<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><md>Thank you!

This isn't what I am suggesting for your home. It is an excellent example of what I think you are expressing in the above post regarding the "friend" to the main house. In this case the materials vary and the colors are different but are connected with the window trim (red) and the board and batten gable end as well as the friend house being board and batten. BTW, this is one of my favorites here on houzz. I happen to love these colors, but I don't think it would work with your home. But the concept is beautiful. I like what Beverly suggests as the color combos for your home - white and gray. Or possibly you could go with a yellow and gray.

We will be building a big wood covered porch. The wood will come from giant cedar we have to take down. Do you think that will be enough of the wood element? I have also thought about doing a cedar trim around the windows and doors, too much? What about no trim? With the windows being black that might just be enough. Sorry for the rambling questions and thank you so much for the help! I also love the Ikea chairs :)

I know you said you don't plan on painting the paneling but I just want to show you how an updated MCM vibe can look like... Painted the paneling in a dark grey, walls a warm white ! Note: I don't know what the terracotta colour of the mantel and fireplace surround is made of so I just show it in white but perhaps that can be a wood colour to match the shelves.