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Paint Design Dilemma DIY

Exterior paint advice...please help!

5 years ago

We are removing the vinyl siding and shutters on our 1950s cape cod shaped house. There is nice 10in. cedar lap siding underneath that just needs to be scraped and painted. We will be replacing the front windows with some nicer more decorative perimeter grid windows and removing all shutters. It is a very simple shaped house so I am stumped on the exterior paint color I was thinking white because I like that look but am wondering if that will look dull, suggestions on paint and trim would be so appreciated!

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Comments (5)

houssaon
5 years ago
I think white is a good choice. You could go with black on the trim and the front door, which is very popular now. You might want a change, but the color of the siding you have now would look good. You have a wide range to chose from.

Are you keeping the shutters? You don't need them and they really don't fit the windows.
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M.D.LC. Home Inovation
5 years ago
try a green between ligth and dark
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That example from Jinx is beautiful and would really look lovely on your home. I've always loved sage greens. I remember Houzz had a post on them at one point. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/exterior-color-of-the-week-6-ways-with-sage-green-stsetivw-vs~52673277
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Looks like the original windows were arched and since the new ones aren't it has created a disconnect between the window and the lintel (trim over the window). A suggestion would be to pick your main body color and then paint the lintels a complementary color, maybe even from the same color strip, that is a couple of shades darker. Leave the windows white, along with the trim at the top, except use the same color used on the lintels to highlight part of the cornice trim (maybe the corbels or the dentil moulding). Long term I would remove the wood deck/porch and replace with something more appropriate (pavers, stamped concrete, etc.). Also opening up/replacing the the transom windows over the front door and changing the front door to one that is an appropriate style would help to complete the look. If you're interested in seeing some virtual makeovers of your home check out my web site, Creative Visual Concepts.
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redsilver
5 years ago
SW Alabaster 7008 walls in Satin sheene with SW 7741 Willow Tree trim & front door, in Eggshell sheen.... Beautiful with your soft gray roof. Also, consider no divided light in your replacement windows. Your house has enough horizontal lines with the siding, and the divided light in the windows might be just too busy for the size of your home? Especially if you are leaving the front door? Just a thought. Someone that can create a picture with the various colors and window styles for you, will help you know for sure. Agreed, your home is nice and the shutters won't be missed. I love your welcoming front patio!!!! Cute picture of the neat home with the toddler in it . :) Precious. Good luck!
Izzy Mn
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
My grandparents house was similar to yours, white with a deep dark red almost maroon. They painted the front door the same color. I kind of like the green suggestion from previous poster. My other grandparents farm house was white with a green color trim on all windows, almost a Kelly green but a little darker or maybe should be called grass green. The wooden screen doors were also the same green. It always seemed a happy color.
mindshift
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
The picture below is from Behr's Color Visualizer. The siding color is the same on both versions - S450-3 Spring Storm. The top version trim uses PPU12-12 Gallery White, while the bottom trim uses N570-7 Black Elegance. I think the dark trim pops better, but it might be too much on your home. I would start by using a color visualizer (most paint manufacturers have them on their sites) to compare and eliminate colors you don't care for. You can probably upload your photo to try their paints on your home, but choose a time of day for a new photo when there are no shadows. Ultimately, it's best to buy a sample and try it on your house before committing to the color(s).

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