You're not dumb at all, Anna! I was just as clueless when I first began looking at supplemental lighting... there's a lot to know! Mine are all 48" in length, double tube fixtures. We got them on sale, but I know we didn't pay more than $24 per unit. The amount of lights you see in my pictures above is really not enough... but it's adequate. There should be two more fixtures per table, ideally. Some of our seedlings did stretch toward the lights, but that's all we could hang from the ceiling above due to obstructions. To start seeds, heat mats aren't really necessary, but in many cases, do help with faster germination. So, don't worry so much about heat mats... one or two small ones should be enough. Most of your regular perennial, annual, and veggie seeds should sprout just fine without bottom heat... as long as the ambient temperature in your basement is relatively warm. As you seedlings grow, even beforehand, good air circulation will be a necessity. I suggest an oscillating fan to stir the air and move it around. You're less likely to experience fungal issues, and the moving air will help your seedlings develop sturdier stems. Please, Anna... ask all the questions you need to! We all began somewhere... and most of us felt clueless at first... I know I did! I hope this helps... :-)

Sorry, I just don't see the craftsman style working here, windows OR door. I'm not coming up with a door that would permit you to look outside. I see a solid door or one with two rectangular lights at the top -- you'd have some light, but couldn't see out (and no one could see in). Think twice about hanging shutters too narrow to (visually) completely cover a window. If you are going to paint the door, don't spend a lot on wood good enough to stain.

@ginamac000 - I like your idea of removing some of lawn to create a walkway along the driveway- that was my first thought when I looked at pictures! Maybe in a different material than driveway so attention is drawn to it. And, maybe not make the walkway a straight line border & line it on lawn side with planting bed. Steps leading to a landing level seems like good idea but if the landing area in front of entry door isn’t level with driveway it seems to create a trip hazard for getting out of car on driver side. Because of that I think an exterior design expert needs to be in your future. You haven’t shown us the entire front view of your home so can’t offer any specific design suggestions.

Amy, agree that planters are too small. Height seems ok but they should be wider to make a bolder statement. I would look for wider, bulkier planters.. These 2 you have would look great on first step though - it would look nice to continue the black accents down your steps. Maybe also consider adding a wide doormat with black trim on it. Very pretty entry! As for the mirror, the color looks perfect for the entry chest! I do like the mirror shape & its texture & beveled glass too. Can’t tell the mirror size - there’s some rule about size but can’t say what it is. I think make sure it’s wider than the center door section of chest. That means more than 1/3 size of cabinet- I’m sure someone will chime in to correct me!