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exterior shutters and colors feedback

2 years ago

Hi Houzz community,

Would love your thoughts on a couple of design questions:

Yay or nay on exterior shutters? We have one set of shutters on our house - and while we don’t love them and they serve no practical use, we’re worried the front would look odd without them (due to the large blank space that would be created if we were to remove them- especially to the right of the window). What are folks thoughts on whether this house would look ok without shutters?
We also want to update the house exterior with a modern feel. We’re thinking about painting the brick white. I think we’d then need to paint the siding to match the white. I feel like we need to maybe paint the window trims (and the shutters if we keep them) and maybe even the garage a different color to add some contrast. Any thoughts on what colors might look good but also not require a ton of maintenance (we live in sunny California). Maybe black? Or a dark gray?

Thanks in advance!

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Comments (4)

Lizzie Bennett
2 years ago
What color is your roof? And what colors are in the brick? Since you have board and batten siding on the right, I would think that taking down the shutters would be okay (they're not the right size, anyway). I wouldn't paint the garage a different color - paint is the same color as the body of the house, so it doesn't stand out. I think a darker color would look great, but I prefer dark and bold. I would try and pick a color that's close to the darkest color in the brick and paint the trim in that, then use a color that's a few shades lighter than that for the body. This isn't a photo of a rancher, but gives you an idea of what I mean about the darker trim:
L L
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks for the feedback Lizzie! The brick is unfortunately a hodgepodge of colors. I love your ideas though. We’re leaning towards a very dark gray for the trim. What do you think based on the brick colors? Would you leave the brick unpainted?
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Thank you for the replies everyone. No we can't change the window order and we actually did consult a designer before I ordered the windows. I asked her opinion on the white windows and she was fine with it knowing I wanted a classic traditional, timeless look. I actually never considered my house to be a MCM. I have an original photo somewhere taken by an appraiser when it was built. I considered it more of a California Rancher with a little Cinderella Rancher thrown in. It has had shutters since it was built, the only difference is that they have been updated over the years getting rid of the chipped edge look. The window with the diamond leaded glass was replaced and the rounded facia boards which extended past the roof by about 4 feet were cut back. I mentioned we are open to getting rid of the shutters we're just wondering how to add more interest or color if we did. It is such a long house, I don't want it to look boring.. A MCM look would not fit in in this old country-like neighborhood. It would stand out. We do have an Eichler neighborhood nearby where that would fit right in. Thanks again.
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I'm not a decorator, and of course everyone's taste is different, but I have to say that IMO the best thing you can do with that entryway is demolish it. I don't say that lightly. I'm not generally in favor of major changes to a house's design. I think that architects usually know what they're doing, and we ought to respect their creations. But this entryway might be an exception. To me, it seems out of proportion and stylistically incompatible with the house, like a tornado lifted it from somebody's feature-encrusted mcmansion and dropped it there. It breaks up the house's sense of width and sweep, so the house looks awkward and cramped. I'm trying to think of a painting strategy or something that would minimize it, and I can't come up with anything. Maybe someone else can. One thing I would do, though, is shut off that light. Rip out the switch. It really calls attention to the entryway, and not in a good way. I don't mean to offend anyone with this comment. Houses are all about personal taste, and there are lots of people who I'm sure will disagree with me. There are no right and wrong answers to these questions, only those that make you happy with the house you live in.
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Regarding door style, I would choose one that mimics the lites/glass in your windows. A few examples... Carriage lights sound nice for the detached garage. A door with windows would also be nice. I like the white. White or black for the front door would work, but white would give it more presence. Paint the downspouts to blend with the brick. Your brick with some white and black is classic and nice, like this...
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PRO
Lynch Painting
2 years ago
I think it would look nicer painted. Remember, a block filler rolled on first will help you out a lot I have used this product with much success: https://g.co/kgs/uG9QDe Zinsser 1 gal. Block Filler 2X Primer
Lizzie Bennett
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
@LL - Most people here will recommend that you not paint the brick. I, however, am not one of those people -- brick is just not to my taste at all (and I've had the brick on my CA rancher painted). So, yes, I'd paint the brick - the hodge podge of colors would drive me crazy - but that's definitely your decision. If you wanted a dark gray trim, then you could go with an even darker gray for the body (or black), or a lighter gray (which might be easier). Are you painting your door, too? The gray on gray makes for a great opportunity to do a pop of color with the door. ;)

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