I think the bottom line is that you have to assess the quality before you buy, and you can't simply go by price or where something is manufactured. I've sometimes gotten really great products at low prices, but also been disappointed in something I paid a lot of money for. Major manufacturers produce different product lines -- often ranging from economy to luxury -- in different countries, and there can be variations in production quality even within the same country. I tend to spend a moderate amount of money, look for a name brand, and inspect before I buy, if possible. Where something is made is becoming increasingly irrelevant, unless you insist on buying American. One of the highest quality items I own is my iPhone, and its parts are produced in over 25 countries around the world.

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.

Where are you located? There are places that are dry enough to make having a gravel yard practical, but if you live somewhere with a more average amount of rainfall, you will need to use an application of weedkiller at least a couple of times a year or get a flame weeder. A flame weeder could be an issue if it is underlain with weed fabric which might melt. The other issue is that gravel + kids can be an problem (so tempting to throw), depending on your kids. I like the gray tones for the house so much more than the current brown. I would remove the shrub at the base of the stairs and replace it with a low-growing flowering plant. I would want to break up the expanse of the side of the stairs with evergreen shrubs and face them with some lower flowering plants. Choose your shrubs so that the ultimate size can be kept below the level of the stairs. I would want something bright to bring attention to your raised front door, either the door color or if there is space, a large, low flower container planted with bright flowers or foliage. Don't do anything to hide that gorgeous railing! Most houses of this time period have walkways are too narrow, so if there are funds and the walkway isn't at least 4'-5' wide, widen it. A lower cost way to widen it is to add a band of a contrasting color pavers that are 8"-12" wide on each side, and a full replacement would be more expensive. The more generous walkway, along with the more visible bottom of the steps from removing the current shrub, and a generous landing at the base of the steps will make the entry more welcoming. I like the way the fence breaks up the expanse of gravel, but the dissonance between the roof line and the line created by the top of the fence is a bit disconcerting.

I should add, we salvaged (I think - it's in storage) from the flood water, an antique danish teak dining table and hutch. The teak is very close, in proximity, to the cherry counter. I don't need to match the door stain to either the teak or the cherry, but it should have a feel of consistency throughout the house I would think. I am leaning toward the top row, far left. I don't want anything too dark, just dark enough to provide some contrast. Thank you!!!!!!