"We have not had any leaks but how difficult is it to change out portions of a drywall ceiling?" I've had a drywall ceiling for 15 years in the basement and haven't had any reason to touch it. If you want to identify any potential problems while the ceiling is open, fine. This way you minimize opening the ceiling at a later time. Say for instance there's a bathroom above on the first floor in a house that's 40 years old. I might look at the tub or shower traps as potential issues and replace them while the ceiling is open. Every house is different and you don't need to anticipate every possibility. It's drywall. If you need to cut it open, cut it open. You repair the ceiling and paint it. It's not brain surgery, but alot of the tools are the same. Ron

I just wanted to add to a few of the comments... Wider trim becomes a feature of design rather then a functional necessary. I'd keep it. I'm always looking at how something can be done in the Least expensive manner, and the least wasteful way. I say work with what you've got! You have a 70's/modern architecture, trying to make it into anything else with out a large redesign will most likely leave you with one of those houses people drive by and say hmm that somehow doesn't work. Can't change an apple into an orange but a nice buffing up can do wonders for that apple. Cream vs white. Yes white is crisp! It's contrast-y, and clean, it pops! But it can also be quite cold, and when you haven't alot of decorative trim to emphasize, and are working with a modern shape, it can feel too sharp. Sharp is not at all homey. An off white will still give you nice contrast, and keep those blunt edges soft and appealing. (hence why I suggested a cream tone- BUT avoid buttery tones with yellows) Bonus, that color matches all earthy neutral tones nicely. I would suggest the double doors, in keeping with the buildings design. But if you haven't room for them, I suggest the faux windows as you mention but the door and windows should not be of the classical variety with much wood-little window. You may be surprised at the options now in glass doors, such as privacy and security. The master bedroom where you are replacing the long windows? Keep them on the longer side then the boxy sort. In fact, take your photo..or my mock up and in an editor, toss in some square boxy windows. Very quickly you should note you lose your unique design and end up with a boring boxy wall. As far as landscaping goes...if you select low maintenance, drought resistant perennial plants and shrubbery, the up keep is amazingly easy, and you'll only need to replace the mulch once a year. Cheaper then gas for the mower and less time consuming too! Just remember to keep it natural looking!

The panels below the windows were the builder's way of getting by cheaply. If you can afford to replace with full windows, it will improve it enormously. With the right windows, you may be able to use shutters on the top left ones. Changing the odd doors will be a big improvement too. If that' a flag pole out front, I'd get rid of that as well. If you like to fly the flag, get the gear to attach it to the home. http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/residential-architecture-101-shutters/

You could extend the garage roof leftward to a point about midway between the two windows on the left, adding a small forward facing gable in at the front edge of the roof directly in front of the front door. That gives you instant shade and an update on curb appeal. With the new "entrance" to the front door even with the front exterior wall of the garage, the glass in the garage door would be less of a distraction or focal point anyway but, just to be sure, you could create a bolder feature in the gable end of the porch -- perhaps an open arc: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/107171666112536981/  Perhaps an open end with only framing showing. https://onlineroofdesign.blogspot.com/2020/01/gable-roof-front-porch.html A wider/bigger bolder open gable . https://eplan.house/en/house-plans/149-kv-m-3-beds-no-garage-SV-58552-1-3 Enclose all or half the depth of the new front porch as a "sun room" entry of sorts or a more modern and dramatic entry foyer: With this one, you could add a patio door on the side of the new glass room and add a front yard patio on the side for which you could create a "green" privacy wall with a hedge beginning at the front of the sidewalk and extending all across the front of the house to the left front corner of the house. You could keep your existing front doorway but, perhaps, add a new door there, perhaps even a French door. https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/543880092475643570/