It would be nice to have accurate measurements, especially for that stairway entry/landing area and just outside it. Until we know more accurately, I just offer a small riff on Lisa's great plan. A 33" fridge allows the Hoosier cabinet to be enjoyed from the dining room. I really like the idea of a door from the office. One can work in the office and keep an eye on items cooking If kids are in the future, the office can become a playroom and one can cook and keep an eye on the kids. A 12" deep pantry cab next to the DW with the one Lisa put across the aisle will be more than enough storage for everyday dishes and glasses. I would install a drawer in the middle of each for utensils. I think I'd do glass doors on top with solid on the bottom. About the two tall dish pantries, something like this for the drawer placement. And the pink represents where I would consider putting windows on the sides instead of a solid panel. You could do it just on the one side facing the kitchen. Or on both sides. If done on both sides, the light from the window on the stair landing would filter through contributing to keeping the kitchen light and airy. Not knowing what they intend to use the basement for, I've wondered about the wisdom of closing off that exterior door. It seems like there would be times when it would be so convenient to have it like if something big needs to be hauled to or from the basement. It gives a nice straight shot instead of having to somehow squeeze it around tight corners. And safety issues. Also, what if you're cooking and burn something? Even with a good hood, the more windows and doors you can open to eliminate the smoke, the better. I simply wouldn't want to lose the close exterior access point just so I could have a table and chairs right outside that door to enjoy my coffee on a summer morning, eat lunch or dinner, or sit outside with a book while waiting for dinner to be ready, whatever. Or what about when you want to BBQ? Nice to have outside access right next to the kitchen for that. I just like outside! And I don't see any reason to lose that access point. Also, if there is an emergency, like a fire or an intruder, the more you have outside access locations, the better. That's another reason why I would also like to see the pocket door for the office on that landing. No, I don't live in Paranoia Land but, rather, by the Scout motto. I think when you're remodeling it's good to consider these kinds of issues and plan for escape routes for worst case scenario situations if it can be done at reasonable cost and effort.

Thanks for the input again! I really appreciate you helping me think through it and giving such thoughtful insight! Robo- I really appreciate the time you took to make a mock-up with the clapboard going around the side! I think I prefer that look on the front and if we go with any board and batten, it would be on the front gables. I looked around at a bunch of houses online and reached the conclusion that I prefer the look of clapboard all around. To my eye, I agree with Olychick and that just changing the siding as you round the corner looks more like a cost cutting measure (or siding indecision, especially since we already did the back in clapboard!), rather than it having any kind of real impact as far as design is concerned. Hopefully we can come up with a plan to eventually add some interest to the front of the house, with some stone and some kind of accent in the gables. I'll have to come back and ask for some ideas for stone placement etc. The cantilevered bump-out has me a bit stumped! Olychick - would you mind sharing where you are from? Your shake sided house sounds really lovely! I don't think I've ever seen a fully shake sided house here. I did ask my parents if the trend in the northeast is to use different material on the front vs the sides and back and they said yes, but it is usually like we said - the nice stuff on the front and cheap on the rest. My dad is in real estate, so they definitely see some houses! I wonder if the same trends extend to pricier homes, though. We have some very large, gated mansion type homes near us. I'll have to start noticing their exterior choices and see if there is a difference.

My opinions only. OP, it's a little difficult to know what you mean by making the siding more modern. But to answer your specific questions: 1) Should I alternate siding materials? No. IMO alternating siding material can be done well but for the most part is poorly executed. From what I have seen it becomes a jumble of materials that detracts from the house. 2) Should we incorporate stone? No. Board and batten siding is classic and timeless. Stone is a passing fad in its current application, especially now with it being added to places where it doesn't belong. Don't get me wrong, stone can be appropriate and also classic, but not the way it is thrown about now on the exterior as some sort of stick on applique. Scroll through houzz's images to see which contemporary board and batten home appeals to you. Here is one in white that is contemporary. Naturally you would look for colors that you prefer (dark) rather than the white shown below. This is just to give you an idea of contemporary board and batten siding appearance.

You get an exterior designer to draw what you want not your hubby and not your contractor and IMO you do nothing until you can see what this will look like. I agree all one siding material or for ever the addition will look like an add on. I like the idea of the portico but those windows need replacing and if you want the faarmhouse “look those shutters need to go. I have no idea whay an aluminum roof on the portico IMO it should match the rest of the roof.To be honest all this work will be hidden if you do not remove some of that overgrowth and replace it with foundation plantings. IMO all calpboard would be the perfect choice for siding everywhere and I would have done white . I need to see the stone for the cimney but IMO if farmhouse it the look you want don’t bother with the stone.