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Home Repair Remodeling Design Dilemma

Should we paint the wood windows/trims/doors white? / Other options?

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

Hi all

Trying to uplift the look of our house.. we like the way the wood trim looks and aren't too sure on painting it white, but at the same time, feel the house is a bit dark and outdated.. any suggestions or advice?

photos: https://imgur.com/a/EWDP8fV

thanks in advance!

Featured Answer

cat_ky

2 years ago

I dont think its the wood that is dating your house. The wood looks to be in decent condition, so I would just leave it, however the house looks a bit dark, and dreary. More lighting, fresher lighter looking paint on the walls. Remove those heavy draperies, that have really been out of style for many years now. Lighten and brighten, will update your house, more than painting the trim white. If you really want carpet in the living room, then it should be a lighter brighter color.

Comments (7)

Yvonne Martin
2 years ago
photos please
ka a thanked Yvonne Martin
ka a
Original Author
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
photos are linked https://imgur.com/a/EWDP8fV! let me know if you cant see them and ill directly upload them
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Johnmari, Thank you for sharing about the many variations on white. Now I'm a little worried. We really don't have $ to go for custom treatments. If I go with the white, maybe I should order, try one, and then understand I may have to return? Yes. Absolutely. That was JM's point and what I assumed (and shouldn't have) you already knew. You need to have a plan to check the color before you commit. Or, as Annz said, there are many other resources out there at about the same price point as JCP where you can obtain samples before you buy. My Lowe's for instance has a nice supply of take home color samples for blinds and plantation shutters. You mention a mix of mission and contemporary - again, either would work. Someone made the point the wood tones do not reflect as much light into the space -- that is accurate. If you have abundant natural light, might not be such a concern. But if you're having trouble deciding between the two, that factor is something to consider. Exterior - Again, either can work. It's a matter of your deciding which choice, white or wood, is going to fit best with the design and look you're marching towards interior as well as exterior. Maybe make a spreadsheet and list the pros and cons of each color choice to help you see which one 'fits' best at least on paper.
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Definitely get the mildew off the roof. I have mine done every four years to keep it clean. Costs around $400 for my roof. You'll be amazed at the difference it makes. Right now, you have no clear view of the color of your roof so hard to pick a trim color. If the windows are indeed vinyl, you can paint them but you don't want to go darker than the existing color. It will absorb the heat and could cause issues with the windows warping. Google painting vinyl windows and you'll see the cautionary advice when painting them. If they aren't vinyl and you're free to pick a color, I'm with those who say don't paint them dark. Once you clean the roof, you could consider painting the gutters a darker color. Beverly's idea of staining the driveway is a good one. Really softens the look.
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krissie55
2 years ago
I would paint door facings same color as the wall. Sand the varnish off or use liquid sandpaper and apply a sealer (Kilz or other) before applying a coat or two of semi-gloss in same color as the wall.
kandrewspa
2 years ago
The doors and knobs are dating the house. If it's in the budget, it might save you time and effort to replace the doors with a different style in a pre-painted door. Lever handles would also update the look. Then you would have to paint the trim to match. However, wood products are one of things affected by COVID shortages and price increases, so if you do decide to replace the doors, it might pay to wait a year.

While gray is going out, you have an overabundance of beige which is also dating the house. So as not to break the bank maybe selectively replace some of the beige flooring?

Before doing anything, try to develop an overall plan for your update. Even if you spread the work and/or expense over a couple years, an overall plan will yield a more satisfactory, cohesive result.
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BeverlyFLADeziner
2 years ago
Nothing in your home is linked with an overall design, so a master plan is essential to develop. However, painting the trim and doors throughout will go a long way to improving the appearance.
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Patricia Colwell Consulting
2 years ago
IMO always post the pics in a comment at least my computer for whatever reason does not like Imgur.

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