Phila, Here's the deal. I am looking at a wood that is distressed (marks, wire brushing, worm holes, etc). They told me that the cabin grade wood "could inclue knot holes, mineral streals, or other imperfections, but will not be broken, smashed or cracked." From this description I was kind of under the impression that since it was already a distressed wood, these would be easier to blend into the floor. Plus I like it because it is 35% of the cost of the "top grade" in the same wood. I am not expecting perfection, but I just don't want to get stuck with a floor that screams "Cheap!"

Lovely views, too. Yes, a wood floor would be way too much wood. How about a light colored tile floor? Or simply replace the carpeting with new carpet for a warm feel underfoot?

Grays and blues and lighter colors usually are more likely to make me think of the beach. http://www.airm-bg.org/medium/modern-two-storey-house-designs-modern-house-design-in-2-story-home-plans-beach_1510946260_420x460_267c5fc73100d155.jpg The board/bat look goes well with modern steel roofing. Lighter color roofing will reflect sunlight and heat more than darker colors. Choosing two shades of gray for your siding and roofing and using the red you like for the front door is worth considering. A front porch is a good idea for any home, especially true for a two story one. Having the gable roof over the extension on the front of the house that is being created for the stairs extend over the front door could increase curb appeal. Some things to consider with regard to how large any stoop or front porch (or sun room or deck) should be: Which side of the house has the better view; which side is north, east, south, west; which side of the house overlooks road and/or garage and/or parking and which side of the house will be the main entrance, including in rainy weather. Let us know how your project is progressing.

Of course the walls or ceiling can be stained to better coordinate one of the other elements. It’s going to boil down to time and $ - typically people shy away from restaining walls or ceiling because it’s very very labor intensive. Also, if the walls and ceiling were the same species of wood it could be slightly easier (which they are not). I personally love a well coordinated wood environment (the OP has lots of pics in their ideabook that show this). If they want to embark on that journey I applaud them. They are first time renovators so all of the cans of worms will be opened on this one - typically you want to start w the ceilings and work your way down (think about damaging your new floors once you do tackle walls or ceilings). Again, a good local pro for a few hours could set them on the right track to develop a master plan and a sequence.