funcolors-are you kidding? i definitely value your opinion. Thanks, and actually i am considering the bennington gray as the first choice now. I think it is beautiful too. i find it a "harmonious color scheme". Believe me, between the kitchen that i just finished and my very colorful backyard, i need something a bit toned down. i am working on my backyard too at the moment trying to find something to blend better with my pool water and waterline tiles. the bennington gray goes so well with the fabrics that i am considering for my outdoor furniture, umbrellas, etc... my pool tiles are that greenish-spa color. i am looking at fabrics in the blue/green, browns, and tan tones. i have brick red back there now mixed with the yellow shade that i have on the front of the house now. i did this **i think** to blend with the red brick coping and red accent tiles on my pool. what was i thinking? i had too much going on at the time. you can check out my photobucket if you like. i have lots of pics of the backyard and new kitchen. you will see how much color my life already has in it. the bennington gray will be a nice change on the front exterior and rear exterior. thanks so much for your work. and by the way, i copied my house photos that you did over to my photobucket page. i hope you don't mind. Here is a link that might be useful: teppy's photobucket page

I would always prime, especially if you are going to use a dark color. Otherwise you might end up with 5 coats of paint. If you use a primer (ask that they tint it, you would only need a quart), you would probably paint 2 light coats of a dark color paint. Some paints claim one coat coverage, I guess I am too much of a perfectionist, I cant stand one streak or area that I can see a hint of the other color, I always need 2 coats. But dont cake on the paint, do 2 light coats. Invest in a Purdy brush so you dont get brush marks. Good luck.

I live in a converted schoolhouse circa 1890. It's painted BM Cottage Red, trim is BM ivory Tusk and front storm/screen door is FPE Coach Green. House faces south, though partially filtered by trees. It's faded a little after 7 years. This winter has been tough (I live in northern NYS) and I'll probably have it repainted in a year or so. This photo was taken last year. I was focusing on peonies when this was taken and didn't notice the belfry was omitted.

Personally, it's all too the "same" for me. Lots of brown: brown siding, brown stucco, shutters and light fixtures. I would try black shutters and light fixtures (but I understand changing fixtures may be an issue if they're new). But those shutters are not suited for the window. If you do a search of the forums, you will find many recommendations and links to sizing shutters correctly. In addition, the shutters, if you insist on having them, should look as if they would work. Post updates, please!