There is no way I could give an informed opinion whether or not one element of a design would be out of place without seeing the whole plan for colors, fabrics, materials, furniture, etc.. Taken out of context, lots of design ideas would seem out of place at first blush. I live in a brick house in Georgia and our lower level has brick floors and one wall of 8" (or 10", now I don't remember!) lap siding. It's on the inside of an exterior wall and I think it looks perfect, even though ours is not a farmhouse and I had never seen the shiplap version of this idea on HGTV when it first occurred to me. Walls can be constructed or faced with a variety of materials--- wood, plaster, drywall, glass, stone, tiled with ceramic or stone...l have even seen vinyl panels as walls in a mobile home. In your place I would a design a home that pleases ME and not let my friends' HGTV watching influence it.

what kind of ideas? and what kind of budget? looks like your upper windows need replacing. is that on the list of 'to do' items? landscape designer would go a long way in updating the yard. The front needs proper grading, and planting. and the driveway could use some help. Again, don't know your budget, but those are the things I'd concentrate on first. you can always stain or paint the shakes, but without the yard redo, it's not going to make much of an impact.

Benjamin Moore Santo Domingo Cream, or Butter

Replace black colonial shutters on large window above garage with white bahama shutters.