None of the above! ???? I’d ditch the shutters and paint the stucco and stone taupe, with black window trim and black windows.

I voted for 4 BUT option 3 feels SO CLJ Cottage. Not Studio McGee Cottage, Katie Hackworth Cottage, Pinterest Cottage…. CHRIS LOVES JULIA COTTAGE. Can’t even imagine it not being moody and cozy all rolled into one.

I would love to see the font, left part of the house (is that the garage?) in stone and the rest with off white stucco. It would make it look like that was the carriage house. Swoon.

My two cents, I’d do number 4, but change the white tapered posts to cedar wrapped columns inset into stacked stone bases, with cedar gable accents to match along the roof line, black windows and a black front door. That would give you a really classic (yet on trend) look that would stand the test of time. Good luck! These are all very nice choices!

What about #1 with black shutters?

I think 1, 2, and 4 stand the test of time. That’s what is most important to me when choosing finishes that are permanent/long term. I also love homes that have different dimensions and mixed materials. It always feels welcoming and unique.

What if you did number 4 but left some of the stone exposed and painted the rest. Like maybe leave the stone on the left side of the house (when u are facing it) and paint all the rest of the stone on the right side. Then u get a little of both.

I’m surprised #4 and #8 are in the top spots, those looks seem the most dated to me (1990s)

If you go with #6, may be explore an option to paint all of the trim the same blue/grey color? And I would also recommend removing the decorative gable vents – not a super cottage-y detail :)

I want to point out that though #4 is in the lead, Team Stone is heavily outnumbering Team White House (79%!). All the no stone votes are just concentrated on the one option. I really like the gray windows. I also find that you make better design decisions than I do (I was on team wood cabin walls, haha). So I’m excited for the journey!

1, 2 and 4. Just watched your story explaining that 8 is safe. I couldn’t agree more. And then also NO to the farmhouse look. It’s lovely, don’t get me wrong, but I feel like your guys style is different, and dare I say, much better than that!

#4 is my fave BUT if you a are gonna atone I li le the i simplicity pf white paint I think that’s #1? Have you thought of limewashing the stone to give it even more of that cottage vibe and neither ing it up more?

I love black windows but with the current architecture i think it’s getting lost so maybe justness on the interior of you still want them?

I actually think the all white with black windows would look really good – at least in my head it does. ????

I am shocked #6 is in last place- definitely my favorite! It is reminiscent of an English countryside cottage ????

I have been travelling to Montreal for work lately, and I love to walk around old Montreal and look at the stone buildings with their blue-gray or green-gray trim. I voted for #6!!!!

#4 with black accents or #2 with a little less stone…maybe something like this https://www.houzz.com/photos/coastal-cottage-traditional-exterior-minneapolis-phvw-vp~137125403

Hope you go with your gut on this! I think that once you decide on what you want, even if it polled low on this survey, that most everyone will come around to support it & see the genius behind it! I mean, that’s why we’re here to begin with: for ideas & inspiration & to see your vision come to life!

Hopefully some of the comments provide helpful insights or food for thought, though. Mine, FWIW:
— Many of these options rely on getting the front stone grayed up. Would doing a test on your method of graying it up be helpful to see how feasible or attractive the method actually is?

— Could your sister also Photoshop some of the interiors with windows of the pane # & size & interior grille color that you are considering? For instance, having black windows with many panes (lights?) might look busy or heavy from the interior unless the mullions are very thin. I love how interior black window frames & grilles frame the outdoor view but only when the mullions aren’t too thick, heavy, or busy. Still, I know that whatever you choose will be great!

Looking forward to see how this all unfolds!

So I changed my vote from 4 to 6 based on the photo inspiration on your story! I love it. I guess what held me from picking it the first time around was the roof color. I love the all stone with those grey windows, but the darker roof really adds that pop and makes it stand out. Well wishing you luck and I know whatever you guys pick will look amazing in the end!

I picked #6, but I also like #4 because both of these make the whole house simpler. It feels a bit busy to me with the broken up sections on this particular house. I feel like the all brick goes more with your wanting to give it more of a cottage feel, so that’s why I picked that over the all white one. If you did end up going with #6, I would want to play with the trim color and see how it would look with something a little bit darker. Anyway, I’m excited to see what you end up with. You always have such a good eye and have surprised me before. For example, I really never thought I liked A-frames until I saw what you did with yours and then I realized A-frames could be super awesome!

5 or 6 is where I lean but if 4 wins could you add shutters and some window boxes in maybe natural wood. classic cottage.

I voted for #5 because WOWZA! But really though I love stonework on homes, it feels so warm and inviting. I loved 5 because the white (or you can do a warmer white) helps make the beautiful stone shine & be the main attraction! I loved the blue/grey shutters best because they felt the most like a cottage vibe. I can’t wait to see what you choose!!

I voted #6 but would perhaps like to seem trim and columns match the window. It’s so beautiful and calm!

No 4 but with black windows

I was always a strong #6 supporter, but didn’t vote because I was nervous about pushing you toward what must be a SERIOUSLY expensive option. Also, my two cents is that you should check out a lighter greyish-blue for the trim, because it’s my all-time favorite and it’s extremely old French Provence cottage! The darker grey/blue smacks a tiny bit trendy to me. Not a ton, and I’m probably biased, but hey, go ahead and ignore my comment! You do you!

I suspect, #6 being the most expensive is what’s swaying people away from it, no one wants to vote to spend someone else’s money. ????

#6 is stunning/modern/perfect!! It was my choice this morning and can’t believe it’s in last place! People!! Go for it Chris/Julia!! ❤️????????????

You are influencers for a reason. You do the homework and teach the masses!!! I love that you have the tact to deal with a variety of opinions and voice that SO WELL! I love where you’re heading with the blue/gray windows. Whatever you decide, it’s fun to watch an glean a bit of knowledge!

What about option 4 with black shutters? What do you guys think about that?

7 all day long

My vote is for two or three. However, if you do number 3, I would go with black or dark windows rather than white. Also, I think number 2’s windows are deceiving in the photoshopped image. The black looks so pronounced in the rendered image, while in reality windows look dark/black-ish during the day unless there is a really amazing reflection close to sunrise or sunset. So overall, I say black windows might be the way to go, but this is coming from an architect who loves modern. ;)

What about creamy white with black windows?

I voted 2 although I honestly can’t decide between 1 and 2. I like 1 in the big photo but 2 stands out more on the smaller photos. I think whatever you choose, don’t do shutters. Eliminating the shutters feels cleaner and more striking, and truer to the style of the home. Have you considered a paint color to blend more with the a toned-down version of the stone? That way it would be lower contrast than the white and stone but not quite as heavy as all stone. Potentially a gray on the stucco and a darker blue/gray on the trim? I like the mix of materials if you aren’t wrapping the whole house in stone. I don’t think the stucco would fit in on the rest of the house as well if you didn’t have a little of it on the front.

We just put new windows in and we’re told they will fade! I was soooo sad we could not use them! What have you found that don’t fade?

The start of a project of this magnitude reminds me of falling in love. You just can’t get enough ;) I was surprised to see my fav #5 rated so low! I feel like you need to break up all that space with a mix of materials and the window color is the perfect touch of moody Julia-style and gives it a European vibe. I also love the color on #3 but feels like maybe too “modern farmhouse”-ish, maybe it’s more of a homage to the A-Frame but it doesn’t give me cottage feels. No matter what you decide to go with, they are all total upgrades and I know you will rock your new digs.

ps. If you want to lighten the color of the stone and make it look more worn, look into a limewash or German Smear.

Such a fun look into the design option you are working through. I voted for #4 all white exterior with he ran windows. But I would have loved to see it with black windows!

Before I sold my house that was my plan, though my dream plan was all black, windows and siding and roof…or monochromatic black and gray.

I can’t wait to see what you guys do!

Julia!! You need to go follow Christopher AI on Instagram! They are an architecture firm that specializes in tudor/cottage-style homes and they stop me dead in my tracks every time they come across my feed. I feel like they may be a great source of inspo for the outside of your home! ????

White. Covered with climbing vines!

#3 accentuates the architectural elements of your home. #7 and #8 are great too and visually unify all the lines. Very serene looking. Black or white windows will stand the test of time. Beautiful home ❤️

I can’t tell if my comment posted so I’m trying again. Option #3 with a darker roof, black windows, and no stone on the upper right area of the house. (MAYBE extended the stone to the left and far right so that all the lower level is stone like the inspo pic but that isn’t definitely needed. Just removing it from the upper right area reduces the mcmansion vibe for me.) Can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Option #3 with a darker roof, black windows and no stone on the upper right area so that the stone is only on the lower level. (MAYBE extend the stone to the left and very far right so all the lower level is stone like the inspo pic but that isn’t definitely needed. Just getting rid of it on the upper right helps minimize the mcmansion look alot.)

When we were building a retaining wall to match an existing wall already on our property we had the best luck and best price from someone who bought stone directly from the quarry. The stone will be beautiful but stucco or board and baton can always be painted.

All the Inspiration pics make it even harder to pick one :).
I’m not even sure if this is possible but would doing a “German schmear” type application help with the stone? Tone it down and make it appear less orange??? Maybe you could even test a section before you have to decide to all out replace it…???

This is not a cottage. This is a villa. I love what you guys do but every time you say cottage it makes me cringe. Your house is like 5 cottages put together on a crap ton of land.

I love options 2 & 3 and ended up voting for 3 because the inspiration was my favorite of the inspo pics you included. I will just add my two cents on the shutters. I know that these are just renderings so it may not look like this as the final look but if possible try to get shutters the same scale and dimensions as your windows. Shutters that wouldn’t cover the window if they were functioning make the entire exterior look cheaper, in my opinion. Now granted, that is my opinion but just wanted to share that input. I know all will look great in the end! Excited to follow along!

I like 3. I always fall for a deep tone and bright white mellowed out with a neutral stone. DROOL!

I’m sorry about some of the comments that you are getting about your home. A lot of people mention “McMansion”, which I really didn’t think your house qualified for that term. So, I looked at some “McMansion Hate” websites.

First, to me, a McM was an outsized, ornate house relative to the property and to the neighborhood. Your house is on acreage, so the size is correct. And, there are probably similar sized houses on similar lot sizes in your neighborhood. So you are not sticking out. Space wise – you mentioned that you both work at home, so the space is a home and an office. You have three daughters and a very large extended family, and family & entertaining space is important to you.

Second, the features of the exterior are important. While your house is not symmetrical, there is a balance in size and shape. In your intro video, you really cannot see the turret because of the tree and it only pops out when you are off to the side. And, it’s a nice surprise that your daughters enjoy – think of the granddaughters staying in that room! There are only two textures – stone and stucco – where many McM have far more options. The entry way is one level, not a two-story monster, and the columns look like they support some weight.

Third, the windows are an issue since I can see three types, but your plan is to make them all the same (one or double width, with sashing, all opening One suggestion is to make the tiny window on the right to be the same size as the other upper level windows. With respect to shutters, it seems to be an all in or all out matter. But, don’t forget the eyebrow above the window. Once you take the shutters off, the proportion changes and the brow is not above all windows.

Finally, McMs seem to have too much detail. Your home, after some of your adjustments, will be much calmer than what I saw on the web. The amount of stone that is visible is proportional and with color adjustment will be “right”. When you decide to go whole stone house, it will also feel right with the environment.

Now, on the interior, yes, you do have some McMansion issues, but you seem to be dealing with them.

But, it is your home so, trust yourself! I’m looking forward to the journey.

I voted for #7 because I love the all stone look, feels more cottage-like to me. But I feel like you need to inject black somewhere to make it feel more “CLJ”…what about #7 but with black windows? My second vote, more budget-friendly option, would be #2.

I voted 8 when I woke up and read your post from bed. But I’ve been thinking about it all day as I work and I realize that my vote may change if you are increasing the size of your windows when you replace them. Do you know if you will be increasing the size of the first floor windows? I know you mentioned the possibility for the second floor in your walk through video last week.

I know that may be hard to illustrate on the mock-up variations. Any option will look lovely though. I’m loving seeing your thought process as a fellow McMansion owner in Nevada :)

#7 all the way! It looks like an English country cottage more than any of the other options. And I would def name her Marcum Manor.

I’m torn between a couple:

4 – I think this is fantastic and I love the soft color on the windows. I also think this gives you the most cottage-like result.

3 – I also really, really like this one. I’m wondering what it would look like with a warmer stone, and I’d also mock it up with the black windows for kicks. I do like the white windows a lot though, it gives a nice contrast.

I would possibly be interested in one of the all-stone ones if you could get rid of the gable vents somehow. To me they really stand out against the all stone options and take away from the look. If you could get that stone up to the peak it might give it that cottage feel.

On 1, 2, and 5 I just can’t get behind the stucco/stone combo, it’s a safe pick, for sure, but it’s also way too common a combination in cookie cutter homes.

4 seems so boring to me compared to the other options and far less cottage feeling.
I voted 8, but also loved 2 and 3.
I guess overall I am liking a black element somewhere for contrast

Number 6 feels the most cottage-y to me! Reminds me of a rustic French cottage, especially with casement windows and no shutters. 7 and 8 feel more classic/colonial to me.

I would LOVE to see you use tan windows on the outside. Feels cottage-y for sure, but also a bit unexpected when all we’re seeing nowadays is black.

I voted for Option 1, but, for a more timeless look, I would suggest Option 4 with black windows…I am sure zou will come up with something great. Good luck!

All white and only black windows. Remove all stone. Very sharp.

I love the all white! Although, I think it’d kick it up a notch if you went with all white exterior with either black or teal windows. The black would give it a modern edge. The teal would give it a charming feel.

I love the classic look of 7. White windows all stone. But the blue grey windows are also beautiful. Look at @mariaebeck on IG. She just restored their stone home and used navy windows. Also her grout comes so the stone is flush with the grout which is timeless too. And her kitchen is to die for. The White House with black windows is so trendy, all the homes that have been done with that color scheme are now dated 2010-2020. Paint is cheap

I love #4. I’d just add ivy up the wall on the left to give it more of a cottage/European feel. Easy. Whatever you guys do will be stunning, and I can’t wait to see it!

#4 and make the windows and shutters a different shade than tan – the blueish grey shade you picked or even better…black! So pretty!

I’m 100% routing for 8- for some reason the all white stucco feels too much like a new build, where as anything with the stone looks like it could have been there forever.. way past 2000 at least ;)

4, fo sho. It looks modern and timeless.

I think this one suits the cottage idea best while also separating itself from the McMansion feel that some of the mixed options have. I do like the dark one (but that style is exploding in my area so I think it will become tiresome quickly).

I’d try it out with the black windows too.

I chose 2 because of the contrast with the black trim (a little more modern than black shutters) and the combination of stucco and stone is so timeless and cottage-y. For the size of your home, the combo makes it feel less massive than the all stucco or all stone options. #2 all the way! …although I could totally see you going with 3 based on your dark color choices in the past. Not a bad option at all. Just more modern!

#3 so it stands out when your yard is covered in snow!

Voted for #4. Excited to follow along to see final outcome.

Are you planning to keep the too small shutters?

I’m loving four BUT I think white board and batten would be super cute and cottage-y. I like the stone but painting it all one color would be so cute I think.

I like option 4 but without painting the stone. Leave the stone, paint the stucco a creamy white or beige and tan windows.

I voted for 1, but really like 1, 2, and 5. I really like the ones that have the combination of the stucco and the stone. The ones that are all one or the other, not so much.

Will be interesting to see which way you all go! Whatever you pick is always so chic, so I am fascinated to see what it ends up being. It seems impossible to me that you don’t have ANY of your favorites overlapping between the two of you!!!

I really liked #1 and it was my favorite until I got to #8. I stuck with #1 for my vote because of cost.

Another point is the condition of the roof. Will it need to be replaced within a few years? Check out what the current colors are available for shingles. I know the color options may change in the future. It may impact the color of the stone work, the paint, etc. Or you may decide to include a roof replacement at the same time.

I like the window style of Option #4 (less grids), but w/ Option #5. Also, would you replace all of the stone out front… wait, you addressed that… ugh! lol!! I was just curious if you have considered staining the stone out front to get the tones that you want, changing it from warm stone to cool stone with stain colors… I definitely think the stone on the front is too warm, but my opinion… just like a bellybutton… everyone has them haha!!! My other favorite option is #7, I think adding the black shutters is too harsh… too much contrast, maybe a mid-tone gray… once again… Bellybutton haha!!

I did landscaping in school so that’s something my eye takes into consideration. With those white birch trees I don’t think you’d want to go with the pure white house. I like the white and stone with white windows but am wondering what it would look like with the dark shutters as well. So option one but with the dark shutters. ????

I am split between 4 and 8 but voted for 8 because it is SO classic for a cottage look. #4 is gorgeous but seems more french country to me but there are lots of cottages in the french countryside!

Wow, I surprised myself with liking #4 the best. So chic! I like the uniformity of the creamy white. The tan windows are
more subtle than the pop of the black or white (the black and white grids seem noisy against mixed finishes). I think the landscape can really be a shining star against the creamy white whereas it might get lot against the stone and/or mixed finishes.

I would love to hear/read some of the dialogue and reasoning as you process your decision.

We’re in the midst of an exterior reno and I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how our opinions have evolved as the work is in progress.

I vote #1 as phase 1, with either 7 or 8 being the end result. I think those are the most classic options if you’re going to be here long term….

I love the number three makes the size of the house recede a bit – it feels more cozy and less in your face than the white versions. I’m also very in favor of ditching the shutters – they just look so skimpy compared to both the windows and the rest of the house!

I love the look of all one material on a house. It looks so much cleaner to me. So I love either all stucco or all stone. I love #4 and #8, but #4 feels more “cottage-y” to me. #8 does too, but with all stone it feels very English countryside. But what I love most about #8 is the black shutters! Could you do #4 with black windows and shutters?

One more thought: one of the things that’s detracting the most from a cottage look for me is the shape and style of the over-the-door window. Could you maybe swap it out for a straight transom? Or maybe a style of arched window that’s not so 1990s?

I guess I’m in the minority, but I have a STRONG preference for either 1 or 7! I think it looks more classic/old fashioned to have it all one color, whether that’s white or stone, and apparently I’m digging the white window frames! Best of luck with your decision! <3

Please don’t paint it all white! It just loses a little something. The different bumpouts and features seem to just disappear.

I haven’t read all the comments, yet.

I would go in phases – I like #1 of changing the color & windows asap since this is similar to repainting the interior in that it becomes your home. Soften the stone. IF you don’t like the look, then paint it as in #4. But check to see how painted stone lasts in your weather. Will the painted stone become a maintenance problem in the future?

Get rid of the shutters since they are only on one section of the home. Later, you can always add them.

If you want more stone, then the next phase is #7.

#4 with black windows and black shutters would look great too!

FUN!!! My favorite is 1, followed by 3 and 5. 3 looks SO CLJ, and 4 is actually maybe my top pick except it’s looking more French country than English cottage when the stonework goes away. 8 looks super McMansion-y with the black shutters IMO, and the all stone exteriors appear too monolithic for a home this size, I think. Excited to see what YOUR pick ends up being.

So what color would the fascia and gutters be? I see in all option they are unchanged. Also any updated to the roof? Slate would be sooo beautiful :)

Love option 4. Would be interesting to see with black windows. I’ve seen a place similar to option 4 that has the black windows and a wooden lintel (close to the color of your front door ) above each window and it is beautiful.

I am torn between 8 and 6, but I definitely like all stone. I voted for 6, then immediately wished I could change my vote to 8! ???? All stone would be beautiful in that setting.

I love love the black board and batten look in #3 but I think for it to work the trim/gutter and maybe even the roof need to go black too to ground the house.

I love number one. I prefer a mixture of stone and paint. The white is classic and gives it that cottage charm.

Such a variety of options there and they’re all so beautiful! How will you ever decide?! Option 3 is my personal favorite, but I’d opt for black windows over white. Can’t wait to see what you land on!

Voted #4 but would do black windows!

I voted for 3, 4, and 6. I think they all work. Obviously time, climate and $$$$ all factor into the decision you’ll make. Knowing you, you’ll research the heck out of this and then make a choice that will leave us all saying “Of course!”.

WHat about option 3 with dark windows? Like the example pic has.

I vote that you should do option #3 but black windows on interior and exterior! :)

I’m shocked Option 4 is winning! That one is my least favorite. Definitely between 2, 3 or 5!

I think you need to show Option 2 with black trim similar to how your inspo pic has the black trim (roof and chimney top). Full stone fronts are very pretty, but remind me a lot of East Coast style. though its classic, its not quite unique.

I think #7, except with black windows. Love the way the stone and black play together.

I would like to see 4 with black or dark shutters and see what that looks like. But it was hard choosing. I like 1,4 and 8. Chose 8

I have a personality complex around mixed-but-not-symmetrical exterior finishes on a house, so I voted 4. I’m amazed it’s the cheapest option, honestly! I just feel that with all your differently pitched rooflines and differently shaped windows and such, smoothing out the exterior visually where you can might be the way to let the shape and rest of the house sing. But you have to tell us what *your* favorites are! (I find it hilarious that you guys don’t have any crossovers on favorites…haha. Sounds like me and my husband.) If you can’t agree, are there more options you should consider maybe?

I just need option 2 with black shutters ????????????

I feel like I really need to see Options #3 and #4 with black windows!

Drooling over #7, the all-stone options look so cozy and European-homey! Classic and timeless.

4 is my favorite with 1 a close second. Love the black too but think it does not match the style of this house and maybe you can save it for your cabin redo. The black cabin was magnificent.

I voted for #1 but really I’m undecided on #1 and #8!

So beautiful. One thing I’m really picky on (I’m a buyer for a window manufacturing company) is I’m dead set on white or black windows. I really don’t care for any other colour (and there are a lot of them)!

Try the black option with black windows.

Option 7 all the way, could lean towards black shutters look.

4 – with black board and batten and black window frames :)
I love the cottage vibes with the stone but this house has a busy shape and lacks a bit of drama and “extra-ness”.
But that’s just me!! You do you. And everything you’ll do will be amazing… each option is beautiful!

Love them all…but #8 is my favorite. Those black shutters with the stone ❤️❤️❤️ If you didn’t want shutters what about all stone with black windows?

LOOOOOOOVE option 4!!! It feels so timeless, and so different from typical houses. Feels like a European estate!

I like the contemporary look of three for a more economic choice and that’s what I voted for but now I think the last option is timeless and less trendy. Definitely not the gray window option 5 , though.

4 or 8. Go for it!

I voted for #7 but I also like #4. I really don’t like the addition of shutters, especially shutters that aren’t the right size to actually cover the windows. One of my favorite pet peeves.