I posted this on the other side yesterday and wasn't sure where this discussion was active. Basically I scanned your two posts, but my first thought was that your space was way too crowded with the 4 parterres, and since it looks like you nixed those in favor of the border, can I offer another idea? How about a triangular bed in each corner? I would put a dwarf taller plant (maybe a conifer like a soft cryptomeria) in the corner flanked by the boxwoods for some interest. It would better balance the space instead of just a 'ring' of boxwoods. There are also some really nice variegated dwarf boxwoods (I have some around our pond) that would be a nice complement to your stonework. It would also give your fountain a little more space, not to mention more walking room. You need at least 3' of pathway. I would keep the center fountain/pool/whatever small-ish, but ensure there is some height there in keeping with your house. I love the look of an urn with your home. Are you going to be doing the maintenance on a fountain yourselves? If so, an urn or vessel does require some periodic maintenance to keep leaves out and algae at bay. Not much, just some scrubbing, etc, and winterizing, depending on your climate. Something to keep in mind. It will be beautiful no matter which you choose.

PPF & cpartist - Thank you for the changes!! Kristen and Naf Naf I appreciate all the help. Thanks to everyone for your comments and opinions! Question - On the changes you both made the stone base around the house was still there. Do you recommend keeping that? Still working on the color of the brick. I will attach pictures of 3 of the bricks I have liked thus far. Just scroll right to left below. May go for a lighter option. Any ideas for a brick color? The one that the architect originally did I was not fond of. The dormers on the garage were to allow light in the bonus room so I would opt to keep them. Would you recommend changing the front facing garage dormer from a curved to a rectangular window to keep consistent with the windows? Would shutters on the front windows work - I was not thinking about having them. Front Entrance - I know everyone says to simplify but would you recommend adding some an element to the front door. I found a picture but I would not go as detailed probably. Thoughts on the concept? I just wanted some character but not sure how to go about it. Roof - I will look into Slate. Is it generally very expensive? Sorry for taking so long to reply. I have been working long hours.

Charles, you make a good point about the paint. The idea was to give the contractor a chunk of work he could perform continuously without my delay. The contractor would start when I completed everything in the walls. They start with window/door removal/install, then drywall inside and stucco outside, then paint, then flooring. You’re right though they would need to wait for me to finish the trim to paint that. We may need to paint the trim ourselves unfortunately. I have a graco 495 ultra that I used for the kitchen. I wasted a lot of paint and my sanity in that room to get a perfect finish that I wouldn’t try again, just not enough practice. On the other hand trim is not hard to get right. Just one more thing we will have to do now. I have an active owner-builder permit for this project, so I could hire the trades directly or go with a GC. My thinking was having a GC would get me more competitive pricing, and the quality of work would fall on the GC as well.

Just wondering if bed would go on wall where dressers are and either tall boy or dresser with mirror placed between windows. Is there another wall for the second piece? Would she like a wall hanging and there are tutorials on line as well as lots of combinations. Gives her something interesting to work on, inexpensive and she will have made a contribution to her room. Somewhat whimsical and given the lights around ceiling, thought she might like the idea In regards to lamps, think about complimentary vs the same andTarget has these cute ones at good prices.