So last week I did a post about updating a client’s house with a new color and coat of exterior paint. You might remember it looked like this:
I went over for a color consultation and brought three paint decks with me – one from Sherwin Williams and two from Benjamin Moore {more than enough from which to make a choice.}
The first thing I did was to analyze the color of the stone on the lower half of the house. We can all see the warm caramel color that’s present on some of the stones but I was surprised to see there is a purple undertone to many of the stones. The other feature that I looked at was the grout. Many times when selecting a new color for a house, I will use the color of the grout as a unifying color.
This gave me two options to present the clients. The first one was the warm 
caramel color option. Shelburne Buff (HC-28 from Benjamin Moore) was a great paint color that complimented the warm tones from many of the stones. I put together a quick color rendering of what the house would look like if the white was changed to Shelburne Buff.
I suggested that they remove the metal awnings that were over the two small windows on the right and add black shutters. Even in this color rendering you can see how the paint color acts as an instant facelift taking about 30 years off the appearance of the house.
The other option I suggested was to use a color that closely matched the grout. This is always a great options because you know it will look good if the existing grout looks nice.
That color ended up being Gray Area 7052. This color is a warm brown gray that will add a very sophisticated look and feel to the exterior of the house.
The photo to the left shows what the house would look like using Gray Area.
Here’s a little designer trick you might not know – both color options I gave my clients are interior colors. That’s right, your local paint professional can mix any interior color with an exterior base to give you a truly custom painted house.
So I’m curious, which option do you like? Which color would you select?
About Diana
I’m a busy working designer & home stager who gets a lot of joy & happiness helping clients transform their houses into homes they love. I blog as part of that creative process. In our “spare” time my hubby & I are updating our Cottage in the Woods that we share with our cats. I’m a Christian & look forward to someday working for my Heavenly Father, the Greatest Designer of all, decorating mansions in Heaven!
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I like the second option by far. It seems to blend with the roof better than the other color, and the black lshutters look better against it. The second color gives a more sophisticated look in my opinion.
I agree MarieDee – that is my favorite as well.
Both colors are nice but I liked the second option best.
I love Grey Area…the first choice just seems so “been there done that”. The second option is definitely more sophisticated. Also, I like your window suggestions…made a huge difference in the rendering.
Good Luck!
The second option is my favorite!
2nd option.. Any way to change out the door and give it some pop of color?? Still seems a little of the SAME look?? Still needs something I think????
Hi Diana,
Second option looks super! I wondered about painting or changing out door color, too; do you think it would be too busy or had you considered a color for door other than white? just thinkin aloud, not having been there; maybe a khaki green?
How are you doing; I miss our get togethers in Columbus; it was kinda far for me with my Chronic fatigue and fibro; but still miss getting together with a group like ours with ‘like minds’ or should I say ‘like passions”.
warmly,
sherry gallagher warden
Gray Area, for sure! The caramel color does absolutely nothing for the home. I think the door should be painted either black or a deep, dark red. The white just pulls your eye right there.
Second color option by far!
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