My interior used to be 'casual farmhouse' style, but since the 2 yo grandson came to stay, it might best be described as 'baby clutter'. It's slowly evolving to 'toddler clutter' which I'm sure will eventually descend into 'little boy camp style' followed by 'teenager'. Just as when my own children were still at home, my life revolves around the child in the house and that childs needs, this little guy is the cream in my coffee. The garden style used to be 'tidy farmhouse cottage' but in the past 9 months it has become 'benign neglect.' It still has many beautiful flowers and good structure as a result of 10 years of hard work and careful tending to beds and walkways. But the walkways are still full of last years leaves, the spring bulbs are pushing up through last years dead foliage and ground covers are leaping over edgings and scampering across pathways with joyful abandon. DH and I do very well sharing responsibilities in caring for the little darling-and he is definitely a high-maintenance little dude. I think he could disassemble the lawn mower or climb up onto the roof if we didn't watch him every minute. But that extra duty has cut all of our outdoor time in half. The one sanctuary that I have is my little greenhouse. It's 10'x12' of quiet solitude for me and I actually get to go out there about 4-5 times a week. I can only go out there after DH gets home cause if I take the little darling he wants to swim in the galvanized tub that's currently full of slime and goldfish. The fish will be going back out to their pond this weekend and I will be able to use the slimey water to nourish my plants. then I'll just have to find a tall and strong enough barrier to keep the LD out of the pond. When my three daughters were small I could tell them one time to not do something and they wouldn't do it. Not this guy, telling him not to do something is all the inspiration he needs to set his mind to do it. But hey, he's two, he's a handful, he's delightful and wonderful. I wouldn't want him any other way. Cheryl

I should have stated that I've already had one set of plans drawn up in a great shingle style house, but it was too big and too expensive when it got priced out. And I also had a gut feeling that wasn't content with that style exactly. I really like it but just not sure it would do it for me to live in that house. That's why I posted - I'm wondering what to do with a person (me) who likes too many things! Renovator, we have already addressed most of your great questions. I'm just struggling with what feels like "home" to me - what makes me LOVE a house and not just like it, you know? It's been an interesting experience! And I already have an architect ... two in fact. We recently moved and I have been working some with my "old" architect in Ohio (we used her for lots of projects there) and also with my new one here in Illinois. Both are women who work part time from hom but have extensive experience - one is an architectural engineer (Ohio) and does extensive remodeling and addition work, although she's done several whole houses. The other spent years in an arch firm and also has a architect hubby who has been helpful, as well. They are both extremely reasonable on an hourly basis and like to have the other look over their thoughts. It's been helpful. And yes, I'm paying them both, but it's not outrageous ... yet. I think the problem isn't the architects, it's ME! ;) But I took some great advice off here and went to Illinois architect yesterday and said, "floor plan only" and which of course she totally agreed was the right course of action for now. We did come up with some great ideas.

I think black will have staying power so long as the finishes wont fade. Painting is the typical method for vinyl, fiberglass and even clad products. We are seeing alot of our customers asking about black so you are not alone in your thinking. Might i suggest an acrylic exterior foil if it is an option in your market rather than paint. Used in Europe for years these foils have heat reflective “cooler” surfaces which help to prevent excessive heat build up and color stability. They may cost more initially but the unmeasurable delta change is worth the investment even if the black goes out of style.

A powder room does not benefit from any barn door no matter the style of the door. Interior doors? Should match. An entry door is chosen to suit the exterior of the home. ..........and if the inside of that home will have a design intent somewhat unsuited, or wildly unexpected? Simple is best. The wood mission posted, has nothing in common with the entry door you posted,other than it IS a door. Design is editing. Don't "isolate" just to be different. Harmony is the good friend of unity. Too, there is nothing particularly "modern" about a mission/craftsman door. In OR out. I think you are a bit too much ......all over the place ......versus honed in on a feel and style for either interior or exterior.