ANOTHER QUESTION ABOUT OTHER BATHS: I've been focusing on the master bath so much that I've neglected the other baths. For the other baths, we will have the same faux porcelain tile on the floor (straight set) and in the tub/shower (straight set). There will be shower curtains so no glass. Same cabinets and countertop as above. I was just going to do the standard 4 inch granite backsplash, but now I'm wondering if I should do something different. BUT I want it to be low maintenance and inexpensive. Keep in mind one of the baths is a kids bath and will have a lot of use. This is what I've considered so far: 2x2 tumbled travertine with matching pencil liner (but will require maintenance and probably expensive): [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/bathrooms-traditional-bathroom-dallas-phvw-vp~124576) [traditional bathroom design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2107) by dallas general contractor Hatfield Builders & Remodelers Granite backsplash with curved edges: [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/finley-traditional-bathroom-san-francisco-phvw-vp~141701) [traditional bathroom design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2107) by san francisco kitchen and bath The Mirror Gallery, Kitchen and Bathroom Design OR taking the floor tile and cutting into 4x12 with some kind of matching liner. I've also considered just doing the standard 4 inch granite backsplash and then stepping it up with a really nice mirror. WHAT DO YOU THINK? ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Thanks budge! Oh cliff and joann! I have always loved your deck and yard. I only dream of having one as nice. As far as the deck, the reason it looks so bad is it went through alot with the remodel, the dogs' scooby doo impersonations and a bad choice of a dark color (by me.) The dogs don't "go" on the deck. (I think that would be Oceanna's.) I do want to work on it as soon as the weather cooperates so thanks for the advice/instructions. AS far as tables, I do have a dining set with six chairs on the other side of the deck and two adirondacks on a small patio. For the wicker set area I have one side table and would like to make another one. (I spent so much money on the equipment and need to use it!) Then I was thinking of a big ottoman in the middle that could also serve as a table if you put a tray on it. Here is my DIY table: Here is a pic of the dining set with a little snow: This pic was taken earlier this season. The bad news is that there is even more snow out there today :( I really love the privacy side of your deck. Is that freestanding or built in?

Thanks everyone for the great tips. I'll drop the red trim idea. FWIW, here's an old picture before we repainted (pardon the car in the front, we'd just bought a Prius. Matches the trim of the house, lol). FWIW, I hated that bright red trim, though at Xmas the door looked pretty with a wreath. Brown Dog thanks for all the tips. (on the mock up, I ran out of time. I actually am supposed to be doing something else right now, now getting sucked into Houzz! ;) Thanks for the point of all the design elements fitting together. That's good advice. BTW, yes my gardening style is "controlled chaos." In that shot, the sweet peas were running a muck. ;) Another question: I am keeping these original windows but in the back, adding Marvin Ultimate (wood interior, alum exterior). The windows will be trimmed out to match the front. What color should I choose for the aluminum cladding in back/ I'm considering Coconut Cream, but there is Stone White or another ivory, Sierra White. thanks! https://www.marvin.com/our-products/options/exterior-finishes

You only posted one picture. It's hard to reference what you are referring to. Provide pictures of the complete exterior so we have some reference as to how you approach the home. Where is the driveway?