The flat trim board under your windows will cause leaks if it was not flashed properly or if the sill nosing doesn't project and overhang enough for an effective drip (in the traditional manner). Sealant/caulk at that joint is only temporary. I've seen this detail cost owners a lot of money so make sure your contractor knows what he's doing. One solution is to add a projecting PVC sill nosing in place of the flat trim. It's difficult to beat the traditional double-hung window sill design. Here is a link that might be useful: ATW

Pick out colors or whites like you want. Paint on poster board, or buy the peel and stick color patches and put on poster board. Leave a white border all the way around the poster board, so it doesnt clash with the color you have now. Since you want the whole house the same color, then pick a color that goes in your kitchen with your cabinets etc first. Then try it in the rest of the house. The color in there now, does not go with your cabinets. It has way too much yellow in it. I would look for colors that have no yellow hues.

I'm not personally a fan of creamy whites -- too many of them look dingy to me. Rather than two different colors, have you consider two shades of the same color: Have you considered a truly pale blue downstairs and a less pale blue upstairs. Otherwise consider a "sand" color that is a very pale brown without any pink or yellow hue. Really nice home. You didn't ask but ... If you're considering more remodeling other than painting: That fireplace seems oversized. Would not hang any picture with any height over it. Choose something short and wide -- https://www.icanvas.com/canvas-print/cloudy-beachscape-seven-mile-beach-grand-cayman-islands-pim8081?utm_source=google&utm_medium=surfaces&utm_campaign=shopping%20feed&utm_content=free%20google%20shopping%20clicks&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3qjegq3L6gIVG-y1Ch08lQy-EAQYAiABEgIkzPD_BwE#1PC3-36x12 or something that isn't a picture at all. https://www.etsy.com/listing/711367840/music-notes-wavy-staff?ref=pla_similar_listing_top-1 https://www.amazon.com/DEKADRON-Silhouette-Decoration-Bedroom-Sculpture/dp/B07HFJKGGP Would seriously want that stumble hazard hearth replaced with one with its top at floor level.

Hi thank you! The majority of the walls in the rest of the house are a lighter shade of beige. Yes new to us just moved in and looking to update even with paint and light fixtures in the mean time. Having just purchased we are not in the market for a full kitchen remodel at this time but hoping there is something we can do to update at a lower price point.