So I've since found out from my builder that the 9' doors that I need won't actually look like those I just posted, but instead ... here's an example of the simpler one from above, Option 2. I do not like it at all. I have no real need for a 9' garage door except for the fact that I didn't pay attention to the garage when reviewing my plans and now that is what I have, so it's too late to change it to a nice 8' door. With 12' ceilings downstairs -- we opted for the taller doors for scale, but I don't think it was necessary. Is the 9' door design as awful as I think it is???

Your choice of the dark blue and bright white trim on the 2nd floor draws the eye there, and making the trim larger will just enhance this effect. I'll suggest a lighter color to replace the blue, and I would choose a garage door color that is darker, but complementary to the siding, trim and brick. All the colors need to revolve around the brick, since it cannot be changed, and all chosen together, not one at a time.

Myrica, let me know how it goes with the overhead door company. I heard (from some GC) that there are other companies who sell the exact same doors that ODC does, at a better price. I’m not sure if that’s true. If you hear of anything like that, could you let me know? BTW I liked the ODC sales rep that came to my house. He was knowledgable, professional, and even had a little “fan“ pack of samples of the “wood” so I could see what color looked good with my new house paint. The only thing I didn’t like was the price..I wish it was lower (welcome to remodeling, right?) Terri, in terms of the constrast, it seems like you could choose a dark wood for the doors. Would that work? Can you get samples and see how it looks? Or maybe that‘s a reason to go painted, to match the color on the shutters? Hey, some of the paint company websites have visualizer tools. I used one (maybe Sherwin Williams). I wonder if something like that could help you see how all the elements work. Even if it’s not exactly your house, it might help you see how the proportions of color look. Tangnetially, I was using the Pental visualizer to see the different counter tops. You can change the floor and backsplash and wall paint color etc. For me, playing with that tool confirmed I needed a darker floor tile and a backsplash that had some pop (not just 50 shades of white).

I have the Bosch side opening oven and I love it. So easy to access items directly in front of the oven versus from the side. Oven door swings back quite a way and so it's not as if it is at a 90 degree angle when you stand in front of it. I can't imagine accidentally burning myself on the door. There is a poster who will sometimes come on and warn about the dangers of dropping hot food on your feet - something I have never experienced but I wear shoes in the kitchen anyway because it's common sense. As with any appliance, I would suggest finding a store that has one installed. I was almost certain I wanted one based on reading about it because it made such ergonomic sense but testing it in person sealed the deal - especially since I could also test regular bottom open ovens to compare at the same time.