Ultimately, you have to go with what you like. Personally, I like the all brick look you've mocked up. It's classic and durable. I didn't even notice the almond windows and when I did look at them, they looked very nice. Speaking for myself, I don't generally care for the white siding but it sound like you do! You should go with it if that's what you're looking for.

Since you already have white gutters, malhgold, maybe this isn't an issue for you. Maybe they stay looking good longer in your area than in mine. You can always ask your painters how well white gutters fare in your area and then decide. But if you want options, you can paint the trim below the gutters white (or cream) and paint the gutters in a color that closely matches your roof. Or you could paint the gutters the same as your house color. It all depends on whether you want to make the gutters - a functional feature - stand out as an architectural feature or give prominence to the real architectural features on your home. As for downspouts, I'd paint them the same color as whatever they are resting on: trim color if they are on top of trim or house color if they hang down in front of siding. I never used to see it this way but I'm with laurainlincoln now. Gutters aren't architectural, they're a necessity and I don't want to draw attention to them. Unless they're copper gutters with artistic downspouts like gushing dragons' mouths. Then heck yeah, make them babies stand out, they cost enough! LOL Anyway, I see gutters in the same light as electrical outlets in a kitchen's backsplash. Extremely useful, couldn't live without them but I don't want to focus attention on them. One more thing. Previously our gutters were painted a midnight blue. We noticed when we were getting ready to paint that they also looked more tired than the rest of the house, however their darker color better hid that fact. Your home may be simpler in style than the house in BM's brochure but it's still very lovely!

I agree, the Pearl is too yellow. Still trying to decide between the Antique Parchment and Linen :). I reached a new low as I knocked on doors in the rain, asking if I could hold paint samples up to trim. For better or worse I told the installer we'd use the Teakwood! I felt relieved for about a minute....and then started thinking things like: is it too dark? Is there a PURPLE undertone???? Is the finish too flat? Ha! I might be certifiable! Wish I was someone who didn't care. I might have an ugly house, but I'd be blissfully oblivious :) Well, I guess another option would be having enough money to hire someone like Maria Killam... This line of siding is special order (the warehouse doesn't stock it yet), so we needed to order in advance. I worked up enough nerve to ask our installer (a relative) if the trim wrap was special order, too. It's not, so I have more time to think over the trim color! It's been rainy today and yesterday, so I'm especially glad to have more time since I'd like to be sure I like the trim color when there is some sun. I really wish we could do it all a step at a time - windows installed first, then siding up, then pick a trim color. Seems like it would be easier than trying to envision it ALL. Thanks again for all the help!

thanks! grey-greens now that's an idea, I will look into it! nothing is really finished yet but I'll try and post a good shot of the kitchen and bathroom soon. the pink bathroom was definitely what clinched the place for me!