I don't think the third picture (slightly lighter finish on beams) will look dated. Your ceiling is not flat, so it's going to be hard to ignore. I'd play it up and make a statement, as long as it doesn't overwhelm your space. I prefer the larger spaces in between beams and the ceiling finish (stucco?) in the third picture. The first picture would not look very French country, IMHO. Have fun with the space and if you've always loved French country (I have) I don't think you'll get tired of it...so it won't seem dated to you. Just stay with classic details and don't over do...as they say on the kitchen forum, one to three roosters, not ten :)

I love what you are doing! I wanted to do our bedroom in a dark color, hubby said it would soak up all the light. well, duh, It's a bedroom, usually spend night time in there. I lost, it is a medium grey, as dark as I could get away with. I see you went with a shinny stainless sink, I hope that doesn't end up disappointing you. Very hard to keep shinny. My daughter had one and it shows every scuff, even from cleaning. I appreciate your undiagnosed OCD, I have it also. Takes longer to complete projects, but worth the effort. Thanks for the update! I'd be at your back door if I lived close enough to give you a hand. ( MrsFO2) I don't know why it gave me a different name..????

Mick50 I like what you're suggesting with hat modern dark and natural wood look. Except that I have this fear of doing anything too on trend and then feeling like its out of date down the road. Though, guess how the kitchen is designed?! Hale Navy cabinets, hardwood floor and a butcher block island so we do have that look going on in the kitchen! I'm really struggling with finding what i like and just going for it with this desire to be timeless. Its paralyzing because i like what's on trend but then worry that it'll look dated(argh!) Having said all that, what you suggest is exactly what i asked for.... stylish and stunning. I think what i'm wanting is something more timeless. Think Father of the Bride House but updated and a tract housing ranch (where's the laughing crying emoji?!) so at this point i'm trying to figure out which colors (hide) the anderson white windows) and make it look as timeless and almost Hollywood Regency or stylish cottage as possible (is that a thing?)

15 months later, bc life happened and I simply couldn’t focus on this project, we finally started. I decided against painting the brick, in favor of preserving as much of the home’s character as I can and still be happy with it. I decided to follow Patricia Colwell Consulting’s advice and address the exterior last, with whatever budget is left. At least for the moment. Norwood Architects, we paid to re-engineer the roof and extended the kitchen, which, as predicted, has eaten up much of the budget. Otherwise, I think I’d love that metal seamed roof you suggested. I posted an update bc all of the exterior framing and roofing is done and I am focused on the interior finishing details. I have changed my mind on the details so much that I’m sure the builder and his design partner have tired of me. But the interior designer and architect, who both seem knowledgeable, agree on little. Leaving me dazed and confused!