mclarke, Thanks for the welcome! I've actually lurked here for years--used the appliances forum to help select my Miele washing machine nearly ten years ago... In answer to your questions, I'd like to do as much of the work as myself (more time than money after closing), but I will NOT do something myself that is beyond my capability--I have too critical an eye, and would only see the blemish which would drive me bonkers... The house is a ranch (around here they call it a 'California ranch'), living room and attached dining room in the front of the house in an 'L' shape, kitchen filling in the 'L', entrance on the side of the house opposite the kitchen (back door is in the kitchen) with a small foyer leading to the middle of the house where one can enter the living room to the left, kitchen straight ahead, or hallway to the right that leads to the bathroom and three bedrooms. Outside is half brick (tan) topped with cedar shingle stained dark red. The house originally had a floor-to-ceiling picture window in the living room, which lent it just a little bit of prarie-style architecture (particularly with the stone fireplace), but that window was replaced with a giant bay window which only comes down to seat height now. Architecturally it kind of dumbs down the house a little, but it is a neat place for plants and things, and the bump-out makes it roomier as well, so I'm not complaining too loudly about it... Regarding the foyer, I was thinking more of a coarse, textured tile--specifically with Chicago winters in mind (I think we're on our 6th winter this year already)--the foyer is usually pretty messy from the glop on one's shoes, and I would like something durable and easy to maintain. I am concerned about style, though--I have the proverbial little house on the big block--I don't want to put in something tacky that doesn't fit with the neighborhood in terms of potential resale. Regarding the expression 'proud'--if it's regional, I think it's regional in occupation more so than geography--I'm a tool-and-die maker by trade, and in the toolroom referring to something sticking up a little as being 'proud' is not uncommon--didn't give it much thought, though it is kinda funny, now that I think about it. You can actually feel a difference in height of about three thousandth of an inch, believe it or not. And yes, the floor height difference is my largest concern, for aesthetic as well as safety reasons. Initially, I assumed matching the existing floor would be a major undertaking resulting in a major expense as well, but I do want it done 'right' and if that's what I have to do...

Really nice room. Looks comfortable and inviting. Good choice w/new sofas. Like the fireplace as is ... but less clutter could improve the look of it. Not sure what the picture is above the piano. If it is a family photograph, reframe it and the family photo on the mantel with the same frames and put both above the piano. Really like your coffee table. One day it will be a valuable antique if you don't booger it up. So, for the coffee table, consider taking the table to a glass company and having a dark gray tinted thick glass top created for it -- no refinish for the table necessary. (Alternately, cover everything but the top and paint the top only -- perhaps black or else the same white as your cabinets.) Do the same for your current end table as you do for the coffee table. If you're going to add a second end table, since matching the existing one would likely prove difficult, consider a totally different look -- perhaps a wood 2-drawer filing cabinet? http://realsolidoak.com/office.html

PPF & cpartist - Thank you for the changes!! Kristen and Naf Naf I appreciate all the help. Thanks to everyone for your comments and opinions! Question - On the changes you both made the stone base around the house was still there. Do you recommend keeping that? Still working on the color of the brick. I will attach pictures of 3 of the bricks I have liked thus far. Just scroll right to left below. May go for a lighter option. Any ideas for a brick color? The one that the architect originally did I was not fond of. The dormers on the garage were to allow light in the bonus room so I would opt to keep them. Would you recommend changing the front facing garage dormer from a curved to a rectangular window to keep consistent with the windows? Would shutters on the front windows work - I was not thinking about having them. Front Entrance - I know everyone says to simplify but would you recommend adding some an element to the front door. I found a picture but I would not go as detailed probably. Thoughts on the concept? I just wanted some character but not sure how to go about it. Roof - I will look into Slate. Is it generally very expensive? Sorry for taking so long to reply. I have been working long hours.

Can you guys DIY? look into a cement overlay (less than $100) or a roman plaster, both of which could go over those slate tiles. I think you'd like this. simple plaster overlay. above the mantle you could do the drywall, or a board and batten type of trim if you prefer. but his is not difficult to do. Totally works w/your room too. (you could use a masonry paint and paint that slate tile, but honestly, this plaster/stucco/cement overlay is simple and would look better) or, they're easy enough to break free and you could retile w/something else. use a solid piece of stone for the hearth. you don't have a lot to do. if you do it yourselves, a few hundred would do it. https://angelarosehome.com/final-reveal-fireplace/ check out this before and after. https://angelarosehome.com/final-reveal-fireplace/ Full tutorial You could easily do this in a white color (but I'd top w/a wood mantle.) you could get this finish w/the cement or stucco overlay, or the roman plaster finish.