wow wow wow! I've never seen anything like that trim. Boy does it make the view pop! Can you post other photos of black trim in your house, Sandy? Or other photos of your home? That picture just blows me away. Did you paint the black yourselves? The high gloss looks terrific. I know it's very hard to get a clean finish with such a glossy paint. I'd love to hear more about what you did, how you did it, what the negatives might be, other positives that aren't immediately obvious...and where you live! We're on a quiet lake in western Massachusetts, just south of the Quabbin Reservoir. I noticed that what's shown of Holly Dyment's work all features white trim. Also noted that she does not use much textural contrast--mostly silky shiny surfaces and sheen. So much to think about! Thanks so much to everyone, and a special thanks to forhgtv for leading the way to Holly Dyment and sandyponder for posting her amazing trim. These developments have officially Rocked My World. Thanks everyone for your suggestions about colors and paint experts on the forums. I will hold back on the shout-out until I have photos to show what's happening here already.

Actually, I don't think it's a matter of light. I think 'KP' is an unstable sport of carnosa. I'm sure a botanist could explain why some plants are like this. Have you ever grown a crested Euphorbia trigona or ingens? Sometimes, you'll get a shoot that is perfectly normal growth, which most people promptly chop off. I've had this happen with other crested or monstrose succulents. The variegated forms of carnosa (and other variegates, for that matter) are a sport of the original green form. (Google "sport in botany" for a better explanation that's more technical than my non-science mind can give!) You whack off the "sport" or mutated growth and start a new plant in hopes that it will continue to grow that way. 'KQ' is a very stable sport - I've never seen it have reverted vines. 'KP' on the other hand is not stable and every one I have ever had eventually reverts back to all green. Well, actually, I'm growing one right now and so far, so good. However I will add that it's the first time I've ever grown one in a north window where it gets NO direct sun at all... Another reason I don't think it has much to do with the amount of light... Oh, and GG, I have a massive pot full of green shoots from the 'KPs' I've grown over the years and not one has ever produced variegated growth, so apparently once you sever it from the variegated plant, it will no longer produce variegation! I think it's very interesting that on the plant, it can revert to all green, then go back to variegated! Don't ya love plants?! Denise in Omaha

I was just watching Bargain Mansions and she did softer blue gray on the stucco/bricks w/a darker blue siding like you have. It was really pretty. it was on her latest episode. 1970's Tudor Lakeview house. I just can't find the pictures. She also did a very dark garage door. I think your white is too white. Blustery Sky would be pretty on the bricks with a wood tone door. I'd also remove the shutters. they're really wrong on those larger bay windows. Romabio has masonry paints that can be tinted to any color.

What a lovely addition! Personally, I'd paint it all clay or paint the white portions one shade off...but if you're painting the railing, maybe wait until that's done to decide if you like it.