help you determine how you want to proceed.

Thank you! I will visit your website for details, sound promising :)