If restoration is the goal then you should try to keep the existing materials. Repair the cement panels if possible. Is the 2nd floor siding in bad shape or is it just the paint? You don't provide any closeup but I don't see warped or cupped boards. Sanding off old paint and repainting would IMO be preferable to changing the siding orientation from vertical to horizontal. I'm answering your question in hopes of bumping it back to the top of the questions. You really need to talk with an architect or remodeler who knows where to find the materials for repair or replacement.

Thank you! That is a great idea about the grey - I think minimizing the white would really help. The landscaping idea is also very clever. I was playing with the house facade last night, and was trying to figure out if anything else could be done with the entry area to brighten it up with an accent color. Now I see your comments about perhaps not doing an accent color may be better. The original house at the back was built in the 1960s and has beautiful wood vaulted ceilings, so the interior has a lot of potential. A very 90s addition was put on the front of the house, with these semi-circle windows and tile roof - so we are trying our best to tie these varying styles together. I appreciate your help! I will check out the links you provided, thank you, Shannon

The brick appears to be hand made of natural clay. It has a nicely varied organic look, coloring and texture. Painting will hide the variation and will also require periodic repainting. Real brick is costly and coveted for its natural appearance and because it does not need painting and is low maintenance. It is an intact focal point for your mid century house. Painting it might give it a 'fresh up to date look' for a short while. But right now it looks good already, it is classic and is authentic for your period home. If necessary you can have it properly cleaned and repointed to keep it intact and make it look fresh again.

@Indecisiveness there will be windows lower in the bedrooms on each wing . We have one side that will open to a courtyard. so this won’t be in any comparison to a basement- that’s for sure. im Sure that was a fun experience! Basement living And a father who did it all himself. That was my life too (minus the basement). My dad would buy and sale quite a lot and we lived in many unfinished homes . He loves those fixer uppers and living in them until they sold. 😂 @Mark Bischak i do understand the garage statement . But having it away from the home gave us more space inside and more light. Would be open to any suggestions for sure. @ourfarmhouse- yes this home has very tall ceilings . Always wanted a two story feel in a one story home. The living room will have metal beams and lined with a light colored wood. The fire place will have a whole wall of rough white brick . @ourfarmhouse at the front of your renderimags- to the left of the orange door. What would this be? Kind of curious. I have already printed them out and wasn’t sure. as for the garage. It just wouldn’t fit pulled into the house now that we’ve added a mud room . so you like that flat roof wirh breeze way. Or do you see a different design maybe with some pitch to it? thanks again for your time (and everyone else’s)