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Design Dilemma Paint Exterior

Big Exterior Update Dilemma on Dutch Colonial House 70's

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

I am trying to update this house with a contemporary look without losing character. I can’t figure out exterior colors. I was thinking on painting brick or whole house dark blue-grayish like Hale Navy or Van Deusen Blue BM. I am also considering a gray wash or German smear. We will update shutters and door. I appreciate your help! TIA!! :)

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Comments (5)

PRO
BlueSky Interior Design
6 years ago
Hi, that is a beautiful house! I agree with painting the brick in a nice dark navy blue, casing and shutters in white and definitely keep the door red.
Taira Naiomy thanked BlueSky Interior Design
chloebud
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Yes...very nice house! I would NOT paint the brick but maybe a German smear. Paint the rest of the house a soft white or something light. I would keep the house color light due to the amount of roof exposure. To me, a lighter color will give the house more focus and not let the roof take over. Lots of color options for the door and shutters.

I would not add shutters to the double windows. They're too large for properly sized shutters.

I don't have a photo, but my sister has a Dutch colonial. The siding is painted a soft white and the trim and front door are Benjamin Moore's Tarrytown Green. Though not a Dutch colonial, I do have a photo of my brother's brick colonial. Tarrytown Green was also used on it. Love it with the brick and white trim.
Taira Naiomy thanked chloebud
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I'd leave it as is. Maybe find a softer color for the trim, definitely punch up the shutters and door. I might go with a medium navy for the shutters with a blue a few shades lighter and brighter for the door. The problem with "de-colonial-izing" it is that you'll end up with a boring facade. You should be particularly wary of any photo-shopped makeovers, because it's easy to get the proportions off. If they make the door a bit bigger to get the proportions right, you might not be able to achieve that look. I doubt anyone will notice it much if you change the columns. Fill the empty spots in your gardens with bright annuals, get a pair of chairs for your porch and maybe a pair of potted plants. Make sure the chairs, cushions and flowers use a cohesive color scheme. Lastly, if you're flipping, you need to know your budget and what things pay for themselves and what doesn't.
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chloebud
6 years ago
Nicely done German smear...
Taira Naiomy thanked chloebud
User
6 years ago
Fix the ragtag meatballized landscaping. Remove the shutters. Add a shed dormer. The whole reason that gambrel roof homes are popular is the second floor potentiality. And the house looks naked and top heavy without dormers.

Ruining it by painting the brick will just make it worse.
Taira Naiomy
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Thank You all! Thank You! Thank You! :) We will add dormers, fix landscaping, no shutters on big windows. Thanks Chloebud for the pictures, love it! We are closing this Friday!

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