Les, I love your explanation of the Spanish and New England origins. You're so correct that they both are indeed traditional. So, if that's the case, do you think geographical region should play into this type of decision. In northern Wisconsin, I'm nowhere near a southern plantation, although, I'm nowhere near the east coast either. With that said, you will surely find more New England style homes in the midwest than southern style homes. If the 1 7/8" has more of the New England style look, then that's probably going to work just fine. I had read on one of the shutter sites about their design "classifications" of contemporary vs. traditional, and that's what got my gears of indecision going - LOL. Also, your point about decorators making things up as they go along is well taken. Daisyadair - Well, I don't know much about shutters, really, but I'm determined to learn more. I have read that the depth of the window frame needs to be considered for the shutters to be mounted flush, which is the best, most built-in look. My guess is that your friend's home didn't have enough clearance for the larger louvers. Patricia - Your decorators comments echo what I've read on the internet shutter sites. I guess I'm looking for some exact cutoff for what is considered traditional vs. modern, and maybe, there really isn't one - ever the accountant I am. In my little world, there's a number for everything. Natal - It would be great if there were a local shutter maker, however, I doubt there are. Shutters are not used a whole lot in this area. Neither is painted woodwork. I e-mailed Horizon about whether or not they could use ORB hardware on their shutters, but they haven't yet responded. Their site seems to have just the brass. The saga continues, Jan

I don't think this question pertains to just inset doors. There were a couple of threads several weeks ago about door width maximums for ease of use. I think that 21" wide is pushing the limits of a comfortable size. I hate the feeling of having to stand back or move over to open a wide upper cab door. I have one that size in our temporary house and since it's located at the very end of the cab run next to a wall, I only open it standing to one side anyway. I'd hate it if it was a door I accessed often. Do you have a way to mock it up with cardboard or the like to try that size out?

Thanks again for your feedback and input everyone! Olychick, I'm thinking color everything, though on the fence about trim (dark vs light). I imagine we could start by painting the body of the house first, see how it looks, then proceed with the trim. I agree that the dark trim helps blend the bow/bay windows. Very light paint with dark trim works also but would rather avoid too light of a main color. Just personal preference. Cmarlin20, we like contemporary and aren't particularly attached to the current look of the house. I think we're just afraid to commit to painting the brick as it'd be more-or-less permanent. But so far painting or removing the brick seems the way to go.

Pella or Marvin architect series it is a trading game for anyone. You already learned that with your gables (good choice IMO-too many gables is mcmansiony). I chose certain high quality materials over square footage. 2900 sf was more than enough for my family of 5, and I didn't want to heat and maintain huge spaces that I rarely use (I don't have any need for a bedroom suite, for instance: I would never use my bedroom for sitting on a sofa or whatever people do in their 800 sf bedrooms) but that is just me. Another thing that baffles me is the 3 car garage with cheap doors. I'd rather have a smaller garage with wood doors. But everyone has different needs and priorities. Take some of these things in to consideration as you drive around and browse Houzz. Look closely to see differences between houses that you love and houses that look similar but don't have that special something. I thought I posted this last night but I don't see it here. Another thing you never thought you cared about but makes all the difference: eave returns!! http://www.thisiscarpentry.com/2013/12/13/eave-returns-interpreting-gyhr-details/