Hey there…this is my first post.  I’m a retired designer (who didn’t just do the fou-fou stuff), who is FINALLY remodeling our own house after 15 years of living here.  Built in 1926 in an English Cottage style, like many aging beauties, the old girl had a baaaaaad face-lift in the 80’s.  Not only was it a three-story architectural abomination but the then-owner’s son, who apparently did the remodel, clearly had NO idea what he was doing and it looks like he got his materials from dumpsters. (Think patchwork quilt).  It’s amazing that it has withstood 30 years, including the ’89 quake here in the Bay Area.   We are basically rebuilding without completely demo-ing it.  New windows, stucco, roof….and the list goes on.  As you can imagine, it has been opening Pandora’s box.  When she’s done, though, she will be a Country French hottie where my hubby and i plan to live out our days.

My question (at least for now!) is regarding gable vents.  The giant round louvered (and contrast painted!?) “portholes” are finally gone.  I would like to have simple “holes” in the stucco…not exactly like the terra-cotta pipes, which I think reads “Spanish”, but a simple pattern of small rectangular shapes where it looks like a brick is missing.  The areas will have a smooth stucco finish.   It sounds like the most simple thing in the world but I am unsure as to the construction.  Has anyone done this? 

thanks!