An old elevator would excite me more!!

Yes, agree with sheilafirmin... frameless also suggested earlier, Also agree with non reflective glass in whatever frame. To FIND and DESIGN, Yes, saw Killen's post featuring a thin black frame. I liked the idea at first but on seeing that photo I did not think it worked. My mention with respect to black frames on B&W pictures was an observation not a criticism. I actually liked that display but did not think it a good example for framing a large delicately coloured picture. Ultimately its bekkyboo7's individual decision as to what "looks amazing" or trendy...whichever is the aim. Maybe it would be really helpful if somebody had some photographic examples of similar large delicately coloured pictures in frames that work. . Its such a lovely sensitive picture, perfect for near or in a children's room, it would be a shame to get the frame wrong. Maybe the suggestion of visiting some framing studios and take the picture along? (For me that would be like handing the ideas I have in my head over to the framer....and not all framers are aestheticists...mmm that might be a bad idea...unless you can find "THE ONE".) Maybe visit a gallery for inspiration and make a lovely day of it? Sound nice? It might be the charm that makes it all come together. Maybe ask the gallery people for a recommendation of a framer...they all have their preferred professionals. I liked the suggestion of a frame of the same colour as the background in the picture..... I'm done. Hope you find something that looks truly amazing. Oh I've been away from this "game' for far too long,,,am inspired to get my easel out..only now I'll have to find a nice comfy high stool. I love HOUZZ! So much to be inspired by!

I love colour , love what you have done ! Just looking at the exterior 'before' shot , I just had a crazy idea -- do a stunning interior but use decorative paint effects to make the exterior look like is falling over , rusty and in need of love haha !

Re your designer, the most important part of any house is the floorplan so you will benefit from what is spent on design. No, I thought that I had read in your first post that you were moving the driveway $10K, did you do that. As I said I am not an engineer, but for the sake of a better overall floorplan you can work with and around with Load Bearing walls but it does cost, you earlier discussed using posts to help with supports and using fretwork across the top to conceal if you felt it necessary. My upstairs floorplan has the staircase brought back towards the Alfreso with the access from that end up to the bedrooms, ie kids coming home from school, through the mudroom/laundry, powder room and then either onto upstairs or into the kitchen for something to eat and then up stairs. By moving the stairs back will give you a Grander Entrance which you wanted. Everything you do doesn't have to be in the same style as the old house, the rear can be more simple with large stacker doors etc keeping your beloved French doors for the front door and living room etc. Don't be in a rush to make a decision, you are spending a lot of money to achieve your dream house. Did you look at the Youtube program which shows you how to marry old and new. I think the dining needs a bigger window looking out from the kitchen etc to the view of the pool, this is also a good safety thing to do, work with a blind, pergola etc to help control any heat.