Your house is colonial style

Your situation sounds like ours in regards to building-height limitations, though I'm guessing that our codes are a little more lenient. Unfortunately, we had to minimize the cornice / entablature on the main structure of our home due to exceeding our city's maximum building-height. Personally, if I was in your situation, I would consider the 10' / 8' ceilings, also. Based on historical norms, it was not unheard of to diminish details (i.e., ceiling heights, trim, door size, etc.) as one progressed from formal areas to informal areas such as to bathrooms, bedrooms, and upper levels. So, going from a 10' main level to 8' upper level should not feel drastic, especially if some type of continuity or rhythm is maintained between the two floors. When I was doing my research for our home, I looked at what seemed like a trillion pictures and historical floor plans for additional inspiration to supplement my reference books. Though we are located in an area where many historical homes are still standing, looking at real estate listings online (which there are websites dedicated to aggregating listings for historical homes) actually proved quite beneficial for both me and our architect. And, I learned quite a few new architectural terms that appear to no longer be in usage any more. In regards to the exterior cornice details, much of what you will be able to achieve is going to be determined by what you are wanting to do on the interior of your home as well as the window placements. Also, your overall building height will, in turn, affect your cornice dimensions. So, you will need to pay close attention to those details. Again, this is a great place where Get Your House Right was invaluable. Some other books that I would like to suggest to you are: - A Field Guide to American Houses by Virginia Savage McAlester-- with your situation, this book would be a great asset. In it, you will find details regarding the defining aspects of historical architecture in America. The author includes lots of photos, and there is a section on Colonial Revival homes. - anything by Gil Schafer. I loved looking at his interpretations of "new-old" homes and historical renovations. - American House Styles by John Milnes Baker -- this is a great complement to the Virginia McAlester book. He takes a simple house plan and moves it through the stages of historical architecture. He, also, gives what I would consider a succinct explanation of each period. Lastly, in regards to the lighting: I understand about the opportunity being lost for those wonderful hanging lights. But, do consider that what you will save cost-wise in that area, can be applied to another space such as a foyer, living or dining room. Also, do check out stores that sell historic lighting (i.e, Rejuvenation). When I was creating the lighting list for our cost structures, I came across some GORGEOUS, multi-light flush-mount fixtures that would not work in our home due to the height of the ceilings and size of rooms.

We have decided to go with Marvin double hung windows throughout, after reading some negative reviews on the french casement windows. By doing so, we will need to change the grid pattern for the windows that were originally designed as casements. My dh loves the simplicity of the 2 over 2 design as shown above in Shead's rendering. Most of the homes here in Ohio that look similar to ours use a 6 over 6 grid pattern. Although that is the pattern I typically see for colonial style homes, we would prefer to go with less grids for ease of cleaning as well as a less obstructed view. We did run across a home that is somewhat similar to ours that has a 6 over 1 pattern (see attached) and I'm quite fond of it, but husband is still pushing for the 2 over 2 pattern. Thoughts on which looks best? If we were to go the 6 over 1 route, any advice on what to do with the smaller windows? As always, thank you all for your help!

If it was the Essentials, its a no brainer. The Soft-Lite is the better product. I am guessing the "Elite" is just a re-badged Imperial LS or Elements? If so, that's a solid window indeed.