The OP asked for more character and the wife hates it. Are they the only ones allowed to find fault with the house? Is it not OK for us to agree with them and offer a design critique?

This discussion is unlikely to help the owners but there's no reason it can't be a learning opportunity for the rest of us.

Here's some experienced professional advice: don't build a house your wife hates.

If she's not happy, no one's gonna be happy.