We are currently building a new house (1st time builders) and we are acting as our own GC. Our house faces a large lake across the street. The outside is mostly finished, except for the garage door and door hardware, as well as painting the columns on the porch.

After living in a log house for the past 13 years, I am sick of browns and want this house to have a cooler neutral color scheme so I plan on using grays/creams/blues etc for the interior walls.

The kitchen, breakfast nook, great room, and dining room are all open and the bedrooms are split on different sides if the house. Now it's time to shop and make decisions and this is where I need your help! I'm sorry if these seem like "duh" questions, but this is my one and only chance to get it right!

1-Should all of my door hinges and door knobs match throughout the house?

2- Should all rooms have the cool gray scheme or can I use earth tones in some of the bedrooms and/or bathrooms?

3-My kitchen appliances are all stainless so which fixture finish should I use?

4-If I choose, say, a brushed stainless faucet in the kitchen, can I put an oil rubbed bronze in a bathroom?

5-What color would you suggest for the front door? I really like a black matte entry door handle/lock, but would it be ok if I don't carry the black into the other indoor door knobs?

Im sorry if this is a lot of questions, I'm just scared to make the wrong decision! I'm attaching pics of the original floorplan (we did make some changes) and the outside to help!

Thanks so much!
Donna