I agree that the clapboard siding looks better than the Dutch lap. However, we were told that in the darker colors the dutchlap is more stable because of the heat absorbtion. That advice came from what our builder was told by the rep from Heartland siding. Not sure if other have heard the same or what other experiences people had. Just something to check into.

Agree with lakeerie and millworkman.

Also two things I'd like to see. I tried downloading the photo to show you, but couldn't. Did you upload it with the houzz photo upload?

I personally would love to see it without the bracket. I don't think it needs it, and quite frankly it's so overdone at this point that in 10 years, I feel it will date all the houses that have it.

I also would like to see the stonework lowered a bit so it looks more like just part of the foundation.

CP, I uploaded the picture into my Houzz Ideabook and transferred it from there when I wrote the question. I'm not sure why it wouldn't let you download it.

We had the architect draw up the plans with and without the bracket when we were deciding and it just didn't look right without it. Between the angle of the peak and the window, it was out of proportion and looked odd without. We also tried a decorative vent but didn't like that either. I realize that it will probably look dated eventually but as it's merely decoration, I'd guess it wouldn't be too hard to remove it 20 years from now if we decide to do that. We're also pretty behind the times here in the middle of the country, so I may be able to get away with it for longer. My husband's aunt recently put in golden oak cabinets. LOL :-)

If you upload the photo directly to here we can download it but on the houzz site, we can't.

Since you've already tried it both ways and decided then it's a go the way you prefer and that's a good thing. :) I think it looks fine. I was just thinking ahead, but as you said, you can always remove it in 10 years or so.

Did you also try it with the stonework lowered? Right now, that seems too high to me. I honestly would really like to see that lowered more than I have an opinion on the bracket.

Good point by CP as I was trying to figure what didn't work and the skewed roof threw me but she is correct. The stone is supposed to simulate a water table which traditionally stops at the top of the foundation.

As an architect, I hate vinyl siding. As a home owner, I love vinyl siding . . . to a point. If you chose to side your house in vinyl, there is a chance the vinyl siding will make your house look like a cheap track house no matter what the design of the house looks like. There are ways to reduce the look of vinyl siding and make it look like wood.

1. Conceal the overlapping joints of the vinyl by reducing long uninterrupted runs of wall.

2. Do not use or expose J-channel. J-channel screams vinyl siding. Use trim that has recesses for siding to terminate behind.

3. Eliminate cupping of the surface the vinyl. Use vinyl siding that has foam backing that will give the surface rigidity. Use the thickest vinyl you can find.

There's probably more but I can't think of any at this point.

As an architect, I hate vinyl siding. As a home owner, I love vinyl siding . . . to a point.

I'm currently pondering this point. I'm coming to the conclusion that "maintenance free" really means "tear it off and throw it away at the end of it's useful life, because maintaining it isn't possible." Which brings me to the point of reconsidering other options. Genuine cedar probably IS too much maintenance for us, especially in this climate. But the newer Boral stuff has me intrigued enough to investigate the cost:benefit ratio.