Well, the good thing is that there will be no transition issue on the 2nd floor (main living area) - since the mouldings are this 'tan' color, and I love the combination. This is why I decided to do the 1st floor the same, to keep the look of the foyer and main living area the same. I am convinced to paint the stringers tan as well. I will report on how it will look. Tomorrow will have to talk to my contractor about repainting - see how much he will ask (sigh). The good thing though is this is the first (!) time ever I am redoing something at extra-charge. My whole house - 3 floors - was remodelled with literally no mistakes, so I guess this is the one that I will have to pay extra for. But I am happy that I will have what I like!

I think Hale Navy is a great color. I don't see why it would not work with Linen White. Posters on the vertical walls will tie it together and add more color.

With the gauntlet gray on the siding, and white on the trim, windows, and post, I'd keep the garage doors white. I think the contrast would be nice since they are surrounded by the stone, but the gauntlet gray could also work. I'd order them in white and you can decide when they're installed. You could use white on the front door, but I think that would look really bland. I'd either choose a stained finish or pick a color you like so it becomes a focal point. Red, blue, or black could work. You never said what color your roof was. Hopefully it's a dark charcoal, darker than the gauntlet gray?

I don't understand why you need to consider your neighbor's house in deciding on the color of yours? First of all, you are far enough away that it doesn't affect you, and second, it just doesn't matter. Have you ever been to Litchfield,CT? All the homes there are white with black shutters and it is a lovely, charming community. Almost all the homes in my area of Eastern Long Island are gray shingles, with some outliers, but it's a beautiful neighborhood. So do what you want for your house. Personally, I think your house would look nice in a light or medium gray with dark shutters. I'd stay away from the very dark ones. But that's just me.