I went over to our build site yesterday and I have to say, I was a little disappointed in the progress. I think I have to just get over it, though. :) They are drywalling and mudding and I really wanted it to ALL be done and it is not. I know this is time intensive, especially considering all my windows are drywall return, so I am trying to be grateful that what is done looks great but I wanted more. How selfish of me! On the bright side, it is amazing how much different the space looks at each step. Framed walls were amazing, I could feel the house taking shape. Insulated interior walls were fascinating, the immediate warmth and quietness they brought to the space, it was such a cozy, blanketed feeling. Now the drywall, and I could walk around and really use the space. It became so much easier to move to thinking about paint colors. I have to really work that list.

@lyfia absolutely beautiful! Good luck deciding a site! Our major deciding factor was how close water and electric were. I had four sites picked out. One had our old farmhouse but we would have had to take out some gorgeous huge hackberry trees and clean out the farmhouse. And the other two spots were much farther from rural water and electric. We decided we didn't want to pay to put poles in or run water line that far. (plus the hubby didn't want to tear out any fencing lol!) @Trish Walter that is terrible. I hope he heals quickly! @Joanna we have septic going in but I'm not sure what that post is in the snow at your home? Is that a vent pipe or electric hook up? Our septic is a simple concrete tank with laterals. But there is no electrical going to it and there is a 3" pipe that sets up between the house and tank where you can clean it out if you get a back up/clog. @NYCish love your choices for window shades! How wonderful to spend the holidays in your new home. We are getting discouraged. It is so hard to make decisions out in a rural area because they only have a few things in stock at the local stores. I think I'm just going to have our flooring finished on site since I can't find the perfect golden color in random widths. Of course the flooring I fell in love is now discontinued so finishing on site sounds even better. (wish we would have ordered it this summer) Sorry for the rant but I'm struggling out here.

Try pressure washing the stone and concrete. Would not paint or white wash either. You could use the existing steps and sidewalk as a foundation to which you could attach pavers of your choosing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c385eN9Tvqw Gray siding wouldn't necessarily be the best color with a brown roof but if you're hoping to swap out the roof within the next few y ears, you might be able to paint the brown roof shingles a dark gray or black until you can replace it and go ahead and get the gray you prefer. https://www.google.com/search?q=How+to+paint++roof+shingles&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwiyy_zbmrnoAhXGM1MKHUrTDcQQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=How+to+paint++roof+shingles&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzIECAAQGDoECAAQQzoCCAA6BQgAEIMBOgYIABAIEB46BAgAEB5QujlY3Wtg3nVoAXAAeACAAf4BiAHiDJIBBjEzLjEuMpgBAKABAaoBC2d3cy13aXotaW1n&sclient=img&ei=VS99XvLMEcbnzALKpregDA&bih=628&biw=1366 Your window frames are dark. Would not add shutters. Consider adding white frame boards all around the windows instead. For the large blank area on the left, consider adding pressed metal exterior wall art. https://www.touchofclass.com/marielle-tree-wall-art-brown/p/H373-001/ https://www.google.com/search?q=pressed+metal+exterior+wall+art++sunshine&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwj0sbaznLnoAhVCh1MKHXlRDRoQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=pressed+metal+exterior+wall+art++sunshine&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQA1CU_wRYtIsFYMDvBWgBcAB4AIABXIgBzAWSAQE5mAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWc&sclient=img&ei=GTF9XrTBB8KOzgL5orXQAQ&bih=628&biw=1366 When your new siding and painting is done, your landscaping choices will make a huge difference. If Aucuba bushes will grow in your planting zone, they would be a good cover for your stone -- they keep their leaves and look good year round.

Jinx 3 hours ago I replied on the other thread about the decor, but was thinking more on *why* .... I think, as per typical with our society now, it’s about shock value and getting attention — which is why they hired this guy. Extreme just for the sake of being extreme. Not thoughtful, not thinking of people who might live there, not caring if it‘s pleasing. Instant decor, using the trendiest styles possible. HGTV is catering to the young social media demographic here, not us old farts. :D ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian has been their go-to designer for the Dream/Urban Oasis homes for awhile now I would love to know how much HGTV/producers play into the ID of the project I have seen other projects Brian has done... and while not my style, I could appreciate his work. I thought this kitchen was such a miss in the Portland, ME Urban Oasis home . Horrible work triangle https://www.hgtv.com/sweepstakes/hgtv-urban-oasis/2020/hgtv-urban-oasis-2020-kitchen-pictures