Here's one thing I forgot to think about. We use our front door a lot. There are fallen petals right outside the front door about 8 months of the year, and they get tracked into the house all the time. As to the dormant period, which is only about six weeks here (right after pruning) the bare canes look surprisingly good when nicely and neatly arranged. People even comment on how interesting the structure of the rose is when leafless. But think carefully about that fallen petal issue. I keep a broom by the front door now. Have to. If your archway is away from the front door, it's not so much of an issue.

Congratulations on your new home! It sounds lovely. My favorite style of home. I'll echo what the others have said- if you want flowers, you will have insects. You will need a trellis of some sort to support your vines so that your stucco is not damaged. White roses don't show up very well against white stucco. Take a look at climbing Westerland rose to see if you like the color. Bougainvillea gets very, very big, and has thorns, and requires much pruning, and makes huge messes, so I'm not sure I'd go with that. Trumpet vines come to mind. They come in red, yellow, lavender, and white. Some are more difficult to control than others. An easy to control choice is star jasmine, which has pretty foliage when it is not in bloom. Another option is to plant tropical/mediterranean plants, one on each side of your arch, that will grow tall. Here is a link that might be useful: Climbing Westerland at HMF

I have marble at the front door and I plan on putting the laminate right up next to it on both sides (great room and dining rooms die). That is very common in homes. However, I have the same concern at my back door off the garage. That is used as much if not more than the front door. I don't want a tiny little spot for tile, so I am running the laminate all the way to the back door. I just plan on putting a large rug back there to catch the snow, dirt, water from shoes and boots. I would have one there if there was tile too.

MCPS, that is almost exactly the same amount we are thinking about tiling so your picture helps give a good perspective. Thanks so much! KSWL, I agree that it may look too busy with more than one material. To make matters worse, this area is also the landing to our carpeted stairs so it would be THREE materials meeting up there. Hmmmmm, certainly gives me some things to ponder. If anyone else has input or pictures please don't hesitate. Thanks so much for the responses! Tammy