Thank you so much. I look forward to getting them. There is a lady on Instagram who has posted a ton of her photos. It is so nice to see what others have done. Thank you again! I was afraid this thread was completely dead.

CP, I uploaded the picture into my Houzz Ideabook and transferred it from there when I wrote the question. I'm not sure why it wouldn't let you download it. We had the architect draw up the plans with and without the bracket when we were deciding and it just didn't look right without it. Between the angle of the peak and the window, it was out of proportion and looked odd without. We also tried a decorative vent but didn't like that either. I realize that it will probably look dated eventually but as it's merely decoration, I'd guess it wouldn't be too hard to remove it 20 years from now if we decide to do that. We're also pretty behind the times here in the middle of the country, so I may be able to get away with it for longer. My husband's aunt recently put in golden oak cabinets. LOL :-)

I'm in the South. The red vinyl will fade. Red can only be successfully used in climates that have weak sun. South Carolina sun will make this home pink in a year. My green metal roof is 10 years old. It's a dusty version of it's original self due to sun bleaching. White, cream or tan offer the best results with the least amount of maintenance and sun bleaching. Good decision on changing that arch element.

Without the floor plan, I cannot make realistic suggestions, but this concept attempts to minimize the garage. And I'd consider reducing the width of the porch, and trying to move the windows so they are spaced equally. I would also reduce the size of the gable over the front door by reducing the pitch of the roof and lowering it. I'd make more changes, like removing the transom over the door.