If you are considering built-in refrigeration, look at Thermador as well as SubZero. I have the columns and have loved them. Thermador was the only fully integrated when I got them and they now are now the maker behind a number of other names while SuZero also has a fully integrated look now too. I think they are the best looking and best quality -- though I have heard of issues with SubZero service from time to time. You also hear about 20 year old fridges that are still working, so I'm sure that runs both ways for SZ. I had the first ":Freedom Series" columns installed in this area and I think they are now over 7 years. If you have any interest in undercounter drawers (or stand up units), fridge or freezer, look at Perlick. Outstanding commercial quality in a home unit. I have fridge drawers in a breakfast room hutch and love them. I think they work best for specific uses in a certain spot rather than as a general fridge or freezer trying to accommodate all purposes. BTW, as to your original question, I like white and grey houses, and the sable looks great on that house, but so does the clay. You don't need to have the added expense for your house to look great -- can't give any input on the neighborhood issue. Different colors, materials, elevations, and landscaping call all help avoid the cookie cutter feeling -- but I don't see you house looking like a cookie cutter type to begin with. If it is just similar colors being used frequently, it may be because they fit the area and keep that calm, wooded serenity that appeals to everyone. Maybe it's not a bad thing. I've seen the same few colors on a majority of houses in some of the highest priced neighborhoods -- never thought it was a problem.

I've posted recently regarding our house above, and siding color. It is being resided with steel (lap style) siding. I've chosen a color almost identical to the current body color shown above. We are starting by just siding the back of the home, but I have to decide if the corner trim pieces of the house, etc. will be the same color as the body, or different. We are also having white vinyl windows installed, so I was thinking I would use off white for window trim, to hopefully not leave the windows so stark against the darkness of the house. I'm not sure how far to take that color in terms of soffit, gutters, house trim etc. There is a lot of trim in the front, and I'm not sure if off white in too many places will be too contrasty/busy or not. I know my house isn't craftsman style or cottage, but I gravitate toward those styles. I really like those homes trimmed in white/off white, but I'm not sure how much I can get away with on my house? Right now the soffits and fascia on the sides and back of the house, are the same color as the body, but I feel like maybe it only works with the lighter trimmed front, because the trim and body color are so close. The gutters in front, need to be replaced at the same time the back is sided, since they are rusting out. This means I need to have more of a concrete idea as to eventual colors in front. So, what would you do? Is there anyone who would want to take the time to create a mock-up? I would, but am not Photoshop literate :) I apologize to anyone tired of seeing pictures of my house!

Hi There are several varieties plus many hybrids . I hope the one for your terrarium is a dwarf form.Many get 8/10 feet tall and of equal width lol. Some are almost everblooming often having more flowers than leaves while others develop large heads but less of them. There is also a type with a wonderful aroma .. Would think the dwarf form would be good for a terrarium if it gets enough light ?? Good luck gary

I think assessments are based on a 1/3 retail value but our last batch was ten years ago. Reassessments are this year and it should increase a bit but it is still over priced, should be 20,000,000 most likely. from our boat as a child I do not remember the roof so orange. When we sail the area now it has been that color though for years. My friends have an island house that was built in the 20s in the same cluster. Their wood work is still stained. I think this was more of a sea captain manse style originally. I always think of the ghost and Mrs Meir when I image the interior of old island houses. I think that this is why when people consider light, airy blue and white interiors as coastal I cringe. I have grown up with an image of water homes being dark and dreamy not light and airy.