A quick review of the 3 elevations...Okay, so I don't like the stonework just under the porch roof. I do kind of like the stone on the entire middle gable. I agree that the center window on the first house looks better than the changes that have been made to the others. I also like the little porch roof kick out (I'm not sure of the architectural term for it, but it is slightly elevated over the stairs.)shown in the first plan. I would also caution you to keep the returns on the garage the size shown on the first picture you provided. You'll notice when you look at the other two that both have differently sized returns. IMHO, the last one where the returns just barely turn looks ridiculous. Also, I do not like the addition of the circle top transom to the top window in the bonus room (2nd story of the garage...usually a bonus room). Okay, so I'll be the lone voice here. I like the stone. I think that this house plan looks like a subdivision home regardless of the finishes that you use...probably because I see this plan or something similar to it in every subdivision within 50 miles of my home. However, I think of that as a compliment. I believe that this house would fit anywhere in America...that is the beauty of this style of house- AND the reason why production builders build them! They appeal to everyone and have good curb appeal. Oh, and back to my original comments...if you do not do stone around the front entry, I think you really need to use a brighter paint or heavier trim around the door. The entryway does not pop at all, especially as it sits under the porch.

Look into something that blends with either the roof (greys and grey-greens) and accent with brick colors or blend with the bricks (red/browns). Is the siding a true white? The door is a black hole, isn't it? Anything but black would be an improvement. I would paint above the garage door something that blends with the bricks, even faux paint to match the bricks, to get rid of that odd bit of paneling. Then paint the actual door to match the shutters.

So interesting to see the varied comments on different threads. Some would advocate emphasizing or embracing the brick/horizontal line and others for painting it out. Since I have a brick/siding rancher I've been looking at options to "pretty it up." Here is what I have learned: Painting brick comes up as a maintenance issue everywhere I look--it's supposed to be repainted every 3-5 years. It may not be a big deal for your house or mine since we have so little brick, however, for those with larger brick expanses, this can be daunting and pricey. The other option I stumbled upon was a German or Mortar Smear which I like the look of but such an effect would probably be difficult to reverse in the future. And finally, some kind soul posted a link to DyeBrick and I have been ogling ever since. It apparently offers lots of dyeing options, doesn't ruin the brick and lasts for ages. But maybe live in it first to see how your perception of the house's "faults" changes over time. Good luck.

Thanks all! Ok, so no shutters. Got it! 1 less project ;) And we are actually fog coating with that beige color stucco. No paint. I do love the mock up of the darker color! But I wanted a lighter color for hopefully keeping the house cooler. I would have loved off-white but afraid of looking dirty. I’m happy with the color. Need to get the other 3 sides fog coated now. And I think I like the darker brown trim along the roofline too. Our windows are brown/bronze so I think that’s a nice compliment. But I’m still unsure about the trim around the garage and front doors. I like the idea of a lighter color (grey/green or a greige) there. Something that will compliment the house & the landscaping which will have all shades of green. And also my teal/turquoise pots (that I don’t have yet). I’m trying to get it to have a Mediterranean feel even though I know it’s not a Mediterranean style. ;) But I’m having a hard time envisioning the grey/green or greige trim. Can anyone mock that up? Any other thoughts on the trim? Here’s a pic of our front entry. It’s a work in progress! But you can see the trim. And clearly I need to tile the floor but we might extend it a bit. I’m thinking travertine. It was a very 70s dark brown time with flowers (?!?). We’re getting there! Thanks all! Keep the ideas coming please :) Love them!