I have 9 ft ceilings. My house plan called for the windows and transoms. I did not want transoms, so I eliminated the transoms and made the windows taller. So, I had to decide how to handle the french doors. Well, as someone said above-- I do have 8 ft tall skinny french doors (in the family room). And I am not crazy about them. They look just OK, I think. But, I have two little boys that are always running in and out of that door and slamming it. Even though it is a good brand, it sounds creaky. I would have been better off doing the regular height with a transom on that door. That's what I did in the dining room. And it's prettier. I was afraid to use a transom on the door when not using them on the windows. But from your pics above, I think it looks great.

hmmm. If you look at classical architecture, they often left quite a bit of space above (most of) the doors, and this was how you registered the lofty height of the ceiling. The buildings I live in (c.1840) have the following proportions as you ascend the storys of the building. 14' ceiling, 8' doors (However the large parlor-connecting pocket doors and windows are 11' high) 12' ceilings and 8' major entry doors and 6'8" secondary and closet doors. 10' ceiling and 7' major entry doors and 6'8" secondary and closet doors 8'ceiling and 6'8" for all doors. I think if you stretch the doors to close the gap between the door header and the ceiling, you lose the visual cues of the higher ceiling, particularly when the difference is just a foot. (8--->9). Transoms would look nice over the french doors, but I would probably go conventional height with other doors. It also creates a rhythm of not having everything aligned, which I find a bit static.

Thanks Yardvaark. The original pic at top of thread was in mid construction so of course it was not welcoming -- very ugly it was (or perhaps you were referring to the original house with white siding that had overgrown burning bush that obscured the circle pavers). Either way the result is an improvement for sure. I am very glad we decided from the good advice on this thread not to do plantings around the circle entry courtyard as I like how open it is now with just a garden around the birch (future garden that is). emmarene, We are definitely still doing the glass railing around the deck over the garage. We just have not got that done yet. That will really finish off the outside.

I am by no means an expert on windows, but we are currently just finishing framing our build that has a lot of similarity to yours. Regarding the den, I would probably either leave the windows as they are to gain light from 2 directions OR I would eliminate the odd window if symmetry is important to you. I wouldn't worry so much about the symmetry since this is a side wall. Another option (and what we did) was to use 2 high awning type windows, therefore, furniture can be placed below. I have to say, after seeing it framed, it looks great from the inside as well as the outside. Your picture window configuration sounds nice to me. I've also seen it with full mullions in the picture window w upper sash mullions in the flanking double-hungs. Just depends on the look you're going for. We have a 4 panel door to an outside covered porch. Went w 8' door as opposed to 6'8" w transom. Our window rep also told us this would be a better look! i like the kitchen window centered as is too, centering after accounting for cabinets (& this is what we did as well). We did upper sash mullion casements to flank our center picture window. We have 9' ceilings and ordered a 53" window if that helps. I hope this has been helpful as I understand how overwhelming all these decisions can be. I can tell you are detail oriented and want your home to be perfect. I may be slightly biased, but I think it's going to be amazing! Good luck!