thanks for the antler link firsthouse_mp! Are you working on another project now? Can't wait to see photos of your new house! I discovered Jessica Martin at a gallery in SF about 6 years ago. I was helping decorate the offices of the company I worked for at the time in and they bought three of her pieces that hung in our SF office. One was very similar to the one you have. I have been yearning for one of her pieces for years, so my husband bought me one of her pieces for Christmas, but it's sitting in a closet right now because we're trying to figure out the best place for it. I need to get some furniture in this house so we can find a spot for it! The house does have ocean and city lights views. And the house also came with a peacock that lives in the yard. I wake up to him at our back door every morning. My dog is getting used to him being around. Here are some recent shots of our progress - we're working on the interior first but the property needs a lot of TLC too:

Ok, I'm back, and refocused. Thanks so much for all the advice (and the football tangent. I'm married to a Steelers fan, so Sunday wasn't a happy day -- record-setting blizzard AND Brady getting another ring). Anyway, I did the rough math and decided that by the time I pay my GC to install and painter to paint my doors, they won't be much cheaper than going with a much better product. Plus, my GC doesn't do exterior doors everyday and I know there's a real benefit to having the experts handle install. I've talked to a few local folks and been advised that HomeGuard is a bit of a better value than Provia -- less expensive and still quite good. I've been quoted $4400 to install factory-painted HomeGuard doors - two 36"x80" flush steel doors plus two 16'x80" sidelites with low E and argon glass. Is this a decent price? And a good way to go? Thanks again.

Whatever that is on the wall opposite the windows likely needs to go. You could begin by adding horizontal boards all across the end wall above the shelving at the same height as the horizontal divide between the lower windows and the smaller upper windows to cover and visually remove the arch -- no need to actually physically alter that space. (Use the same width board as the divider between the windows) Then add vertical tongue and groove paneling above that all across the end wall. https://www.kwaterskibros.com/products/tongue-groove-paneling/ As you panel the area between the horizontal board and the mantel, you could add a pair of (hidden -- no visible hardware) doors with the same look of that paneling to cover the niche and yet permit access to a hidden storage area behind the panels -- about the right size for a pair of fire resistant lock boxes.Then hang your tv via a connection to the wall above the doors -- perhaps on a swing out arm, making it easier to get to your hidden storage. Being able to change the angle of the tv could come in handy if those windows get direct sunlight. If you've not already purchased your furnishings, you might consider a pair of two seat sofas rather than a huge sofa -- that will give you more placement options than larger pieces. DO sit in whatever you buy before you buy it. For the MCM look, choose smaller pieces with crisp uncomplicated lines rather than ornate pieces. While these kinds of MCM look and can be comfortable https://www.totallyfurniture.com/baxton-studio-bianca-mid-century-modern-walnut-wood-dark-brown-distressed-faux-leather-livingroom-sofa-set-bianca-dark-brown-walnut-brown-4pc-set Do consider that they don't have cushioning on the arms of the chairs. I have a 3-pc set (2 seat and 2 chairs) very similar to these (except for a detail where the front of the arm becomes the leg). While they sit comfortably -- seat and back (new) are comfortable and have proven to be very sturdy (actual mid century pieces) after a while you can begin to notice the arms are not upholstered. You'll might also want to make sure the straps beneath the seats are the kind that will last. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mid-century-modern-Chair-Malinche-inspired-/392107501903 Something like this might be preferable. https://www.westelm.com/products/leon-wood-frame-loveseat-h2288/?catalogId=71&sku=5123879&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Furniture%20%3E%20Sofas%20%2B%20Loveseats%20%3E%20All%20Sofas%20%2B%20Loveseats&cm_ite=5123879&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1q_82_Gf5gIVQeDICh3NrQcrEAQYBSABEgKFj_D_BwE

The new door is installed and beautiful...Not painted yet but still beautiful in white. The screen is white too so it almost looks like a white door but the neighbors all see it and and know it's going to be painted and some are stopping to come up and get a better look. We're having second, third, fourth etc...thoughts about the paint color. We're concerned about the contrast with using a dark color on an all white house...Not even color on the roof. We're thinking of a lighter color and aqua is in the mix as are lighter shades of blue. I have time to think about it because my husband still needs to do the walkway and we need to have our driveway cleaned before he'll do that...Just a few things but enough time. So Sarah I'll take a look at the Fresh Mint color. I'm thinking of a cross between pale blue and aqua. Something less intense than I've been thinking. Not as contrasty as a bright jewel tone that I really love but am not sure is right for the door. So thank you all. I'll try and get a pic up so you can see but bear with me...The next 10 days are busy with non-house things so may get sidelined. ANY suggestions are welcome. I'm very open at this point.