After all the help I received here, I wanted to update you on my exterior garage door/shutter color. We selected what appeared to be a medium-shade brown and it ended up looking alot darker, bolder, and redder than we wanted. But since the house faces south and I live in the midwest, I think it will fade a little. And if not, DH and I can always try to adjust the color in the future. Not what I hoped for, but we'll live with it for a while and see what happens. Again, thank you for all the advice and a big thank you to Squirrelheaven for the photoshop magic! try_hard

Love the color of the Gigi Stix, but I think they're too small. I really like the lighter 1x2. You get a bit of modern glitz, but it's still a natural, organic feeling tile. Is that by chance Lunada Bay Sumi-E? I did a whole wall of that in my kitchen and am really happy with it! If it is Sumi-E, then they have a matte version if you don't like the shine, but personally I like it. Very pretty when the light hits it "just so."

This is the link I was thinking about - what to do with an unused fireplace. Here is a link that might be useful: Fireplace with hydrangeas

Cindy, I forgot to tell you how pretty your house is:) I have seen vines being trained on a string....you just attach it to the house where you want it to go. I saw the most beautiful pic somewhere of ivy being trained on a big brick wall in a harlequin pattern. Another thought I had....you window above the door - could you paint the trim around the window the same color as your door? All of your other windows have stone trim(darker). You could also maybe paint the arch trim around the door. I am thinking this would give it a more cohesive look to your house - 2 big urns with plants & your done. I also really like that plum color that Lindy last posted, too. Smiles:)