skip to main content

Home Decorating

Porch Paint Color Help Needed

14 years ago

Welcome to our furniture graveyard. ;)

This is a porch attached to the bottom level of our home. Since we live in a cold climate and it's not insulated, this porch is good for maybe 3-4 months of the year. We haven't done a thing with it since we moved in a year and a half ago, and didn't even use the porch last year except to store stuff.

I want to paint, but can't decide what color. I have two chairs and sofa that I will slipcover, probably in something neutral. I was thinking natural cotton duck, maybe. It must be washable and it can't be anything flimsy or too nice, as we have two special needs cats (with cerebellar hypoplasia) who will shred it while trying to climb up onto it.

Our house is in the woods, so I want the room colors to be something natural and soothing. No fire engine red walls here. I was thinking perhaps a sage green? Or will that color be somewhat "off" (more intense??) due to all the green-leafed trees around the room? Currently, the room is a sort of beige with the same color on the ceiling.

All suggestions welcome, even if they're not about paint color! But please know I realize the furniture it not optimally arranged (some of it is going away soon in a garage sale) and there are chaise cushions (cat landing pads) and a flattened cardboard box on the floor. :)

Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

lorriekay
14 years ago
a pale robins egg blue
i have no idea.. lol
I like cheerful colors in *sun rooms*
Or a pretty buttercup yellow.. to make it sunny when it's not.
The robins egg blue will do the same thing.
Or an aqua.
funkyart
14 years ago
It is a great space-- even if it can be used only 3-4 months of the year. A friend of mine painted her screened porch a blue gray and it looked gorgeous against her backdrop of greenery, trees, yard and a creek. It was not a pale or delicate color at all-- but it looked fresh and it really set off the view.

I think a sage or beige will not do the room justice-- they will disappear into the landscape or look dull next to the vibrant colors of the view.
Related Discussions
Need paint help for Crafstman bungalow porch
Q
Comments (3)
It's actually a practical issue. Blue is said to repel bugs. that's why the inside of antique trunks are often blue, as well. It's also a cooler color it the heat. Paint your colors on big squares of cardboard. Maybe take them to the paint store and outside compare to see how things go together. If you could get ahold of a paint deck, it would be easier to look at the paints together and find something with a hue that's compatible. It's impossible on a computer monitor to pick an accurate color. Frankly, even asking someone to tell you what to do is kinda nuts, given how everyone's eye sees color differently. Only you will be able to pick. As beautiful and classic as you home is, I'm certain whatever you choose will be absolutely lovely!
...See More
help!! need paint advice on porch columns
Q
Comments (7)
He's got them all preped..and ready to paint...and has still been in 'limbo' as what to do. Now, for sure after reading what you said, he's in a quandry. He had gone to the paint shop the other day, and two salesmen there said , you don't have to prime those Fiberglass Columns. They said to give them two coats of latex and that's it. He prefers oil, as well, but after talking with them, they made it seem that latex WAS the paint to use on Fiberglass. He would rather go with the oil, and after reading what you said, he's feeling that it would be all right, and the better choice.
...See More
Need help with porch roof color
Q
Comments (7)
Metal is for the porch only and is purely for aesthetic value. I'm in the Pacific Northwest, so I'm not too concerned with reflecting the heat, even though it might help some in our warmer months. A white roof just won't work for us, but thanks for your input. I do appreciate it.
...See More
Colors? Help w/ paint color for porch & trim & door.
Q
Comments (9)
To phuninthesun (clever). Thanks to you too for the image, and how do you do that? I wish I had a program that lets me mess around with colors, etc. I've been wanting to see it with windows that are white around the edges. I had been considering getting new efficient windows with bronze edges because I could not visualize the white. And it looks so much better with the flower bed and a change in the bushes. What you see is what was here when I bought it. I never would have put a little round bush in that spot. The brick seems to be one-of-a-kind that might have come from another building or buildings, but I don't know. I doubt they did things like that in 1957 when this was built. Here's another photo of the brick at the back--just before I bought the house. I want to add french doors back there and a deck or patio, but haven't had time. Do you think the colors in the photo of the Mediterranean-looking house & patio would work with this house? I love those shades of green & yellow. THANKS again. Please feel free to add more suggestions.
...See More
oceanna
14 years ago
Did you look in the cottage decor thread in the Gallery? I'm pretty sure I put some very pretty sunroom pictures in there. Depending on your connection it takes a bit for this to load, so call it up and go do dishes... it's worth the wait.

You can also google "sunrooms" and click on "images" and see lots of ideas.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cottage Decor (scroll down)
paint_chips
14 years ago
I am a color person too, but I would paint your walls a crisp white and your ceiling a sky blue. Anything you do in there will be great though!
kimberlyrkb
Original Author
14 years ago
I love the idea of a grey blue, that is one of my favorite colors, although I didn't think of it for this space. I also like the idea of a yellow or white, each for different reasons. I wonder if something like Ellen Kennon's Sky would work well?

Thanks for your suggestions!!

Related Stories

Ideabook 911: I Need Help Staging for Resale

By Becky Harris

KITCHEN DESIGN Design Dilemma: My Kitchen Needs Help!

By KitchenLab Interiors

See how you can update a kitchen with new countertops, light fixtures, paint and hardware

LIFE Decluttering — How to Get the Help You Need

By Alison Hodgson

Don't worry if you can't shed stuff and organize alone; help is at your disposal

ORGANIZING Get the Organizing Help You Need (Finally!)

By Laura Gaskill

Imagine having your closet whipped into shape by someone else. That’s the power of working with a pro

LIGHTING Help! I Need a Light!

EXTERIORS Help! What Color Should I Paint My House Exterior?

By Jennifer Ott Design

Real homeowners get real help in choosing paint palettes. Bonus: 3 tips for everyone on picking exterior colors

STANDARD MEASUREMENTS The Right Dimensions for Your Porch

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Depth, width, proportion and detailing all contribute to the comfort and functionality of this transitional space

COLOR Pick-a-Paint Help: How to Create a Whole-House Color Palette

By Laura Gaskill

Don't be daunted. With these strategies, building a cohesive palette for your entire home is less difficult than it seems

ENTRYWAYS Help! What Color Should I Paint My Front Door?

By Jennifer Ott Design

We come to the rescue of three Houzzers, offering color palette options for the front door, trim and siding

DECORATING GUIDES What You Need to Know Before Painting Brick

By Vanessa Brunner

Sure, painted brick can be a great look. But you need to take some risks into account. Here's how to paint brick like a pro

Sponsored

More Discussions

Help with sidelight design

26

Which of these neutrals do I need to get rid of to fix my bedroom?

18

Need help with a dining room table?

1

I think I made a mistake. Grey couch with knotty pine? Floor ideas.

27

knob placement - new bifold shaker closet doors

1