Hi there, did you mean to attach photos? I don't think they posted. I know this is from a while back but I'm interested to hear what you ended up choosing.

So much can happen on an exterior...trim, exposed rafters, doors, windows, siding, stone, brick, stucco, roofing, gutters and downspouts....hire an architect or a design/build firm to help answer these questions prior to building....like hiring an interior designer for help with furniture, these professionals will help decide the style of the exterior of the house and how that style interacts with the function of the house.

Are you saying you will be layering a wooden false wall on top of the existing wall to hold the pocket door? If that is the case, you might want to treat the entire side of that new and existing wall ( including the area above doorway) as an accent wall using wood veneer strips. They look like actual pieces of wood plank which have adhesive backing, they come in a variety of finishes and colors...I like the old reclaimed wood look. A diagonal pattern would add extra visual interest, but would be more intense to cut and install. That will camouflage the additional layer and create a beautiful accent wall.

Just because you want to use the space below the stairs, do not just add drawers or shelfs unless you reaalllyyy need it. I would suggest go for adding something green to your house. Its healthy by adding air purifying plants. These plants are nowadays available in most of the nurseries and moreover Green patch in the house gives a beautiful look to the house and is also good for eyes ( the green color). Below are few picture to motivate you for Green patch or Indoor garden.