purrus - very very very nice! I also like all the neutral tones in the room. well done. scoutfinch - I first primed with BM All Purpose Fresh Start primer and then 2 coats of BM Aura 'Black' in eggshell finish. I don't use my F/P so heat-resistant issues didn't cross my mind, but something for you to check on if you do. Black heat-resistant paint should be easy to get, because it is available for gas grills. Personally, I don't think it would be necessary, but who knows. jamies - it is not hard at all to add a little faux texture to your bricks yourself. I think you would get a big improvement. you can go lighter or darker or even stay close to the existing color. You can just do a touch or go heavy. Its so flexible and so easy. Just be very random (in a controlled sort of way). Maintain the grout lines. I think in my link above, I described how I did mine.

Mmmmm, I love that panelling, it appears to be very good quality, and I would definitely keep it as is. It appears that you have plenty of light to keep the room from being dark. Wood-panelled walls along with wood flooring was a staple of the bungalows of the early 20th century as well as for hundreds and hundreds of years in Europe! Personally, I think having some contrast between the floor and the wall panelling is a good idea; using an inlaid border is a great way to transition from one color of wood flooring to another. Area rugs, window treatments, upholstery (get some more color in there besides the brown leather), and artwork will add color and break up the wood tones.

Thank you Betsy! I really do love the aesthetic of Studio McGee. I've been using their work as inspirational images. I also appreciate your suggestions for the stairs and the beams. Now my question is what should we do about the color in the rest of our house? Can we keep it the same and fine a white that will go with it or do we have to paint everything else as well?

You've got some nice wood pieces. Did your father make most all of them? Regarding the paint color. I always feel paint color should be decided once everything is selected. I'm guessing that the Builder has a couple of paint selections that were chosen to go with the finishes that are being offered so if I were you at this point I would make notes as you are doing but wait to see what you select for the other finishes and then see if the Builder's paint colors will work for you. If none of them do, at that point you can determine if you are going to "up-grade" (he may not even offer the opportunity for you to stray from the color choices) or just paint the walls a non-descriptive color and have them painted later with your own painter. When is your meeting at the Design Center?