Thanks ILoveRed. Not really any progress yet. We brought in a landscape architect but there's no real answer yet (he doesn't seem to have enough structural knowledge to really know how to handle this). One option is to build a frost wall underground about 3 feet from the foundation but we are worried as the house was just built so that could cause settling. The other option is to basically build a box of dirt around the lower 3 feet of the basement wall- basically like a big planter box coming up to the base of the windows. I would cover with stone though probably since I don't want dirt near the windows. I wish there was an easy answer. It is still so frustrating that it was built wrong.

I would match the garage door to the roof. No black. No windows, they just increase the grinning face illusion. The black front door is a good idea, but I would use a colonial style. Other colour ideas could include deep plum and burgundy. Your home is traditional, embrace it!

Yes, use your budget towards beautiful furnishings and art work that are in your style. Work with your "givens" -- the light flooring, the existing kitchen. If you thought you had a budget that allowed for some expensive kitchen changes, use some of that budget to hire a one-time interior decorator or designer to help you choose pieces, window treatment, and other purchases that will work with the lighting, floors, and spaces you have. Avoid doing or choosing things piecemeal--I love that rug!--so that everything harmonizes and gives your home a feeling of flow and style. Good luck!

Thank you all for the amazing feedback and insight!! @ulisdone I never thought twice about the exhaust hood! I will start my research! @decoenthusiaste most definitely drawers! I remolded my kitchen in my current house a long time ago and drawers are my best friend! @Pamela Jackson your perspective is right on point!! Working in the tile/countertop environment I was in gave me great insight into what was on trend and how quickly it can go south! As I've continued to take my trips around the sun, my tastes have evolved for lack of a better word LOL. I found myself drawn to simpler and less busy with still keeping a splash of "Lisa" in there. The cabinets in my current kitchen are still beautiful. all wood, recessed raised panel, glazed etc.. However now I want clean and simple.. no fuss no muss. The busier things are the less I like them which is different from how I was 10 years ago! @jemimabean thank you thank you for the info on the refrigerator. This is not something that would make us happy! I will definitely do my research on that and take some measurements!! Lastly @Jennifer K I totally agree with you about having to be happy with my choice. When I would help customers make their tile selections I had to remind myself that they were the ones who had to walk in that bathroom every day not me. I was only there to guide them and make sure they knew their options. One lady wanted everything blue. Wall tile, accent, floor tile ...everything blue. I did my best to work around her limitations and even though it may have looked like cookie monster threw up in there, she was thrilled to pieces. I am doing a lot of homework on our choices for this house. I love the positive feedback and ideas I get from most of the people on here which definitely helps open my eyes to what I may not have realized. I appreciate all the helpfulness I can get :)