Ledgestone would work well with the exterior of your home. There is a strong Mission Style element to your home, which is very pretty! Eldorado Stone also has a product called a Fieldledge. Is a perfect mix of field stone and ledge stone, giving you a mix of linear and organic pieces. I have used it on many projects and have always been happy with the results.

Thank you for the feedback. We are also looking at adding corbels to each peak and the sides of each peak. What are your thoughts? Also maybe a decorative vent on the garage. The garage is so tall, just want to add some interest. Wish I knew how to photoshop some in! What do you think? Need some guidance!!

The corbels are definitely Craftsman and I think would add a nice touch, maybe just to the center of each peak. Directly above the garage doors, on the horizontal siding you could run a decorative band or small ledge with mini corbels underneath to break up the large space between the top of the garage doors and the darker shingled area. Within the shingled area above the garage doors you could ad the vents as you mentioned above. There are lots of pictures of Craftsman style exteriors on Houzz to give you an idea of what it would look like.

Hmm, never thought of a small ledge with mini corbels...do you have a picture in mind that I can look at for reference? I was actually thinking a decorative vent half on the shakes and half on the horizontal siding to bridge the large space...now maybe I need to reconsider!

Ledgestone is very popular and would work well with your home. You have may options available in both natural stone and manufactured stone. When my customers are veneering their homes I try to focus on the cut and color of the stone that is appropriate for their home. The two products that have been getting the best response for me are

1. Coronado Stone (similar to El Dorado Stone) which is a manufactured stone. The ledgestone they offer is very nice and comes in many colors.

http://www.coronado.com

Pros: Low cost, many colors available
Cons: Colors not as vivid as natural stone

2. MG Stone which is a natural stone. They make a ledgestone panel that allows for quicker installation. There are several companies making these now. The colors are vivid. I recommend finding someone in your area that sells these.

http://www.mghomeusa.com

Pros: Moderate cost for natural stone, easy installation of flats and corners
Cons: Limited colors, panels need to be installed properly so pattern is not visible.

You have decided on the cut of stone. There are several styles of ledgestone so try and look at displays or get a sample. Look at a color that will best match your home. I think a more neutral gray or earth tone might work for you. Also, if your not doing it yourself talk to a qualified mason or contractor with experience in veneering and they can be very helpful also. and of course your local rockery or home supply center is a good start.

Good luck with your project,

Chris Gonzalez
South County Rockery

South Country Rockery, I notice you posted only pictures of drystack...would you lean towards drystack? I like drystack, but was thinking maybe grouted to keep it more traditional. I have looked a lot at the Coronado stone, but cannot decide on a color. Any specific suggestions?

It's up to you whether or not you go with drystack or grout joint. If you like a more traditional look then go with a grout joint. I think it looks nice when done well. As far as color I would lean more towards a color blend that is analogous (similar) to your homes color. I have attached a color sample from Coronado stone. One of these photos shows a home with very similar wall and trim color as your home. The color is Wisconsin Blend ledgestone. It can be drystack or grout joint. I would suggest a light/medium gray for the grout.

I hope this helps and moves you in the right direction whether you choose natural or manufactured stone.

Good luck with your lovely home,

Chris

Last question...should I run a piece of white trim under the deck ledge so there is white trim above the rock on the front of the deck consistent with the rest of the house? Thanks!

You could run a piece of trim to match the house. Traditionally, a cap is run along the top of the veneer/wainscot. Not only as a trim/finish but also to help prevent water intrusion behind the stone veneer. If you use a trim keep in mind that it should serve that function. If you decide to use a cap it will be of the same material. I have attached photos of caps from Coronado Stone. I recommend a cap vs a wood/synthetic trim. It may not be an exact match to your homes trim. But, the longevity and integrity of the stone installation is what's more important in my opinion.

Chris

Love Love Love ledger stone...but it will eventually become something that will date your home...as you are seeing it everywhere even at shopping malls and on new commerical buildings. but I do love it!