txgypsygal - I don't have a pic and not sure if I could even take one that you can see at all as I'd need a telescoping lense probably to capture it close. If you drive on 71 the house is located on the south side and if heading east it is between Plum and La Grange. I can give it a try heading home tomorrow, but not sure how well it could be seen. It used to stick out as a sore thumb due to how modern it looked and surrounded by fields with the more spanish mission style it works better imo. I think with this one lindy has a good start on it. Maybe do the chimney in rock and doing the double doors with beams in front would make a difference. The short narrow windows on the right is what made me think spanish mission along with the beams you already have. Maybe do a thick beam just at the peak.

I'm a fan of wainscoating,esp rock and brick. Rock in your case since (A) you already have some,and (B) rock suit's beachfront. Look into Caranado Stone for diy and economy. I agree about need for egress,take care of that.

Is the sun on the front of the house a problem? I can see wanting a small portico or entry awning, but it's amazing how sleepy the house looked before and how awake it looks now. Regarding painted brick, I grew up in a house with white painted brick and no one ever complained about intolerable maintenance. The more unified front aspect could be a strong positive.

I built my custom home and design it as well. It was my first and I was very green. My advise is make sure you know what you want and what you are willing to pay for. Learn who your builder is and do not trust too much when they start tell you what you (should) want. I learned the hard way and two months into the build project I had to practically live at the construction site. The builder did not like it much but it was my house and not his so I did not care. We budded heads when he kept defaulting to "his standards". He was good for the big strokes but when it came down to the details he failed. Pick out as many items as you can upfront so you can get a very good idea of cost. We went $50k over budget and that was because the builder's defaulting to "his standards" at the budget discussion table that I was not aware of until we were into the build project. I initially took his advise on some designing, I wish I didn't. When I became the wiser I starting taking things back in my own hands. And I am speaking of selections like cabinetry, windows, flooring tile, countertops doors, decking materials and much more finishes. I had a budget I wasn't suppose to go over and he, the builder, did not make it clear as to what we were going to get within that budget. I do not regret that I went over. And I tell you if I had another $50k laying around I would have used it up.