@Lisa M I hear you but when updating, one needs to also consider if there is any true architectural significance to what you are changing. Plus one needs to consider if the original was actually done well or was it just done to the trends of the time? Is preserving trends of the time of architectural value? Maybe. But we live in the real world with budgets, labor/material availability and new concerns impacting our decisions. Horizontal siding application requires expertise to avoid the risk of water leakage around windows, doors and other openings. Water finds its way and when it does it's damaging and can have adverse health impacts. Accommodating the horizontal cuts results in a lot more wasted material. So does today's enlightened awareness of sustainability and reducing waste secure a higher place on the priority list than preserving a look that recalls the trends of the 70's? Not sure if you are working with outside tradespeople on your shed, but finding quality craftspeople to do specialized work well is a lesson in patience, often literally years out, in my very active region. Specialized labor plus more material equals more cost. What are the family's other budget priorities? Does preserving a 70's trend outweigh saving for a child's education or your own retirement? To answer your question: "why would you buy a very specific 1980 house and try to use it as a springboard to faking the look of new build houses on your inspa lists." In the current real estate market, most folks buy a house based on location, cost and the ability to actually get your hands on a house in this crazy bidding market. The house style often has little to do with the purchase decision. May I point out that the OP has two, not four or five different siding styles on her home. Even FLW used two siding types on his own Oak Park house. If it's good enough for ole Frankie, I'll take it! Could he have bricked the entire house? Yes, so is that shake siding an arbitrary decoration? Who's to say what's an arbitrary decision on any structure? Some thought went into everything chosen. Not everything is precious on/in houses of their time. I just gutted a classic harvest gold bathroom. Should I have replaced it with the same since it is of the times of the house? No thank you. It had a good run and kuddos to the tile craftsperson who installed a shower pan that lasted 53 years. And BTW, thank ya Jesus for "James" Hardie. Had the company he established not pioneered fiber cement products, we'd have a lot more asbestos, rotting wood, black mold and ear piercing wood peckers waking us up at dawn. Big questions are interesting to ponder. Just not sure making assumptions about a poster on Houzz and the decisions they made is the place for it. Probably better to post your big questions as your own posts for comment. But...that's my opinion.

Extend a welcome! Develop a planting bed extending from the front walk across the front of the house along the bow window. Include low shrubs, groundcover, and colorful perennials for year-round interest. Reserve a small area dedicated for flowering annuals for a pop of color (see below). Consider integrating an additional focal point near the entrance. For example, you could draw attention and enhance the arrival experience with a small bubbling fountain or lovely piece of sculpture. Add a bench or chair for a welcoming touch and a spot from which to enjoy your yard. Photo Gallery Layered plantings

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!

I think a re-work of the shrubbery and hedge right of the round post is in order, along with removal of the shutters on the triple window if there is no variation in the brick color behind them. Have you considered replacing the trim shutters with some that at least appear as though they could actually function and close over the windows? Enlarge all exterior lantern lights to be 1/3 of the front door's height. Match garage door color to stucco or siding. If stucco is in good shape just keep it. You might match the column to the wall on the other side of the porch. Black or white both seem a bit stark to me. Does your gas pole light work? Sometimes I think capping those off and removing them is a better look. Is there another tree further out in the yard, more or less aligned with the triple window? You might consider planting an ornamental there.