House exterior is just so "blah" ...
6 years ago
What can we do to spruce up the front of the house? It's so blah. The roof is brand new, so we're stuck with the monotone browns. We plan on getting rid of the tree that's blocking the window. Thinking of painting the gutters, porch columns, and garage door in a dark chocolate color. What do you think? I'm really low on ideas - I'd love to hear yours!
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (13)
Related Discussions
My sister says blah blah blah
Comments (27)Snookums, have you ever looked at any navy counters? I did before I posted. Some are nearly black or have a lot of grey -- not that far from the slate. Sure, there are brighter blues, but that's not what I was talking about. The slate looks great and that type of navy could too -- but I probably wouldn't have suggested the idea if I had realized the OP had green (and brighter green) counters. Camarodreemer76, I'd really like to help you, but I'm having a hard time seeing the laminate with the cabinets. You are seeing them in person and I'm seeing flash photography and computer monitor images. That last photo seems to be picking up green from your counters too. My concern is whether the colors work together. I just can't see that they do on my monitor, but as I pointed out, I'm not seeing it as you are. If they do, I think the tile is nice and would use it. If not, don't rush into something that isn't right and be unhappy until you can pay again to redo it....See MoreAnother Boring-Blah Exterior! Paint/Color Suggestions?
Comments (6)Beanie, thanks for the suggestions... however, the house photo you uploaded looks very much like what I've got... Does not appeal to me. not looking for one shade darker/lighter for shutters/trim. I have uploaded a photo from the front door to illustrate the "shrubs that need trimming" are a Japanese maple and cedar tree, neither or which are next to the house, but because of the lot angle from street, these trees partially block house. While I would consider the potentially cutting down the cedar, I'm not considering taking out the Japanese maple... it is beautiful. DecoEnthusiast... I'd never considered concrete window trim; this appears to be an expensive proposition... Do you have any examples of this on a red brick house? Also, love the bluestone/slate idea on the steps! Any thoughts on lime-wash/white-wash or German Shmear on this house??? I think that would look pretty given the deep red of the brick... Thanks all for weighing in!...See MoreHow do I transform my home exterior from blah to charming?
Comments (19)I see DigDoug did a drive by with his mad skills. Your cottage already has subtle craftsman touches so adding onto that theme and making them stand out will work well. I like the dark siding with white trim color scheme you picked. I am not 100% sure since I am looking at it through a monitor but it appears your roof is brown. If you need to replace the roof and want a gray colored house consider a charcoal colored roof. If you are not replacing the roof then stick to a green/olive or brown/tan color scheme. It doesn't mean you can't do gray but pick a warm gray with lots of brown and red in it. Same thing for the stone. I personally like the stone you have now and would work with it and spend the money on that portico/arbor and landscaping instead....See Moreexterior design - curb appeal help for a blah ranch house
Comments (12)I knew there is a way to update your beautiful home. Consider spending your limited resources on the front entrance and garage door. FIRST SUGGESTION: 1) Paint the front door, garage surround and window framing (the trim everywhere) a spruce green. (or med brownish green) See the first & second pic. 2) Paint the shutters a butter sand. 3) And now the fun stuff: Add a wood arbor over the front door to focus on a welcoming entrance. Add the same color wood garage door and short arbor as shown in the pic. Continue the same at the back. SECOND SUGGESTION: 1) Paint the front door, garage surround and window framing (the trim everywhere) a blue grey. See the last pic. 2) Paint the shutters a pale grey. 3) And now the fun stuff: Add a wood arbor over the front door to focus on a welcoming entrance. Add the same color wood garage door and short arbor as shown in the pic. Continue the same at the back. (see pic) IMHO I like the first suggestion because it's fresh and new and be a showstopper on your street. The second suggestion is more traditional and sophisticated. After that, we can concentrate on the plantings and landscaping. Hope this helps and please comment on what you think! Suggestion #1 Note the colors: Butter sand for the shutters and brownish green for the garage surround and trim Note the colors: Spruce green, butter sand and arbor. This obviously is a back area but can be adapted to a front entrance. Note Garage door and arbor Suggestion #2: Note colors: Blue grey and pale grey and black window frames and garage trim around wood door...See MoreRelated Professionals
Scottsboro Flooring Contractors · Hillsboro Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Moraga Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · San Diego Furniture & Accessories · Beachwood Architects & Building Designers · South Elgin Architects & Building Designers · Downey Painters · Lake Wales Painters · Matteson Painters · Oceanside Painters · Sarasota Painters · Venice Painters · Cibolo General Contractors · Arizona City General Contractors · Spanaway General Contractors
PRO6 years agolast modified: 6 years agodarker garage door would work. something this dark or a tad lighter. I like the row of glass at the top
I like this door too.
what do you think about painting your front door a lighter color?
the shrubs under the windows on the right need pruning. Love the colored pots idea. maybe even a mustard or red would work too.or,,instead of those hedges, try something like this under the window
Planting some flowers after the tree comes out, in that bare patch, would also work. Iceberg rose bushes?Farrah thanked Beth H. :- 6 years agolast modified: 6 years ago
Thank you all for the replies. Here are some additional pictures, for those who asked. The front door is wooden, and black - but I kinda love it and don’t want to repaint it.
last month
PROlast month
last monthlast modified: last month
Related Stories
EXTERIORSColor Makes Its Mark on Modern House Exteriors
Consider borrowing from the rainbow to give a modern home depth, distinction or even just a mood boost
Full Story
EXTERIORSThe Joyful Exterior: How to Give Your Home Just the Right Touch of Blue
Here are ways to add blue to the outside of your house — and 8 palettes to try
Full Story
ARCHITECTUREHow to Select the Right Exterior Finishes for Your Modern House
When choosing your new home’s exterior finishes, consider location, maintenance and natural aging
Full Story
EXTERIORSHelp! What Color Should I Paint My House Exterior?
Real homeowners get real help in choosing paint palettes. Bonus: 3 tips for everyone on picking exterior colors
Full Story
EXTERIOR COLOROn Trend: Bold and Black Exterior House Color
All-black and coal-gray exteriors make a nonconformist statement on homes of any style and size
Full Story
EXTERIOR COLORChoosing Color: 1 House, 5 Exterior Paint Palettes
See how color variations change the look of this midcentury ranch-style home
Full Story
LIFE9 Ways to Appreciate Your House Just as It Is
Look on the bright side — or that soothingly dark corner — to feel genuine gratitude for all the comforts of your home
Full Story
HOUZZ TOURSHouzz Tour: Traditional Sensibility Marks New ‘Not-So-Big’ House
An interior designer wanted her family's lakeside Minnesota farmhouse to emphasize quality over quantity
Full Story
CURB APPEALWhen to Paint Your House Brown
Nature loves brown, from rich soil to sunlit sand, and so do home exteriors with a traditional or Craftsman bent
Full Story
ROOM OF THE DAYRoom of the Day: A Laundry So Cheery, Wash Day Is Wonderful
Pretty paint and playful touches banish chore-day blahs in a laundry room designed for a magazine’s Idea House
Full StorySponsored
Northern Virginia Interior Designer - Best of Houzz 2013-2020!
lizziesma