…Trim Color
Thanks for visiting my blog. I would love to help you. I answer questions about your home’s exterior (siding, trim, accent color) for $30 per color dilemma (the cost of a couple sample cans of paint). Click on the secure PayPal button below for your convenience. After receiving payment, I will answer your question directly on the blog. Working together, we can save you from costly mistakes and unnecessary trips to the paint store. Let me help you with your color challenges. -Barbara, Your Home & Color Coach
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Your Home & Color Coach 
Hi,
I have just purchased a colonial 1990’s home with blue siding, white trim and a grey roof. I was wondering what color to paint the shutters and the front door to give it great curb appeal?
Thanks,
Diana
Hi Diana,
How about painting the shutters and front door Ben Moore’s Van Deusen Blue (HC-156)? Then you could add warm colors with pots on the front step and flowers in either yellows/oranges or shades of pink, one or the other.
If that blue or another navy does not seem to work, black always does. It’s a classic look for your colonial.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Additional info,
The house is a powder or baby blue siding color with a grey shingle roof, white trim and garage door. Need ideas for curb appeal for a color on shutters and front door?
Thanks,
Diana
I have a ‘brick red’ lifetime roof (slate) and want to change the color of our house. What color(s) would compliment the roof. I also want to add shutters
Hi Nancy,
Something in the earth tones would be great for your house. How about Ben Moore’s Roxbury Caramel (HC-42) with navajo white trim and black shutters and accents. Sounds spectacular to me!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hello! I’m in desperate need of help..I’m putting my house up for sale in 2 weeks and I need to paint my front door and 1 pair of shutters. I have a really small ranch with light yellow, almost cream color siding. very simple structure with absolutely no landscaping (not to mention curb appeal). I like the cheerfullness of the color so I would like to compliment that. my front door is almost center, on the left is a window with a pair of shutters and on the right a large bay window with white trim. I don’t want to change the bay window so I’m having trouble finding balance with color. I like the idea of a red door and It needs to be appealing to potential buyers. do you have any color suggestions?? I appreciate any ideas!!
Thanks!
Renee
Hi Renee,
Sorry for the delay. If you’re still looking for an idea, how about painting the shutters a crisp white to coordinate with your trim. Since you only have shutters on one side, and the house is small, it makes sense to use a shutter color that will blend more than stand out. Then you can focus on your front door. How about Cottage Red (Ben Moore) for the door. That with your cream house and white trim will be very attractive to buyers. Try to add a pot of colorful marigolds by the front door to make up for any lack of landscaping in the front.
Good luck.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Nancy,
Your site has been very helpful to many people – keep up the great work.
We are changing the exterior of our tudor style home (wood is rotting and must be removed). For cost purposes we are considering vinyl siding. I really like the brick red colour, but am unsure what to do about trim. We have white clad windows/door, brown shingle roof, and brown soffit so I am not sure if white would go. Also, our garage door is a dark brown and is surrounded by natural stone. I would also like shutters, but again, not too sure about colours. Please let me know what you think!
Thanks,
Jen
Hi Jen,
I appreciate your love of red (one of my favorites too) but if you’re considering vinyl siding, I would suggest a medium tone caramel or other neutral (medium taupe) for the body. That will go perfectly with your stone garage with brown door and your white windows. Then you can use red as an accent color on the house (accessories, yard furniture, etc.) Red is a great color for a house, but it works better with paint — not everybody loves it as much as we do.
Hope that helps.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
I am getting ready to have my house painted and am agonizing over the color. My house is a ranch style.
I like the (current) grey-tan siding with green trim but it seems that I should do something different if I’m going to go through the time and expense of having the house painted. The house next door to me is a bright seafoam green, and its difficult to choose a color that won’t clash. I am considering a tan ( Sherwin Williams “toasty” ) but am not sure of the trim. I live in Oregon and we have a lot of grey days. I prefer warm colors for this reason.
I would appreciate some suggestions for trim colors.
( P.s) My front door is green but was thinking of changing it to red.
Also I was orginally going to go with a sage for the body but am afraid it will look very faded next to the bright greeen seafoam next door. Do you agree?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
I like the “Toasty” idea for the siding and might try a trim color that’s two to three shades darker for some contrast. Then you can paint your front door a luscious red, either a dark rusty red or something more toward a rich tomato. Believe me, your house will stand out, but in a really tasteful way. (sorry for the outburst…)
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi,
My wife and I just bought a new (2001) red brick home with a black roof in Florida. We want to put up new shutters and change the color of the door and install a new storm door(full view). The current color of the door and shutters are a blue-green. The windows are the quarter round style windows and I would like to use quarter round shutters but have only been able to find them in the board and batten style. Nobody else in the neighborhood has this style of shutters, they are all the raised panel square type. Would it be safe to update mine to the quarter round B&B style? And what color for the shutters and door would you suggest? The garage door and trim are in a cream. Thank you so much for your help.
Clint
Hi Clint,
I saw some quarter round shutters online in more of a louvered style (similar to Bermuda shutters) and they might look nice on your Florida home. (I take it you’re not in Southern Florida — a black roof??) Don’t worry about your neighbors. I think it would be very appropriate to use a quarter round shutter. The B&B style is quite country but that might be fine too. As for color, I would see what’s available unless you plan to paint. A medium tone (not too dark) — something like a caramel color — would be nice for both shutters and door. And a nice contrast to the cream trim.
Good luck.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara,
My home is mostly red/black brick and not much trim at all. The trim is a blueish/gray. The garage door just broke so the new one will be white. The front door is white as well. i really want to paint the home and get away from the bluish/gray but i do NOT want to paint it white!! Any ideas? I’d attach a picture but i don’t see that option. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Kate
Hi Kate,
You can paint the trim cream if you plan to repaint your doors (Georgian Brick would look great HC-50). I assume you plan to repaint the trim, right? Not the brick itself. Or you can pick a richer caramel for the trim with black for the doors. Lots of ways to get rid of the blue-gray and I highly recommend doing that.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi again Barbara. I sent you an email on June 18, 2009 about painting my front door and attached a picture. I am pretty happy with the Georgian Brick color but it seems like the siding around the door and above the windows, which is a cream color, really stands out and not in a good way. Any suggestions for that? Can I paint it a dark brown color to blend in more with the brick? Thanks. Amy
Hi Amy,
The picture you sent is long gone, but you can try a dark brown or a medium camel and see if that provides less contrast. Roxbury camel is nice.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Before posting a comment,
+++PLEASE READ LATEST POST+++
AUGUST 29th, for changes to blog
My husband and I have purchased our fisrt home. We would love to paint our bedroom a slate blue color. However, the closer I look at the room, I notice that the trim is cream. Can I still paint my room that color even though it will not have the crisp white trim?
Sure, Lauren, that will be fine. It will give you a softer, more restful look.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara (I also sent this message to your email with a photo attached). Here’s my question – Kelly
We are replacing our original colonial style windows on our home and I am wondering what color cladding/trim/grids to go with. We live in Wisconsin. Our house is slightly more cream than white with white trim around the door and garage (garage matches the siding). Our original window grills are painted chocolate brown with white cladding and trim. Our shutters are a beautiful terra cotta/red and our front door is dark sage green.
I am considering toupe cladding for the windows, with white grills so that the house doesn’t look white, white, white.. What do you think? I am open to changing the front door color but will likely stick with the current shutters. I am not thrilled with the white trim around our door, but am unlikely to replace it. If you have a recommendation to unify new windows, cladding, front door and door trim I am truly grateful.
Nice service, by the way!
Yours,
Kelly
Hi Kelly,
Since your house is already tone-on-tone whites/creams, I suggest picking up the roof color and going with dark brown for both grills and cladding. You can leave the white trim as is. Although you have brown grills already, they don’t show up as much as they will with the brown cladding. And the contrast between window and trim will be really nice.
As for the front door, I see a white storm door that doesn’t match the trim color. Although it’s fine, you might consider replacing it (I know…) with a brown storm door and matching brown front door. That will again tie in both the windows and the roof. Your landscaping picks up the terra cotta shutters very nicely. What I’m missing is the drama at the front door, and I think a darker door will do it.
Hope that helps. Thank you very much, Kelly. Good luck with the project.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara, I apologize if this is a duplicate message – I have not used wordpress before. We found out that we must have white grills. Do you recommend sticking with dark brown cladding/dark brown front door/terra cotta shutters or would it be best to do the entire window (grills/cladding) in white? Thanks if you’re able to respond. Kelly
Hello Barbara,
A quick follow-up: We found out that we must have white grills. Do you recommend sticking with dark brown cladding/dark brown front door/terra cotta shutters or would it be best to do the entire window (grills/cladding) in white? Thanks again. Kelly
Hi Kelly,
It’s fine to do the entire window in white, and the shutters are great as is. The biggest change should be the front door. Dark rich brown will tie in the roof and give the entry a little more drama. Then add the terra cotta color in your landscape and pots. Since the windows will be white, you can keep the white storm door too. Although it’s conventional, consider the white timeless! And it will provide maximum contrast with the siding color.
Hope that helps.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
thanks, Barbara,
Do you have a favorite dark, rich, brown product/color to recommend for the front door? Thanks!
Hi again, Kelly,
Have a look at Ben Moore’s Spanish Red (1301) or the traditional Georgian Brick (HC-50). Either should work for your front door.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara,
We are renovating our 1950’s red brick ranch. We just put on a very light silver white colored roof because of the energy efficiency benefits (“cool roof”). Now I am trying to pick a color for the new gutters, trim, door, and siding. I wanted to avoid white with the gutters because it is what everyone in our neighborhood has, and it seems to me it would accentuate the white-ness of the roof. But I could be convinced otherwise. I am stumped on which way to go and open to suggestions. I would like to go with earth tones, but the roof seems more grey than taupe/tan.
Here’s a photo: http://krowles.smugmug.com/Other/New-Roof/P1030893-small/702616068_deGjb-M.jpg
Let me know if you can’t see the photo.
There is more siding off to the right (on sun porch hidden by trees) and in the back of the house on the addition.
Thanks for any suggestions!
Hi Kristin,
I do like white gutters with your roof because they offer some contrast, but moving to a soft gray would be fine. (The gutters don’t bother me as much as the white downspout — you can paint that the house color to camouflage it.) Also I suggest going with a light gray for your siding. That will coordinate with the roof. Your new windows look white and I do like the white against the gray and the brick so I would actually keep the white trim around the windows. Just make sure it’s on the gray side of white and not the yellow side. As for the door, you might consider either a Garrison Red (Ben Moore HC-66) or a similar red that goes with your brick color. That freshened-up door, surronded by white trim, will dress up the entry and warm up all the gray in the steps, etc. Black shutters are fine as they go with the wrought iron.
Hope that helps. Good luck with your renovation project! And thanks again.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Barbara — I’m finalizing the paint colors now. When you suggested Garrison Red, was it so that it would match the brick color (looking very similar to the brick color) or so that it would slightly accent against it? The Garrison Red is sort of purply, while our brick is pretty much a straight brick red, and as I try to get the closest Sherwin Williams color to what you suggested, I’m having trouble figuring out what I’m trying to look for (more of a purple or a brick red).
Kristin
Hi Kristin,
The door should be a darker version of the darkest part of your brick. Take a look at Sherwin Williams’ Fireweed SW 6328 and see if that’s a closer color. The door doesn’t have to match the brick, just be in the same red family (on the brown side instead of purple).
If the reds clearly do not work, there’s always black to go with your shutters. You can never go wrong with black.
Hope one of those works for you. Thanks for following up.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Thanks, Barbara. Sounds good to me. The new windows are white because they are pre-primed — so we’re not committed to that color — but I think I agree with you about keeping them white (on the gray side of white). Would you add an accent in the window trim (inner/outer parts of window trim)?
Too busy? I like the red door idea!
Hi Kristin,
Yes, keep the front steps grey. They tie in nicely with the roof color. As for adding an accent in the window trim, I think your instincts are right. It might be a little too busy with the patterns in the brick and roof. The white trim will give the house a clean, classic look. (Accent trim is good on Victorians, Arts & Craft-style houses, and otherwise plain facades.)
Hope that clarifies everything.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Oh and one more question — keep the front steps grey?
Yes, thank you. That is very helpful!
Hello! We are in the process of updating our 1974 ranch home. It has cream/tan/yellow bricks. We had originally decided to paint the brick red, so when it was time for a roof last year, we put a black one on. We have since decided to leave the bricks the way they are, but we will have to live with the roof for a while. I am in the process of refinishing the front door, and am wondering what color to restain it. It is a pine/oak color, but since we had the new windows put in, it almost looks a little too yellow. We had new almond windows put in this summer. We have dark brown trim, gutters, shutters, and garage doors. We think this is too dark, especially in the back of the house where there is quite a bit of siding on the second level. The gutters, trim, shutters, and garage doors are our next project.
Do you have any suggestions as to what color to stain the front door, and in the spring, what color should we do the gutters, trim, shutters, and garage doors?
Thank youfor your suggestions and help!
Amanda
Hi Amanda,
First of all, I think your black roof will be really nice with the cream/tan/yellow bricks. Not to worry about that. As for the front door, if you want to restain it, how about in a red tone like a dark mahogany. That will really stand out against the yellow of the rest of your house and make the entry area quite a showpiece.
I would definitely consider repainting the brown trim, gutters, and garage doors to a medium neutral, maybe a shade or two darker than the almond window color that will balance the brick but not stand out. Even a medium taupe would work. Then paint your shutters black to go with the roof. No more brown. That softer palette will update your house, the shutters will dress it up, and the focus will be on the entry.
Just received your photo and everything stands.
Thanks, Amanda. Good luck with your project.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Barbara,
My husband and I own a very small one story brick home on a beautiful lot on the lake. It is ranch style with very little architectural interest other then some white columns and a front porch that disappears because it is also brick. The problem is we need to re-paint the front door and the trim on the house but I just don’t know what color. The brick is orange with some peach-y tones. The roof is a dark grey color and we have black shutters on all the windows. The trim we have now is really light yellow. The trim color, the brick color and the ranch style architecture makes my house look so 1980’s. What color should I paint the door and the trim to make the house more up to date but classic looking? Should I also paint the columns the same color as the trim? Thanks for helping! I am tired of being the ugly out-of-date house on my street!
Very Grateful,
Brook Bolin
Hi Brook,
Have a look at this site to check out my color palette inspiration taken from gorgeous peach/yellow travertine.
http://www.oceanvillemason.com/ancienttravertine.html
When I saw the beautiful peach and sand tones along with warm purples, I had a thought for your house. One option might be to paint the trim a sandy tan like Ben Moore’s Arizona tan (2162-50), keep the columns white (I assume your windows are white too?), and paint the front door a deep burgundy like New London Burgundy (HC-61). The combination of orange, peach, tan, white, and burgundy (you might remove the black shutters for this option) would certainly make the house look fresh and appealing… but perhaps not so “classic looking” as you requested.
So Option 2 might be to paint the trim a taupey tan like Pismo Dunes (AC-32) with Hot Spring Stones (AC-31) for the front columns and Audubon Russet (HC-51) for the front door. You can keep the black shutters for this one. Again, not exactly “classic” but certainly an updated color scheme. For a wonderfully Southern, totally classic look for your brick ranch, paint the front door black to match the shutters and the trim white to match the windows.
See what you think. If I’m TOTALLY off, send a photo and we’ll zero in on the exact colors.
Thanks, Brook.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara, We have a vintage 1980 cookie cutter suburban Colonialish twin (called a duplex elsewhere I guess) home. (We’re in Northeast Pa so we stick to a typically NE color pallette). I will forward a photo to your email so you can see the colors.
However, it is essentially a very dark brown brick that has some warm brick red undertones when the brown is chipped away etc. on the bottom half of the house and a very faded (pinkish)cream aluminum siding on the top half of the house. Our shutters were dark brown when we originally bought it but long ago we painted them a brick red which looks pretty good…though I don’t love it with the pinky undertones of the siding. Currently the door matches the shutters.
We are embarking on a project to spruce up the house and improve out energy utilization. The first phase is to replace the (rotten) windows and the front door. The windows will be vinyl and the door steel. The current louvered shutters will be replaced with raised panel colonial shutters. I have also negotiated a gratis set of shutters for the adjoining neighbors windows so if I make a change to color in mine there won’t be a color clash.
The windows will be white. I don’t love that but brown windows look bad in the brown brick but good in the siding. Tan/Cream windows look good in the brick but not the siding and a mixed bag is too chaotic for me. So white it is. The double hungs will be replaced with double hungs EXCEPT the large front first floor window which will be a fixed picture window with a moving window on either side. There will be muntins in the top half of the double hungs. The windows get a kind of a picture frame trim around the outside of them and that will be white. The door is typically colonial, raised panel bottom half, window in top half with muntins between the glass. Like a farmhouse door. (There is NO leading of any kind, too Victorian for the style of the house)I’d do a solid panel door which would look best but this is the north/east side of the house and we need to get light in the house and there is not room for either sidelights or transoms. The storm door will (hopefully) go away and if not, be replaced by a full view glass storm door. Our roof, which will not be replaced is the GAF golden cedar brown shingle.
Siding will be replaced in a future project and the siding will be the Crane Powerboard. I am LEANING toward the Saddle color but am open to suggestions.
SO. My questions are these. Given the existing brick/siding and future siding combined with the white vinyl windows…
1. What color shutters?
2. What color door?
3. What color gutters, faschia, soffit, downspouts when we do the siding?
I’ve looked at both blues and greens for shutters and find myself thinking that there is no basis for including green or blue in the palette even though some of the shades look pretty good. I just wonder if they introduce too many elements. Even though I want the house to stand out from the rest of the development, I don’t want a garish effect. I know that black shutters would work and would be safe. I suspect red in the same brick red tone (not the purpley red, rather the kind of yellowy red that Crane calls lighthouse red) that I currently have may be best and definitely works best with both the brick and the siding color. Your advice will be most welcome.
As to the door, we could also use the same red as the shutters, however, I could ALSO do a woodgrained steel door, and if so, wonder if Walnut would be the best choice? I believe I would like the walnut door since everybody else and their brother in the development has either painted steel or golden oak woodtones and leaded glass. Again, your advice as to paint color and or woodgrain as a choice will be greatly appreciated.
Gutters, faschia, soffit I expect will be best white unless you recommend otherwise to remain consistent with the windows and window trim. The downspouts in white against the brown brick is annoying to me but I don’t have a solution that is workable that I can think of. Do you?
When we side there will be corner moldings etc that can be any color I wish as well.
SO. Your advice would be most welcome! Thanks, in advance!
Robin
Hi Robin,
You mentioned that the Crane Lighthouse Red goes with your brick. How about using that color for your new siding? That will get away from the two-toned look that dates your house. (Contemporary two-toned houses usually highlight an architectural feature like a gable — the 1980’s two-toned look simply cut the house in half.) The red would look spectacular with your roof color and would look great with cream/ivory windows instead of white (if you haven’t ordered them yet) and cream/ivory trim for the soffits and fascia. The softer cream tone will pick up the grout color and should match the full-view storm door on your neighbor’s side (you can get one too). Then you can use dark brown for your gutter/downspout color that will blend in with your house and roof and not be so prominent.
As for the shutters, you could paint them the same cedar color as your roof. Use the same color for the front door or Lighthouse Red. Yes, antique brass will be perfect for the metal.
If the red is too much, consider another darker shade that will blend better with the brick and not make it stand out so much. Using a siding color with the same value as the brick color will make your house look bigger and more unified. Plus it will allow you to use the same window color (non-white) and have it look good on both halves of the house. There were greens and browns on the Crane list as well as the spectacular red. See what you think.
Hope that gets you started on your renovation. Good luck and thank you!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara, You have once responded to my question about new windows/cladding on our colonial home (will resend photo). You suggested dark brown windows and cladding and matching front door, but we need to stick with white windows. We are interested in still creating some contrast to our off-white siding/white trim/Cedar roof/red shutters home and I am considering Anderson natural cedar cladding to pair with white windows (full colonial grills). Can you give me your impression on this and suggest how to spruce up our front door, too? The white windows are ordered but I can go many ways with cladding, etc if you have other suggestions. Also, how much trim would we need to paint to go with new cladding? Thank you!
Kelly
Hi Kelly,
The natural cedar cladding sounds nice although you have white screens on the outside of the window so totally all-white windows would probably be the way to go. How about painting the shutters the same cedar color as the roof, a medium brown, and painting the front door the current shutter color. That will really focus the color on the front door instead of the shutters. Then you might consider replacing the mailbox and porch light with wrought iron to match the front railing. That too will dress up the entryway. Although the house numbers are probably brass, they don’t show up very well against the white. Black would be better.
I do like the color of your bush by the front door, but it’s a little large and a tad leggy. You might consider replacing it with a variety of colorful plantings in the spring to dress up the foundation area and fill out the front steps.
Hope that clarifies.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
I am about to change the deck railing systems on my house and I am trying to figure out what colour to use. My house is a creamy colour ( with a touch of peach in it). The trim colour on the house is blue now will be changed next year, and I understand it should match the colour of the railings? This includes the blue around the windows, doors, etc. Some people have suggested I use a colour just a shade darker than the house colour. But the metal frames around the windows are a very dark brown (darn!). Do you have any suggestions for me for the trim, railings and door colours?
Thank you!
Hi Jo,
First of all, I like your dark brown window color. Not a bad choice at all! As a matter of fact, back East here the brown windows are all the rage! So not to worry about that.
Next, I love your house color, but I can see how you might be tiring of the blue trim. How about sticking with an earth tone, something like Ben Moore’s Wethersfield Moss HC-110 or the lighter Nantucket Gray HC-111 for the window trim and fascia. I would keep your picket color the same as your house color to minimize their appearance and not obstruct the view. But the railing can be a dark brown to match the windows.
How about a wonderful hydrangea color for your front door? Something like Irises 1440 or Amethyst Shadow 1441? Just a thought — your giant bush in the yard is spectacular! You could paint your garage door the trim color (green).
One more suggestion: You might replace the brass numbers (and any brass lighting) with bronze (dark brown). There will be more contrast against the cream house and you’ll like the end result.
See what you think. Hope that helps. And thank you again.
Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara. My husband and I are getting ready to build a house and I could use some advise on coordinating colors for the exterior. There is going to be brick, stone, and siding on the exterior. The stone is a whitish cream color and the brick is a rich red color. Those are the only two factors that have been determined. I am trying to decide on roof color, siding color, window color, and trim color. We were wanting to try to avoid using white trim and gutters. I really like chocolate brown for the trim and window cladding but I feel like it might be too dark since the brick is so dark. Any suggestions for us?
Thanks
Kristen
Hi Kristen,
Sounds like you’re off to a great start planning your new home. I suggest picking a palette of colors that you can then distribute around your house. For example, in addition to the cream stone and red brick you’ve already selected, pick out three additional colors, another cream to tie in the stone, a chocolate, and a medium tone (could even be a historic green), and then decide how to distribute the color based on whether you want a contemporary look (go with the contrast) or a historic look (blended and timeless).
One idea might be to start with a Barkwood Brown roof color. That would tie in your chocolate brown gutters and window cladding (I do like chocolate for those two elements). For your window trim, you might pick either a cream like Ben Moore’s Monterey White HC-27 or a darker neutral tone that ties in your cream stone. A light window trim will contrast with the brick and the windows and make everything look sharp. You don’t need to use cream trim elsewhere, but you can if you want to outline the house and again create contrast between the roof and the brick.
For siding color, how about a warm medium tan like Wilmington Tan HC-34 or a taupe like Quincy Tan HC-25. Both of those colors will look good with all the elements so far. As long as you stick with the medium earth tones, just about anything will work with your brick and stone. Just avoid blues.
For a more historic, blended (less outlined) look, you could use either the chocolate or the medium tone for your trim. Windows/trim/brick/roof will blend together. That’s a completely different look from the one with more contrast but still nice.
Hope that gets you started.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Thanks for your input Barbara! That is pretty much what I had in mind. I will let you know how it turns out and post some pictures.
Dear Barbara,
I have recently purchased a red brick house with off white siding on the back and sides. We have shutters that the previous owner left for us, they are new and primed grey. I can’t decide if our house would look better with shutters, and if we put them up, what color should they be? Options I have thought of are brown (to match roof) or dark burgundy. Our brick is very light, almost pink, with cream undertones. Our door is stained dark brown wood. Our garage door is white, and I wonder if it should be cream like the siding.
I will try to attach the picture, if I can figure out how.
Sorry, the picture is not pasting in like I want it to. Let me know if there is another way I can get you the picture.
Regards,
Robin
Hi Robin,
Got your photo that you emailed to bmeglis@yahoo.com. Thanks.
I like the idea of painting the garage door to match the roof color or at the very least the trim color. White garage doors look a bit unfinished. Then you might consider a dark Tudor Brown (Ben Moore Ext) for your shutters. The dark brown will dress up the house, much like black does with charcoal roof colors, and the new shutters will give a polished finish. I stuck with brown so that your door will continue to steal the show. Burgundy shutters might add a little too much color to the facade and attract more attention than the front door. We don’t want to do that.
See what you think.
And thank you again.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi,
I recently purchased a redwood shingle multifamily home in an upscale business district part of the city. I’m looking for a trim color for the redwood shingles.
Richard
Hi Richard,
Since the redwood is so warm, you might want a cooler trim for contrast. Ben Moore’s Sail Cloth (Ext) is a light gray/cream that will contrast nicely. For a more contemporary look (or maybe with the Sail Cloth), have a look at Briarwood (Ext). It’s a taupe that tends to update a more traditional color scheme. You might use the sail cloth around windows and the taupe on fascia/soffits.
See what you think.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
We have a brick home with light gray soffit and frieze boards, and blue facia. The windows are bronze, and the gutters dark brown. The garage doors white. We have an outbuilding that is light gray. We can change the outbuilding colors.
We are changing the colors on the boxing, gutters, shutters, and later the windows, window casings, and storm doors.
We need recommendations on the colors that will go with our brick for:
a) Frieze, Soffit, Facia, and gutter – step 1
b) Replacement Windows and casings – step 2
Possibilities – based on my limited expertise:
1) Light gray – Frieze, Soffit, Facia, gutters – white windows, gray window casings. Shutters tbd.
2) White – Boxing, gutters, windows, casings. Shutters tbd.
3) Almond – some variation of this.
The brick has some blue\gray\black in it.
From the pictures – can you give us any advice?
I can’t really send you a photo link – but I can email you 2 or 3 pictures.
Hi Larry,
I love the idea of replacing the current blue with a very light silvery white, something like Ben Moore’s Silver Satin 856. That will tie in the roof and give nice contrast with the brick. Then for the shutters, have a look at Townsend Harbor Brown HC-64 (a very dark purply maroon — right out of your brick!) for the shutters and garage doors. All trim/fascia/soffits and porch railing would be the Silver Satin. Then although I do like your current bronze windows with the new color scheme, you can always go with white if you want to lighten up the whole look of the house. But I really do like the bronze windows, even with the light trim. It’s a nice look and it ties in with the brick so well. People around here are moving to dark windows from white — just for something a little different.
See if that covers it. And thank you again.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Dear Barbara,
We live in a small “shoebox” that has vertical cedar boards on the front painted dark brown. The other three sides are cream colored aluminum siding. The trim is currently organge/brown that looks hideous. This includes windows, wide soffits, garage door, and eave on either end of the house (see pictures). I’ve just torn out a brick facade around the door that had been painted light gray. I will be installing a 3′ wide faux stone facade on each side of the door instead. I will also install a glass storm door. Currently there is none.
In a 3-4 years we will be residing, but for now we just want something that looks good to hold us over. Should we leave the cedar boards dark brown, and what trim color goes with that? What about the door?
Thank you so much for any help!
Hi Steve,
Here’s what I suggest for an interim curb appeal. Prime and paint the vertical cedar a light neutral, something like Ben Moore’s Sail Cloth (ext) or a slightly darker version of your cream siding. That will unify the house and brighten it up. I actually like the trim color — kind of different! — so you could keep that until you re-do the siding. The trim color goes well with the roof. Then paint your door a color that comes out of your stonework (maybe a chocolate brown — Charleston Brown (ext) — or a mossy green — Wethersfield Moss (HC-110).
Lightening up the vertical siding will update your house and give it a lift until you decide what’s next for the house.
The best thing to do is install the stonework first. Then the palette will reveal itself. The stonework should be the focal point (along with the front door) and not the siding color.
Hope that helps. And thank you again.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi — I just paid my $20, but can’t find the correct place to enter my question and atttach a photo of my house. Please get back to me with further info, but meanwhile, I will describe the situtation.
A big brick house with slate roof. Dark bricks ( a mix of dark and medium-dark wire-brushed bricks), formerly trimmed in all Tudor Brown. Very boring. I want to liven it up and was thinking red door (but what red under dark porch canopy?). Need colors for pillars, dornmers and other window trim. Complicated by pinkish grout and [yellowish] sandstone window sills. Dark-dark green pillars or trim? Or maybe some form of tan? Your suggestions would be welcome.
Either call or email me to start dialog. Thanks
Hi Linda,
You can send a photo to my email,
bmeglis@yahoo.com or
bmeglis@yourhomeandcolorcoach.com
and I’ll be sure to get it. Some people put a link to a photo site like Flickr right in this Comment Box. Either way.
Thanks for your payment. I’ll get right on it.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Linda,
Sorry for the delay. Here we go…
I agree that there’s just too much Tudor brown everywhere and the reason your door does not pop is that it is surrounded by brown.
I suggest painting the whole front portico including the columns, the fascia, and the sidelight trim around the windows next to the front door a sandy color to match the sandstone window sills. (Don’t worry about the grout right now.) Take a look at Ben Moore’s Yosemite Sand (AC-4). That would be your second color. I would keep the Tudor Brown up under the roof and around the windows. It blends well with the roof and brick. But around the door you need to lighten things up. Then for the front door, how about New London Burgundy (HC-61). Yes, it’s burgundy, but remember that the door will be surrounded by sandy tan so it will pop, even in the shadow of the porch.
As for the garage, you can either keep the brown and paint the garage door burgundy (which does give a lot of importance to a garage door…) or paint the garage door the Sand color. Way more contrast but it ties the portico in with the garage in terms of color.
See what you think. I would stay on the purple side of red for your front door because of your pink grout and all the purple in your brick and roof. The orangey reds are not so good.
The placement of the color on the portico is flexible, but I like adding the tan (sand) color to tie in the windows sills and lighten up the whole front door area.
Thank you for visiting my blog!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi,
I’m so glad I found you..
I will try to post a picture of my colonial white home with black shutters… My husband is painting the house white, but we will need to replace the shutters and am pondering a different color besides black.
do I need to pay $20 in order for you to assess this for me?
Respectfully, yes. Thank you!
Hi Barbara!
We are finally ready to paint the trim on our house, which is a brownish brick front with light grey siding for the rest. The back of the house has two complicating pieces: the area (flashing? not sure) around the bay window, which is currently painted a dark grey, and the detail work around the french doors and above the overhang. I’m at a total loss there.
Otherwise, I had considered white trim with BM Essex Green for the shutters and the garage doors (with the asphalt driveway, the current pale grey stands out way too much). And maybe Cottage Red or Heritage Red for the front door?
The house faces NNW, so it is often in shadow. Our style is faily traditional/English Country (though we also like Crate & Barrel/Pottery Barn) and though I love the look of a grand and beautiful house, I want ours to seem cheery and welcoming, too. We are a family with small children.
I hope this is plenty of info, and I would love to hear any thoughts you have.
Thank you!
Hi Sara,
It’s almost like you have two house fronts, the brick in the front and the gray siding with large portico in the back. And of course there are a few limiting factors like the siding color and the roof. So even though I might like to use a sandy Bone White for your trim on the front of the house (your grout looks sandy colored), we have the gray back of the house to deal with. I suggest white for the trim (look at China White or you can use the same white as you’ve been using on the window trim on the back deck). The white will really perk up the house and show off the architectural details like the dental moulding along the roof line. It’s kind of hidden now.
So once you’ve painted all the trim white (and that includes the flashing above the windows), you can paint the portico area the same light gray as your siding color. That will make it look more like part of the house and not an addition. The window trim in that area will be white still.
As for the front door, have a look at Boston Brick 2092-30 which is not quite as red as what you have now but more like the darkest brick color. With the white trim around the front door, that red will pop and make the entry extremely welcoming! Just what you want.
About the garage doors… honestly painting them the shutter color will accent them. What about a more neutral taupe like Mesa Verde Tan (AC-33)? Check it out as the color might blend in with the brick tones and make the garage doors go away completely. I would still trim them out in white.
Then for the shutters, you can certainly go with the Essex Green — a classic — and a nice combination with both the brick and the gray siding. But you also might consider a dark blue like Newburyport Blue HC-155. I don’t usually put blue on brick homes but as long as it’s dark enough, it tends to look great. And the blue would certainly go with your blue in the back.
See what you think! And thank you for your patience. I was travelling but am glad to be back in my own office!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
I meant to add that the storm windows are white, so that is a limiting factor, and I’m open to any suggestions you have for anything! Yellow door? Different trim? Specific paint colors?
Interested to hear your thoughts on any of it.
Thanks again!
Thank you so much for the fabulous advice!
I took all of your advice under consideration, and I used it to provide direction, although I picked your exact paint suggestion for the garage. I never would have thought of using a tan/taupe shade, but the Mesa Verde Tan looks fantastic, and totally de-emphasizes the garage, as you said it would.
Instead of a pure white trim, I chose White Dove, and I decided I wanted a very dark shutter color, so it is a custom blend of Black Forest Green and additional black colorant added to it. It reads as a soft black with a hint of green.
I decided on Red Rock for the door. Not quite as brown as you suggested, but much more muted/browner than my original ideas.
Our next steps are replacing the doorknobs with Baldwin Brass and replacing the lights. We need to do some landscaping, but…that will need to wait until next year.
Thank you again for all your help! The painters are almost done and I’ll send you a picture of the “after”!
Sara,
Sounds just terrific! Would love to see a photo when you’re done. Thanks again for visiting my blog.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi, Barbara-
We’re trying to figure out a few good colors for the front door and the trim around the front porch of our 1890’s brick house. The house is set back quite a bit from the street, so the dark taupe/grey color that’s currently there seems to make the door area all seem rather dark from the street.
I’ve posted a few photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/50862949@N06/
The main problem we’re having is finding a shade that will compliment the brick, which is a peachy beige with flecks of gray.
We can’t do anything to change the trim around the existing windows seen adjacent to the door. (Both the white of the windows as well as the taupe of the window trim are metal and unchangeable.)
I should add that we’re about to have the front steps redone and changed to a Trex product, which will be Winchester gray (similar to the shade there, just a slightly cooler gray).
Can you think of a few shades that might help accent the front door area, while still keeping with a more traditional palette?
I look forward to your suggestions!
Thank you!
Gayle
Hi Gayle,
I like your taupe trim color, but you’re right — it gets lost so far from the street.
How about painting the front door/sidelight something like Audubon Russet (HC-51 Ben Moore) and then painting the korbels and the ceiling a lighter neutral like either Edgecomb Gray HC-173 or China White. Painting the ceiling “white” will brighten up the entry and the korbels will call attention to the front door.
See what you think. Another option is to paint the front doors cream, again to contrast with the taupe and brick. But I like the russet idea better.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi, Barbara-
Thank you so much for your suggestions!
I’m off to pick up a few samples and am especially excited about your suggestion for the ceiling of the entry- a lighter color will probably make a HUGE difference. Edgecomb grey is a fantastic idea, as well, for the trim.
I like the Audubon Russet shade for the door, and am now loving the idea of a bold color.
One final thought:
If not the russet, would it be crazy to consider a dark, inky blue?
Thanks again for your help! When we finally get it done, I’ll send you a photo.
Gayle
Hi Gayle,
Sure try a dark, inky blue and here’s another possibility: Caponata AF-650 (Ben Moore Affinity Coll). It’s a really dark eggplant.
Hope one of those works perfectly for you!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Linda,
Yes of course, you can include a link to photos in this reply box or send photos attached to an email (send to bmeglis@yahoo.com).
Thanks!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara!
My home is all reddish/orange (salmon) brick, with some taupe/brown toned bricks throughout. I would describe it as having more warm tones than typical red brick. We have a 60′ porch. Across the porch are 6 white large columns with 1′ header above the columns, painted white. It has a high-pitch roof (black), with 3 dormers(white siding). In the center of the porch are double doors and 2 windows (with shutters), on each side of the double doors, spanning across the front porch. Additional brick, windows with shutters to the right and left of the front porch.
I have seen similar homes with brown shutters and loved the way it looked. I don’t know whether to use brown or black for the shutters and doors and whether or not to keep the columns with header white. (Our windows are white trimmed.)
I’m also looking for ideas on tile for the front porch. It’s now sun-damaged quarry tile that matches the brick, but looks dingy.
Thank you so much for your help!
Hi Mary,
Although black would be the obvious choice for your style of house and black roof, I do like dark brown with your brick. Have a look at Ben Moore’s Appalachian Brown 2115-10 — it’s very dark and may actually read black from the street but it’s warmer than the cold wrought-iron black. I would definitely keep your white trim/columns with your white windows.
As for the front porch, you might consider a mixture of pavers in charcoal and brown shades to tie the whole house together. I would not do anything that tries to match the brick. Go for contrast but neutral. That leaves the palette open for more color — pots of flowers, chairs and other furniture, etc.
See if that helps. Hope so. And thank you again.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara,
I’m replacing windows on my blonde brick 1945 house. It really is a light color so I am unsure what would look best. I have both the color of the window and the wrap/trim around it to consider. Would something like a bronze work, or should I stick with what is there? On the left of the picture below I have a newer living room window that is bronze and it looks pretty nice. I don’t know how to classify the color of the trim. I don’t want to go drastic, just want something that will be appealing to a wide audience.
Here’s a photo: http://img687.imageshack.us/i/housepic002.jpg/
Thank you!
Jim
Hi Jim,
I think bronze would be perfect for your new windows. It’s a classic look but to make it a little more contemporary, you can paint the trim a light warm gray (Edgecomb Gray HC-173 from Ben Moore). The gray should go well with the gray in your brick and contrast nicely with the yellow.
I would paint everything that’s currently the copper trim color the Edgecomb Gray except for the garage door, which I would paint the same bronze color as your windows (take a look at Whitall Brown HC-69). The copper trim color is not quite the right tone against your brick — don’t worry about the roof. It looks fine. And copper accents are okay too. I just would not paint all the trim that color.
Hope that works for you! If the Edgecomb Gray turns out to be a little too gray for your taste, have a look at Monterey White HC-27. It has a little bit of yellow in it — not as much gray– and also a good trim color.
Thanks, Jim.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hello!
I am in need of advise on trim color. I have attached a picture of my ranch brick home. In the brick are touches of dark grey/black, dark gold color. We are repainting the trim and gable and soffet.
What colors would you suggest that we paint the trim/door/gables/soffet?
I made the donation. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks in advance.
Amy
Hi Amy,
Would love to help you with your trim color. Would it be possible to attach a link to a larger photo? All I am getting is a thumbnail and I need a better look at your brick.
Thanks, Amy.
You can also attach a photo to an email if you’d prefer and send it over to my other address: bmeglis@yahoo.com.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Amy,
I couldn’t make out the roof color clearly, but have you considered Gingerbread Man 1111 (Ben Moore) for the gable siding? Or maybe Chestertown Buff HC-9? Then you could “match” the grout with a China White for the trim. The doors could be the same as the siding or another color picked out of the brick. Look at Caponata AF-650, a dark eggphttps://yourcolorcoach.wordpress.com/wp-admin/edit-comments.php?comment_status=approved#comments-formlant. Although it may not be in your brick exactly, the color would complement both brick and siding nicely.
Hope that helps.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Amy,
Thank you for the photos!! Let’s start over.
Have you seen the color Texas Leather AC-3 (Ben Moore)? It would be terrific for your garage door and gable, especially since you’re putting the stone in there. You’ll want the new stone area to stand out — as opposed to the gable/garage door so using a dark color on the latter will help with that.
Then use Yosemite Sand AC-4 for the trim and shutters since your windows are dark already and we need some contrast. The current color of creamy tan is quite nice if you want to keep it. I would definitely use a light trim color so there’s some contrast between trim and brick/roof.
Try Boston Brick 2092-30 for your front door. It has a little more brown in it than your current door color but it should go nicely with the brick. Keeping the door red will call attention to the entry area.
See what you think of that palette.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
I am sending photos to your yahoo account. I want to put shutters on my house and need help with color, size and style. Thank you.
Hi Barbara, I am so happy I found this site. I hope you can help us out.
We are trying to decide on window trim color, decorative molding around windows and doors, corner boards, eves, door color, railing…everything for our house. I find it has no curb appeal, and looks very drab. We are open to changing the house color in the future, but right now would be happy with suggestions to help with all the trim etc… The house has semi transparent natural cedar shakes. I was thinking of maybe a cream of some sort, but reluctant to have all the railing cream. I just really have no idea what to do to give our home an appealing look. I am not sure how to attach the photos. I amy try to forward them to your yahoo account, if you need better pictures, please let me know.Thank-you in advance for your help !!!!!
Hi Cindy and Kerry,
How about something like either Ben Moore’s Cameo White for window trim, soffits/fascia, gutters, door trim, and columns only on the front porch. Then you can paint the porch railing a cedar brown instead of the current two-toned green and brown. Having the railing all one color will unite the porch. But I can see why you might not want to have the whole railing cream. Painting the railing brown also frees you up to keep a cedar stain on the back deck railing (although you might want a darker stain on the deck floor and stairs for contrast).
You can also keep the stained pool railing as well.
I do like the blue garage door and front door and think that would look really good trimmed out in the creamy color. The blue offers contrast against the “orange” of the cedar and also coordinates well with the roof color and even the stones in the driveway!
Just switching out the trim color from green to cream will lighten up the porch and brighten up the house — a huge transformation is coming!
Thanks for posting. Hope this helps.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Thank-you so much for your advice. I am wondering what you would what do you think of a deep brown, black or reddish color for the garage door and front door. , and for the windows on the front, do you mean all the window trim cream and the decorative molding ? And also cream trim on the windows on the back of the house as well ? I will admit I am not a very visual person. Thanks again so very much.
Hello!
My husband and I just purchased the house I have included the website of the picture. The sides and back are all the dark brown wood, which is shown on the top of the house and around the living room window.
The house is very dark to us and were hoping to lighten it up a bit, without losing the “lodge” feel. We have thought about a Redwood color, possibly.
Our question(s) is: What would be your color ideas for the house; We would like to do something immediate around the large living room window – do you have a suggestion? Should I match the Shutters to this? And one final question – the smaller front window was replaced and has a white vinyl border – any suggestions here for tying this in or doing something to change it?
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
website for picture – yehttp://www.trulia.com/property/3020674558-45-Godfrey-Ln-Hollidaysburg-PA
Hi Chrissie,
I suggest painting the living room windows Edgecomb Gray Ben Moore HC-173 to lighten them up and tie them into the other new white vinyl window. (Paint any trim around that window as well.) Then for the fascia you can move to a medium “stone” color, something like Shenandoah Taupe AC-36 to offer contrast with the stone and roof but avoid the heaviness of the current dark brown trim. For the rest of the house, you can certainly keep that dark, lodge feel with AF-170 French Press, a cool dark brown that again will tie in with the other “stone” colors but offer contrast against your warm red-brown roof.
See what you think of that idea.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
We’ve recently gotten a new roof…light silver-grey (changed from a bland, very dark color). Our brick is “pink” and our trim does not go with the new roof color. Here is a link to some pictures of our house.
http://gayleearl913.shutterfly.com/pictures/8
All the wood trim, including the front door, the garage door, and the gutters, are the same color. We’ve got to have all the wood painted but haven’t a clue what to do. We’re changing all our windows and by the end of October, they’ll all be new with white frames. We want to keep them white. Can you help us with our trim/garage door/gutter/front door colors?
Thanks.
Earl and Gayle Williams
Hi Earl and Gayle,
See about China White (Ben Moore) for your trim color. It’s white with a touch of gray that should coordinate well with both brick and roof but offer contrast between them as well. The white will also go with your new white windows and avoid calling too much attention to them.
Then you could use Revere Pewter(HC-17) or Stonington Gray (HC-170) for the garage door (and maybe the siding?) with Boston Brick for both front step and front door color. An alternative for the step and door might be Copper Mountain AC-12 (if the Boston Brick seems too dark).
See if that gets rid of the unwanted yellow — nice roof, by the way!
Hope I’ve helped.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Dear Barbara,
I love your site! My husband and I just bought a 7 yr old brick home in VA this past spring and we are trying to make it our own. The front needs some slight sprucing up so we are having some of the trim painted. We are keeping the trim cream. We thought the colors of the shutters and front door would be a great change. Right now the shutters match the siding, a taupe color, and the stained door is crackling and peeling from weather so the painter suggested we use paint instead of stain. The brick is a dark orange with dark brown accents.
At first I thought I would just paint the shutters black (to go with the roof which is a dark charcoal or black) and the door red (to go with the brick and copper accent roofs) but as we walked around our neighborhood we just did not like how the red doors looked on other people’s homes. It either blended or clashed. So, then I began to think that I would like the shutters and door to stand out and really make our home look outstanding! My question to you is how to do so…
So far I have a few looks I like, but need some advice. The first is a dark, rich blue (sw:carolina slate or dark night) for the shutters and a rich brown for the front door (fairfax brown or woodsy brown), the second is a dark, dark green (foxhall, georgetown or charleston green or rockwood shutter green or jasper) and the same rich brown on the door, and lastly jet black shutters with a dark olive/sage green door (roycroft bronze green, sage green light or garden gate?). I have seen homes painted with the dark sage and black and love the look but not sure if it would work with the brick and taupe siding, or if the door would fail to stand out as I hoped. I painted a piece of cardboard with the sage green light and it almost looked like we tried to match the siding but failed. I would paint the shutters black if the color of the front door was classy but made a little statement.
Ultimately, I would love to improve the look of the house while using some colors that I love and not just the same black shutters and black door. I’d really appreciate your expertise and advice.
Thank you,
Blythe
ps i will email the photo of my home
Hi Blythe,
I like the Dark Night SW6237 because it goes well with your charcoal roof and is a little bit unexpected. The greens work equally well but they’re more typical on a brick house like yours. And with the charcoal roof, I would not use brown for the shutters. Black is again quite typical and if you’re trying to get away from convention, forget black.
How about Polished Mahogany SW 2838 for your front door? Fairfax is okay but it lacks the richness that the red tones give the mahogany color. And the mahogany adds depth to your brick.
See what you think. Thanks for doing all the leg-work for me!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Thanks, Barbara! It is just so funny because this morning I thought I might want to bring out the brick and copper with the front door (to bring it together)…so the mahogany may just be the answer! And secretly, my favorite was dark night:)
Will let you know how it works out.
Thank you, have a great day.
Blythe
Hi Barbara,
I have a brown house (Benjamin Moore Charleston Brown, painted 10 years ago with Sandpiper trim) and I’ve just had to get replacement windows. They are white. I think I need to paint the trim white but I don’t want to mess it up. I like Behr Premium Ultra. I think there is an Ultra White. Do I paint trim semi gloss or high gloss? My gutters are brown and I really don’t want to change those. Do I paint the garage door the trim color? Some advice says paint it house color because you don’t want it to stand out. Do I paint the porch railing white? If so, where do I stop with the trim color on the porch? Maybe I should add shutters. If so, what color and do they go by the bay windows as well? I will be painting the house in a couple of years perhaps. Should I change the color then and to what, keeping in mind the trim color that you suggest. Sure hope you can help. My house has always been plain and I’m really excited to pizazz it up a little. Door color suggestions would be appreciated as well. Please see the link to two photos below and let me know if you are unable to view. I’m a little bit of a novice.
Thanks,
Kathy
Hi Kathy,
Okay, here’s option 1 for right now.
How about picking up some of that wonderful eggplant color in your brick and moving that to the accent color for your house. Take a look at either Ben Moore’s Chambourd AF-645 or Caponata AF-650 and let’s see where we might put it on the current Charleston Brown house. You might consider it for the garage door with a soft white trim (China White, Bone White, or White Dove) and then think about the eggplant color for your window trim (just for now). What that will do is add some color around the house without having to change out all the gutters and the rest of the brown trim everywhere else. Then to scatter the white from the windows/garage trim elsewhere around the house, you might paint the porch railing and small posts the same white that you choose (all semi-gloss). Keep the tall porch columns brown as they are now so they tie in with the corner posts on the house and the gutters. To bring some of the eggplant over to the porch, you could paint the step risers the purple color. Since they get a lot of toe marks anyway, a dark color is a must but they don’t have to be brown…
That’s phase 1. When you get around to repainting the siding, consider something like Ben Moore’s Texas Leather AC-3 or maybe Alexandria Beige HC-77. Either of those will pick up the green/taupe undertones in your brick and really make the brick look terrific. Everything else can stay the same. OR if you’d like to add shutters, then paint the window trim the white that you’ve chosen and put on the eggplant shutters. Now you’ve tied the whole house together. (The bay window can go aeither way — keep the eggplant trim on the current window and forget the shutters or paint the trim white as with the other windows and add shutters. Not needed however.)
Does that have any interest?? An alternative is to go with something like Yosemite Sand AC-4 for everything I’ve painted eggplant above. That would be a safe middle ground. Then you could still use the dark purple for maybe the front door and some landscaping.
Hope I’ve helped. Sorry for the delay. A bit under the weather the last few days… Happy New Year!!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi, Barbara,
I am hoping you can help me decide on shutter color and accent metal roof color for our new home. The brick we are using is Salem Creek Tudor from General Shale. It has brown and rose tones in it. The roof will be a dark brown (barkwood) and the windows and trim will be white. (I sent pictures via e-mail). The front porch will have a metal roof. I am thinking a dark bronze color? I am assuming a dark brown shutter color would go, but that is a bit boring to me. I love colonial green, but am not sure if it can be pulled off. What are your suggestions?
Thank you,
Jamie
Hi Jamie,
The dark bronze will work or my favorite metal roof color, Burnished Slate. Here’s a link below.
http://www.colormetalroofs.com/
As for the shutters, I love the board and batten style for your house. Perfect. The green is definitely an accent color — certainly not matchy-matchy — and it would pull in your landscape colors. But another idea that is not too brown would be Georgian Brick (Ben Moore HC-50) which would pull out the rusty reds from all the browns in your brick. Just another idea.
Great selections — enjoy your new house!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
We are in MA and are starting a project to replace 18 windows in the main house. At the moment we have white clapboards on the front, Ben Moore Seagull grey on the cedar shingles around the rest of the house. Trim is white with black front door. We think we will be using Anderson windows. The white on the Anderson is fairly white. What color white paint blends the best with the Anderson clad window without being to harsh? We believe we will replace out black wooden door with a Therma Tru door to be painted black to fall in with our black shutters. The house is a gamrel Cape with no dormers on the front and full dormer on the back. Light fixtures are a rubbed black and the light post is a vinyl with black fixture. There is a room between the house and 2 are garage that has a door (painted white and to be replaced at a later date) and a Marvin bow window. There is quite a difference in the house color white and the Marvin window and I am leary of painting the whole front of the house with a white that does not coordinate with the new Anderson Windows.
Thanks so much for you help.
Hi Sarah,
Have you considered pulling the Seagull Grey around to the front of the house? That would certainly solve the “whites” issue and allow you to focus on the trim color. You don’t have to match the window color perfectly as long as you carry the new trim color all the way around the house. It’s more important to match the windows to each other than to match the trim to the window.
Hope that helps.
Thanks for posting.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
I am absolutely lost at what color(s) to paint the shutters, front door and garage doors on my 1973 blond brick ranch located on the outskirts of New Orleans. I find the brick color is not the easiest to work with. It’s got yellow/peachy and cream colors and the mortar is light gray. (Not my favorite colors) Our roof color is tan and the siding is a cream/beige color. I’ve emailed you some photos to show you our house and color of the brick. My goal is to make our house look more like a home. I have ordered a solid two panel door with full length side lite and, eventually, we plan to get real working shutters for the front 2 windows. I also want to change the hanging front porch lights. Currently, they are brass.
All of the houses on my street have small front yards and even smaller back yards. Since we do not currently have a garden, our front yard is the largest and, consequently, where all the kids like to congregate and play. I do not want to disturb this set up by getting a garden (plus I am not a gardener and do not wish to garden). I was thinking of getting 2 benches for the front porch to go under each window and do big pot gardens with tall plants to go in front of or on each side of each column to try and make the front of my house look more inviting without actually getting a garden, however, we get undisturbed, direct evening sun so I don’t know if that will even work.
I would love to know what you would suggest to achieve my goal of making our house finally look like a home.
Hi Leslie,
Here’s one option — your house really does change color in the bright afternoon light. With that in mind, take a look at Sail Cloth for your siding — maybe a touch darker than what’s there now. And for the garage doors, a Richmond Bisque (Ben Moore exterior). That will make the door a bit richer than white without going too dark and fading in the harsh sun. For the shutters, you might try a brown like Charleston Brown (exter). You have dark olive right now, but the brown will tie in the roof color better. For the front door, you can pull in the warm tones in the brick with a Roxbury Caramel HC-42 (using the Sail Cloth for the trim around the door and the sidelight). Using a warmer tone for the front door will make it stand out a little from the other “trim” colors without going outside the color family.
Another idea? Use Caponata AF-650 for shutters and front door (keeping the garage door neutral so it’s not a focal point). The Caponata is a rich eggplant that will look brown in the shade and a very tasteful dark purple in the sunny afternoon. I love it!
See what you think would work best for your house.
And thanks for posting!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara,
Love your site! I am looking for paint colors for the door and the shutters. The shutters can be removed; they are an attempt to balance the single window with the door and sidelights. The front door of this brick house is not solid wood, the wood veneer finish is weather-beaten, so I’d like to paint.
Also, the fascia trim at the roof is now a cream color that matches the other trim. For what it’s worth, the trim above the door and single window can also be removed for better curb appeal.
I will e-mail a picture.
Thanks,
Ann
Hi Ann,
So sorry for the delay… I’m back!
I do like the idea of having shutters on that top window to balance the width of the door/sidelights below. But I suggest blending the shutter color in with the brick so the window isn’t the sole focus. Have a look at Georgian Brick (Ben Moore HC-50). I would also remove the trim piece above the single window as it doesn’t quite fit and it’s really not necessary. Then below, I suggest a contrasting color for the front door. Something like Cromwell Gray (HC-103). That should look very nice with the brass kickplate and handle. The trim piece covering the door unit can stay. That looks okay. Contrasting pots (instead of the current white) will pop better off the cream trim. Otherwise, the house looks good!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hello! I am so glad to have found this site. I don’t know how to attach a link to my photos, so I will send them to you via your email address if that’s okay.
I recently purchased a 1960’s brick ranch and I am in the process of doing some upgrades to the front exterior. Please pay no attention to the ugly landscaping because that will be corrected after the construction part is done! To begin with, I have hired a contractor to add an overhang to the front (gable?) of the house. (The part that covers the front porch.) It will match the overhang of the other roof line. In doing so, my contractor has suggested shaker shingles for the front part of the gable verses the clapboard siding that it currently has. He will also put a more updated decorative vent up there. I am having trouble visualizing the shaker shingles and I am worried about what the color should be. My contractor thinks they should be natural in color. I would really appreciate an opinion about this. Do shaker shingles go with a traditional brick ranch?
FYI- I have already replaced the front steps with new brick, as the old steps were broken and had crumbling mortar. The front of the house is also due to be power washed this week which will brighten up the existing brick. I will be adding black wrought iron railing around the porch and down the brick stairs. In case you can’t tell from the pictures, the shutters and front door are currently painted black. The current trim is a little bit too buttery, yellowish for me, and so I think I will change the trim to more of a creamy, white……but I would really like your opinion about that as well.
Eventually, my long range plan is to add a circular drive way in front of the house….but that is for another day!
Any other suggestions would really be helpful! Thank you!
Hi Tina,
I usually love the texture that shake shingles add to a house with clapboard siding. However, you have brick and the coloring (with the random pattern of black/white bricks scattered throughout) gives the brick a texture already. It is possible that the shake shingles might give the house a busy look. I agree that the gable should be painted a different color (and a natural neutral is fine!) but the clapboard gives the eye a rest from the brick. I vote for keeping the clapboard but painting it something other than the trim color.
As for the trim color, it looks quite white on my screen and I like it. If in reality, the trim is yellow, I would move toward that cream white you mentioned. Perfect!! The trim needs to pull from the tones in the brick.
Love the idea of a circular drive. Beautiful and functional — especially for parties!
Hope that helps.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Thank you so much for confirming what I was already thinking about the shingles! Just to make sure I understand what you are saying……..you think the clapboard should be a different color than the trim? Right now, it is the same as the trim.
–Tina
Hi Barbara,
We are purchasing a home in need of TLC on
the outside. The home is dark, red brick with white
trim and black windows. I emailed you the photos.
The brick color is not our choice color but the
white trim makes it stand out more. It looks cold and uninviting.
The backyard has a beautiful pool, and we’d like
to create that feeling throughout the home. We love cape cod beaches. ..I know it’s funny we bought a brick home. Our style is casual and want our neighbor’s (kiddo’s) to feel welcome. We are in our early 30’s, but the current colors do not reflect that.
Would a dark color (dark chocolate) be ok for the trim and garage doors? Seems like the other homes here all have brick with a boring sand color. What color and style shutters? We are going to replace front door, something that lets light in. What color for the door?
Thanks,
Polly
Hi Polly,
To bump up the warmth and energy of your new home, how about something like Ben Moore’s Cromwell Gray HC-103, a rich gray-green with a brown undertone, for the shutters and doors and then something like Decatur Buff HC-38 or a lighter gray-green (Rockport Gray or Copley Gray) for the trim? The Decatur is richer than your neighbor’s sand color but it coordinates well with the stonework and grout. The greens work with your roof color. So regardless of how you’d like to distribute the color, the warm earthy additions to the palette will give you the welcoming feel you’re looking for.
Does that help?
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Made my payment,and hoping you can help me. I’m getting my farmhouse vinyl sided with adobe cream and white trim. I can’t figure out what color of green shutters to put up. They most likely will come from Lowes in vinyl. I have bright red doors, which I would like to keep. Metal roof (grey). I will also have to paint the foundation of the house and the floors of the porch and deck – thinking green also. We have white vinyl windows and I had added a thin strip of red ( the stuff you put on cars for detail)around the windows in the front of the house only. I don’t want a dark green shutter – being 3 houses by me have them. Can I go with a light green shutter? I’m afraid a pine color would look Christmasy. Do you know what type of porch light would be good, don’t have a big porch. Would like my home to look classic – or maybe lean toward victorian – being that’s how the inside is decorated. Thanks, looking forward for your answers. Oh yes, I will have a picket fence that I’ll also have to paint in green, since we have a white corral fence and a barn in red, which all can be seen from the front of the house.
Hi Diane,
You’ll want your house to look “aged” so how about Colonial Green (I’ve attached a link). That shade of green should look terrific with your red accents and not too Christmasy at all. As for your foundation, I would stick with a dark gray (that coordinates with the roof) so you don’t attract too much attention to the foundation itself. Then plant foundation shrubs around it so the gray is just a backdrop for other color.
For a porch light, go with tradition: wrought iron or oil-rubbed bronze. No shiny brass.
You still might want to paint your picket fence white — again traditional — so your other colors will stand out (the red barn and the accents on your house).
Hope that helps.
Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
http://www.lowes.com/pd_125125-960-3114043282_4294858101__?productId=3038644&Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_quantity_sold|1&pl=1¤tURL=%2Fpl_Exterior%2BShutters_4294858101__%3FNs%3Dp_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_quantity_sold|1%26page%3D9
Thanks so much for help on the colonial green vinyl shutters for my farmhouse I checked on paint colors – will need to paint the floor of the porch and deck and thought La Fonda Cactus (6006-4B) would go with the shutters. The porch and and deck have lattice at the bottom. Wonder what your thought on that is. Also, since I have planting all around my house (yews in front and part of the sides along with some flower gardens on the side and boxwoods along the deck) could I also paint the foundation the same as the porch floors? Foundation is grey now, and would like a change, if it would look good. Thank you for all your help.
Hi,
We have a blonde and red brick ranch that needs paint (trim) and a new roof. Please suggest a color for the trim and roof. Also, an accent color for the porch chairs/front door.
Thanks!
Nikol
Hi Nikol,
Have you seen the Owens Corning color Driftwood? With Ben Moore’s Sail Cloth trim, I think the combination would pull together your blonde and red brick. As for the front door, you could pull the roof color with Ben Moore’s Texas Leather AC-3. Surrounded by Sail Cloth trim, that color will pop nicely.
For chairs on the porch, go with the opposite of whatever the chairs are in front of… (lovely grammar). If the chairs sit in front of the red brick, then paint the chairs Sail Cloth. If the chairs are in front of the blonde brick, then go with red (Boston Brick usually works!) or the Texas Leather.
You’ll want the chairs to show up so they should not match whatever the house color is in that porch area.
Hope that helps!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi!
What a great web-site and great information. I’m going to ask for your help!
I bought a yellow house that had the most horrible yellow siding. I’ve replaced the front door and decided to go with black.
The shutters are currently old red. My contractor just gave me standard choices (from ‘Mid-America’) and there are three that I think work well besides black:
PLUM
MUSKET BROWN
TUXEDO GRAY
I was looking for a really dark charchol or a ‘soft’ black – no such luck, but these Other choices actually look that way agains the brick/yellow. I’m afraid to do anything but black and need some guidance. Something tells me I might get a better look if I use something with more depth than plain black.
I just re-did the roof charchol, which is close to black and my goal is just to get the thing looking neutral/pleasant.
What do you suggest? I can paint the frond door anything to match as well.
Andrea
I want to post a pic but cannot figure out how.
Hi Andrea,
I like the Tuxedo Gray idea for your shutters since you have a ton of color on the house already and the gray will go well with your charcoal roof. Gray shutters are a classic look. I would not add color on your shutters because it may only call attention to the yellow on the house. Also lightening up the front door from black to a medium gray will also cool down the house. Silver/nickel metal for your porch lights will do the same. You can always pick up other colors in the landscape and also pots on the front step. But I would keep the palette as cool as possible to compensate for the strong yellow on the house.
Does that help?
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
I just submitted my donation – I can email you a pic because I cannot figure out how to post it. The yellow is very bright so I think you should see it.
Thanks!!
Andrea
Hi,
I have built a new house on Cape Cod. I chose a Sherwin Williams color for the front clapboards, Svelte Sage. I chose Indigo Batik for the front door. However, the trim color I picked, Roman Column, is too white. I am looking for a nice cream trim. I need to stick with Sherwin Williams because we want the duration paint. Any suggestions? Also, would you paint the shutters the same Indigo Batik as the front door?
Are you in MA? Do you do in home consults as well?
Thank you,
Andrea
Hi Andrea,
Have you looked at Antique White SW 6119? It’s very creamy — is it too much for what you had in mind for the trim? Are you looking for something in between?
You didn’t mention your roof color. Is it charcoal? Or brown? If it’s charcoal/black, you could use black shutters since you’re in New England and black is typical here. Yes, you can certainly use the Indigo — the only problem with that is taking the emphasis off the front door. But I do love the Indigo Batik with the Svelte Sage! Very nice!
Does that help? I’ve emailed you about an in-home consultation. Happy to do it if you’d like!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi,
I have a 1937 old brick four square house with a style that is a cross between craftsman and colonial. The brick is red with bits of black, grey and cream. Currently the trim is a horrible yellow with brown undertones- and I would like to brighten to a cream — the issue is the shutters are currently black, the porch floor is barn red as is the front door. I am not a big fan of red; the brick provides plenty of that:) Cant decide whether to paint the porch floor and door grey to match the color of the treks flooring for the stairs (I assume that the stairs were rotting), or whether to paint the porch floor black forest green and the door the same color or finally whether to paint the porch floor to match the grey of the stairs and the front door the black forest green to match the shutters.
Your help would be much appreciated!!
Hi Lisa,
Here I am finally.
1. Yes to the trim change. Take a look at Ben Moore’s Sail Cloth or the whiter China White. One of those should work to coordinate with the grout and lighten the house.
2. I would paint the porch floor to match the steps. The gray is a bit blue but it should look like all the same material. You can paint the risers either the shutter color or the door color but not the trim color. There will be so many toe kicks and smudges on the risers that you will regret painting them cream. Looks terrific! … for about a week…
3. I like the charcoals with your brick but there’s also a purple undertone to some of the bricks. For the shutters, consider either Graphite 1603 or even Deep Indigo 1442. I wasn’t crazy about the Black Forest Green — it contrasts with the brick but I’d rather use a color that’s IN your brick if possible.
As for the front door, it’s dark in that area because of the porch. I think the cream trim will lighten up the door and I really love it red as is. I think painting it the shutter color might be too dark. But you can experiment with that at the end. Paint all the door trim first and then see which way to go with the door color. Once you paint out the porch floor, the red door will really pop even with all that brick. But either way… the shutter color or red.
Does that help?
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara,
I’m hoping you can help me with colors for shutters and storm door frame on my 60’s ranch. I just painted the front door (Valspar Homestead Resort Gold with more black and gold added in–initially it was way too yellow.) I know black is always an option for the shutters, but I like the way green looks against this brick. I had considered an avocado green for a 60’s look, but they seemed too bright and out of place on my street (where the brightest colors are burgundy and navy blue!) I’m probably pushing the limits with the duck planters…! I have narrowed the greens down to the following possibilities: SW Rock Garden, Andiron, Ripe Olive, Vogue Green or Valspar Cosmopolitan Olive, Nocturnal green. What do you think of these, or do you have another suggestion? There is no Benjamin Moore dealer locally, so I need to look at Sherwin Williams or whatever Lowe’s sells. Roof is black, although a little faded. Vinyl trim is beige (more yellow than almond). Brick appears red at a glance, but in the closeup I hope you can see it has a brownish orange cast and no other flecks of color. Grout sometimes looks beige and sometimes gray depending on the light! The gold door has made it look more beige. The house gets full afternoon sun. For the storm door, I have thought about beige like the vinyl or maybe black (but would that be too much contrast with the bright gold door?) I appreciate any advice you can give me. I sent my donation just a few minutes ago. Thanks!
Hi Beverly,
Honestly, I like the very dark green/black that you have on the house now (at least that’s what it looks like in the photo). The very dark green-black allows the olive/avocado colors in your landscaping to really pop. I’m afraid some of that effect will be lost if an olive shutter goes on the house. I also like the vinyl trim color for your storm door. I know there’s less contrast than there would be with black as the door color, but I really want the storm door to just go away. The yellow door is PERFECT! It looks great against the brick.
If you do go with an olive for the shutters, pick the darkest shade you can find in either paint line. That way, again, the lighter shades from the landscape will pop forward and so will your door, the real focus of the house.
You’ve done a great job on your brick ranch. It looks terrific!!
Hope that helps. Thank you for waiting — I’m traveling to pick up my college student son this weekend. Home soon.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara,
Hope you have a safe trip. Thanks for the advice. You are right, shutters that are too light, bright or olive will compete with the landscaping. I’m blushing from your praise! It means a lot. It took a few days to get used to the yellow door color, but I really like it now. The door had been painted to match the brick for many years.
I will paint the storm door beige as you suggested. It wasn’t as obvious with the dark door.
When you get back to your office and can take a look at your fan deck, would you mind looking at SW Black Emerald 2936 and Andiron 6174? I’m not sure if the Black Emerald will be too emerald green. The Andiron looks like a gray green to me, but is it dark enough? Those were the darkest greens I could find. If you see any others, I’d take your advice in a second!
Also, forgot to ask you what sheen I should use? The door is semi gloss. (It was a mistint–I paid $7.00 for a gallon!)I would have gone for gloss if I had had to pay full price. There are 4 coats on it, so it should keep its color for awhile.
Thank you again for your help!
Beverly
Hi Beverly,
Back home now…whew!
Have you seen Rookwood Shutter Green SW2809? You’re right, the Andiron looks a little muddy. And the Black Emerald is not in my fandeck — I have the full collection but SW does not organize by color so it may take me a minute to track that one down. Just wanted to introduce that other Shutter Green to see what you think about that.
Back a bit later.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara,
I looked at the Rookwood Shutter Green, but on the color visualizer it didn’t look quite dark enough. I guess I could always have more black added in if it’s too light?
If you can find the Black Emerald, let me know how you think that would work. The chip looks more green than it does on their website.
Thank you for helping me narrow down the choices!
I will check out the Black Emerald. Back by tonight!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Had to work last night… ugh.
Hi Beverly,
For some reason, the Black Emerald chip is not included in my sample case. Online, as you pointed out, it looks absolutely perfect! But you mentioned that the chip looks more green. My feeling is that, because it’s an exterior paint color, the Black Emerald will be perfect for your shutter color. If you try some and you feel that it’s too green, you can ask the paint store to darken it by adding a touch of black.
Hope that helps.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
hi Barbara – I live in the Berkshires of MA where my husband and I recently built a house on a home of old houses (Stockbridge). We used HardiPlank Boothbay Blue for siding and white trim (have not completed painting). We painted the front door Ben Moore 833 Evening Sky, for which I was very excited about because it was a change from our Ben Moore New London Burgundy that we had on the doors of our former house with siding of a similar blue (Ben Moore Britannia Blue). BUT I don’t like the way Evening Sky looks. It seems to wash out the oil-rubbed bronzed door handle and, IDK, I don’t like it so much. My husband does though, but some acquaintances skilled in landscape design suggested it be changed so now he hears me more! Putting a pinkish wreath on the door helped, but then it fell down 3 times (those Command hooks don’t work so well!), so I gave up, and am wondering when we get the paintbrush out for completing the white trim if we should change the door color and, if so, to what? Here’s a link to some pics.
https://picasaweb.google.com/chelesirois/20110526?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzd0ITBgP-W_wE&feat=directlink
Thank you!
Michele
. I really like the color of your door and the house color. If you want to hardware of your door to stick out just change the door handle from rubbed oil to a pewter or brushed nickel handle?
Hi Michele,
How about Ben Moore’s Nugget AC-9 for your front door? It should be a color right out of your stonework on the porch and should contrast nicely with both white trim and your bronze hardware.
Also gets away from blue/burgundy, colors you’ve already used before.
See what you think…
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara – I just sent an email with photos of our house and as I mentioned in the email we think it’s great that you have made your expertise available in such a convenient way!
So, as you can see in the photos, we have bought a white vinyl siding home in a standard suburban cul-de-sac. Our first impression when we saw the home was that it was simple in comparison to the more stately houses in the cul-de-sac and seems overwhelmed by the garage. Nevertheless, we’ve fallen in love with this home’s interior and are hoping some new paint on the trim, shutters, and door will improve it’s curb appeal.
I know that you recommend white trim on a white house but I was wondering if painting the trim (with keystones) above and below the windows/garage, as well as the facade surrounding the front door would help give it some character? You barely notice the facade around the door from the street so I was thinking that painting it a slightly different color would draw more attention to this bit of character. Perhaps a VERY light warm gray? Perhaps with dark warm gray shutters and a black door? I love the idea of the brass kickplate and hardware with a fresh-looking green wreath on a black front door for sophistication but should we match the shutters to the door and is it too crazy to make the trim a different color other than white? We are open to ANY color suggestions you may have. We may need to trim the tree in front yard back a bit too to help “unveil” the house more.
Can’t wait to hear what ideas you have for us. Oh, and I should mention that whatever we choose it must be approved by the HOA and they will not want us to match exactly the colors of our surrounding neighbors’ houses. There is one other white house with beige trim and black shutters/front door, so we wouldn’t want to mimic it exactly but something close shouldn’t be a problem. Thanks a bunch!
Hi Lindy,
How about either Edgecomb Gray HC-173 or Athena 858 for the trim. Then what about a red door? Something like either Pomegranate AF-295 or even the bold Heritage Red (Ben Moore Exterior — may not be on their website). It’s tomato red — FABULOUS on a white house!!
Then you could pick up the roof with Kendall Charcoal HC-166 shutters or Flint AF-560.
See what you think! You might consider larger lights for both garage and beside the front door. The ones on the garage look a little small for the scale of the door.
Just an idea…
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
I also wanted to mention that we plan on changing out the exterior light fixtures and that we were thinking of going with black fixtures. And maybe adding topiaries to the front porch to help the front door stand out a bit more? Just a couple of details we’d like your opinion on. Thanks!
Hello Barbara,
We purchased a 1960 ranch bungalow recently and are in the process of replacing all our windows and all the aluminum eaves and soffits/downspouts, and would like your opinion on colour combinations that would work best with our brick and roof colour. Our roof colour is “slate” (GAF shingles), and brick colour is pinkish. I’ve sent a photo by email.
We like the colour “sable” for the windows (Strassburger), and would like to know what colour(s) you suggest for the eavestroughs/soffits/downspouts, shutters, door trim, front/side door, and finally the garage door.
Alternatively, are there any other combinations you could suggest, including the window colour that would look great? We prefer to have the house devoid of white on the outside.
Stefan,
Thanks in advance!
Hi Stefan,
I’m having trouble locating the color chart for Strassburger online — I will try again in the morning.
More soon, I hope.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Stefan,
Here’s one set of options: Jeld-wen’s Pueblo Tan window (here’s the link)
http://www.jeld-wen.com/designyourown#/catalog:/model/custom_wood_casement_radius_top?irid=5
with Bone White trim (Ben Moore), a Bleeker Beige (HC-80) garage door, no shutters since your ranch doesn’t really need them (the house looks more contemporary without them), and a Knoxvill Gray HC-160 front door (it’s really a gray-green intended to coordinate with the roof). The sidelights could be trim color instead of front door color.
That’s one option. The idea is to blend the garage door and not make it an accent piece. Reserve the darker accent color for the front door.
Another idea is to blend the garage door with the roof color ( look at Templeton Gray HC-161) and then beef up the front door with something like Chambourd AF-645 or Caponata AF-650 (both Ben Moore). A little of the unexpected…
Soffit/eaves are trim color.
Hope that helps.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
I just bought a boxy red brick house that needs a face lift. Right now the trim and gutters are various shades of cream, there are cement (stone color) accents on the bottom windows and portico, and the door is a very dark almost black-green. What trim colors do you recommend? I was thinking maybe a mossy green and cream. Would double color trim work with this house? Do you think shutters are a must? Would you paint the side gutters brick color so they don’t stand out as much? I’ll email you a picture of the house. Thanks!
Hi Jean,
Yes, I think shutters will help dress up the house a bit. I know they’ll be a little funky on the bottom windows since that stone trim is there, but go ahead anyway. Take a look at a color that will pull in the roof like Branchport Brown (Ben Moore HC-72) or the more fun Caponata (AF-650 Ben Moore). Both of those colors are in your brick. Then for trim around the portico, I would stick with a light neutral like Sail Cloth (also Ben Moore). For the front door, you definitely need a more vibrant color that will lighten up the entry. Look at either Tea Room AF-270 or even Firenze AF-225.
Don’t worry about the downspouts — you can paint them a neutral “brick” color to hide them, but they are currently cream trim color and not sticking out at all (at least to me).
I assume you just moved in and the shrubs are a bit out of control in the front — taming them and maybe even replacing some of the more traditional evergreens with a variety of shrubs will update the curb appeal immensely. But first things first, the paint.
Oh, and you can paint the interior walls of the portico the same Sail Cloth as the trim.
Hope that helps.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara,
I’m about to paint my 1959 red brick/white trim one-story ranch house. I’m not painting the brick, just the trim, garage door and gutters. I’m sick of the white and am trying to figure out what color would look the best against the brick (but be more modern/less traditional). I am considering Benjamin Moore’s Forest Floor but am open to suggestions. Also, my windows are white and the storm windows are white (not going to be painted). My roof is dark gray shingles. Should I paint the garage door/wood trim/fascia/eaves and gutters all the same color? There’s not much to paint (as you can see). I live in Portland, Oregon and live in a neighborhood with houses all built in the 50s. The two houses next to mine are light gray and I don’t want to clash, but I also want to stand out a bit.
Thanks,
Jesse
Hi Jesse,
Instead of Forest Floor, have a look at Duxbury Gray HC-163. It’s a soft gray-green that will coordinate with both brick and roof colors. Amherst Gray (HC-167) is another option. The white windows are fine as you have white in your brick too. Then, to pick up on the fence tone, have a look at Decatur Buff Hc-38 or Mystic Gold HC-37 for the front door (can’t see that in the photos). That will contrast with the gray tones and the brick and make a warm entry.
See what you think.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hello Barbara,
My husband and I want to spruce up our newly-purchased 1930’s brick center hall colonial, and I am hoping you could advise. I will send photos. I especially need help selecting colors for the shutters (which have not yet been installed) and the front door (or should it be left white?), but any other suggestions you have would be more than welcome. We are putting in pavers (bluestone with onyx borders?) to the front door and up the driveway.
Thank you!
– Ann
Hi Ann,
Take a look at Benjamin Moore’s Caponata AF-650 for your shutters and possibly even your door. Then you can replace your brass metals (door handle, mailbox, lights) with nickel for an updated look. I think you will like that dark eggplant with your brick as well as your gorgeous beadboard ceiling on the portico. White is fine for trim since your windows are white or your can move to a cream that picks up the grout color.
See what you think.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi!
We are having my exterior trim, facia, front entrance/door area, stairs, garage and all wood trim and pillars in the back of the house painted and need a bit of help. The siding is a grey vinyl so we are leaving that and there are vinyl pieces around the windows and on the corners of the house that are white so we r stuck with them for now too. We have white gutters and a white solarium that will be staying white for now and all the railings as well. We are thinking of the trim all painted a soft black and our front door red to match the existing brick. The only thing is what should we paint black? Would it be too much to paint the entire front entrance area black? The railings will remain white for now. Also in the back all the stairs from the deck and the pillars and wood might be a bit harsh looking if its all black too. So any color suggestions and help with “mapping” out what areas should be painted what would be really helpful. I have attached some pictures. There is one from when the house was new that shows the trim as brick red but its an old pic just to show you the garage. So everything blue and the wood that is painted grey in the back and on the side by the garage needs to be painted and that’s where we were thinking black. Then the front door we are thinking of painting a nice red to compliment the brick on the house.
Thanks!!
Sam
Hi Sam,
I am trying to tell if your roof is brown or gray because a rich brown for the belly bands and other trim would look terrific on your house instead of black. Look at Branchport Brown (Benjamin Moore HC-72). Obviously the belly bands will be painted as well as the stair risers (front and back), deck surface, garage doors, and back pillars. The house is big enough to even include the fascia and soffits (if they’re not vinyl). The white railings and other permanent trim will be fine. The front door could be Onondaga Clay 1204 but I would leave the sidelights and door trim white to tie in the pillars and railing. The white will make the red pop much more than using brown trim.
I’m a touch concerned about using black other for than the belly bands and a few other accent areas simply because the black will make a huge statement on such a big house. (However if your roof is NOT brown, then we can reconsider the soft black…)
Does that help? Let me know if the roof color is throwing me off in the photos. But right now I think black is too harsh for the roof color.
See what you think, Sam.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Thanks Barb
I do love that color of brown too! The roof on our house is a medium grey color so would that still work with the brown? Also are there
any other reds you would recommend for the front door so when I head to the store I can check out a few samples to see what we like best? Also what black would you recommend if we did go with just painting the bands etc? Or even a charcoal if the brown doesnt work with the roof color?
Thanks
Sam
Hi Sam,
Have a look at Nightfall 1596 for the trim since your roof is gray. I think this charcoal color will be super. Charcoal will be better than a flat black. Like I said before a little bit of black goes a long way!
You can feel free to use the charcoal everywhere that is currently blue or gray and needs painting. Including the front step risers.
As for the front door, here’s another one to check against your brick: Arroyo Red 2085-10. Just make sure the red of the door does not butt up against the brick anywhere. Keep the sidelights white to separate the reds. The white will make the door pop more anyway.
Before you go to the paint store, take a quick phone photo of your brick and not if the brick has an orange or a pink tone to it. That will help you grab the right reds when you get to the paint store. Hopefully, I’ve gotten you started.
Good luck.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
We had a new roof installed with the Owens Corning Duration Premium shingles in the teak color (brownish-green). We will send photos to our email address..
What color do you think we should paint the trim around the dormars and roof line and the corresponding gutters on the roof line? Currently, we have a dark green (with a blueish tint) color, but we think that color does not complement the brown roof.
Hi Janet,
I would love a photo (email to bmeglis@yahoo.com) — haven’t seen one come through yet. But in the meantime, have you considered a green-charcoal like Kendall Charcoal HC-166 to contrast with the brown but pick up some of the other shades in the roof? The charcoal will also blend with the brown and not upstage your front door.
See what you think. But I will go back and look for a photo over on email. Thank you!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara:
I am a big fan of your blog – your color recommendations are always just right!
Our house was built in 1912, and is a simple California bungalow / cottage in Los Angeles. When we bought the house, it was (and still is) painted a rust color with a mustard yellow trim, with painted black ironwork. My husband hates the yellow trim and the house color, but i was wondering if you have a suggestion for a new trim color. We don’t want to repaint then entire house and I thought an update in the trim color might make the rust more palatable. The picture I have sent to your email address shows the house — we are doing quite a bit of construction – so what you see is the redwood siding as well as primed siding.
Would also love your suggestions regarding the window and door treatments, right now they are just the untreated douglas fir – would you suggest a natural stain to those, as well as a color for the trim? We wanted to keep some of the natural wood details. Also, i threw in some pics of our persimmon trees in back — would love to do something inspired by their colors — i love the orange / rust, brown and and green tones. You can see i played with those colors for the front door — someone had suggested chocolate as a trim color, but i don’t think it worked very well.
Would love some of your advice / thoughts.
Thank you!
-Ava Scanlan
1444 N. Occidental, Los Angeles
Hi Ava,
Here I am finally. You have a lot going on with the different elements of your house. Here’s one suggestion. Since the trim along the roof line may be a bit traditional considering the modern blocks of garage door and horizontal fencing that both figure prominently on the front of the house, I suggest going with an even darker brown for the trim. Look at Hasbrouck Brown (Ben Moore HC-71) for all the trim including the garage door. I suggest painting the garage and the white wall to match the house color. THEN (don’t despair) I suggest a brigh accent color for your doors and anything else trimwise that you would like to accent (perhaps the three small windows?). Look at Central Park 431. By unifying the house, garage, porch, front wall, etc with a single paint color and single trim color, you will make the house look bigger and less chopped up. Then the accent color can lead your guests up the steps and into the house. Use the accents for pots of plants and use the yellow as a flower color — to go with your persimmon trees.
See what you think of that.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Barbara:
Here is the link to our home –
-Ava Scanlan
We are building a new home in a pacific northwest, with a modern aesthetic. We will be using shingle siding and leaving the shingles natural, probably coating them with a clear stain, so they will be bright, fading to silver. The roofline is composed of two shed roofs. It is located under a large spruce tree, so we will be using a metal roof and we have been leaning towards red. I really like how this looks with the warmth of the natural shingles. The dilemma is what color to paint the trim and fascia. One option is to try and match the red roof, or going a shade or two deeper. Another is to use a cream or white to go with the new vinyl windows, which come in white or almond and we are leaning toward almond. Or we could use a third color such as a a rust or a sandy brown. I am open to using a window and corner trim color and a separate fascia color as well, possibly combining the red and rust in this way? I want it to be bold but not cluttered or busy. I don’t have a website or facebook account to share my renderings, but any feedback would be appreciated.
Hi Serina,
I would love to see you use cream for your trim with either cream or a darker shade of red for the fascia. And then use almond for the windows. You could pick the red up again with your doors.
Coordinating the trim with the windows helps to pull those two elements together — a cleaner look than introducing yet another color into the palette.
Another option for tying in the red roof is by painting your deck/lawn furniture the same roof red and leaving the doors cream (or an accent color). Either way.
Hope that helps. Sounds like you have excellent taste and are well on your way to making great color decisions.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Thanks for your response. I updated my model based on your feedback and I really like the deeper red as a fascia color next to the roof. The smaller entry roofs as well as red doors really help bring that red closer to the ground and will allow people to see and interact with it. I do like the cream window trim, I think we are leaning towards a really rich cream, farther from white.
Sounds terrific, Serina!
My house has almond siding, the shutters are terra cotta, right now the door is chocolate. I want something to pop…..any suggestions?
Hi Nancy,
Try a dark teal blue for a real pop.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
I think that’s a great suggestion. Though your tendency might be to repaint the shutters that teal, however the orangy red is what will really compliment the teal and give that pop you are looking for. I would probably use the teal sparingly in some other location, like the door or as an accent trim
Hi Barbara,
A current photo of the exterior of my house is attached below. You can see that the bricks are a dark-ish brown colour. The roof is charcoal coloured.
I’m making plans to re-do the front of the house to improve the curb appeal. I’ll be removing the siding, rebuilding the wooden boxes that surround the windows (currently underneath the siding), replacing the windows and door, and re-building the mudroom (the actual front door of the house is located inside this little room at the front of the house, which was formerly a porch). The three large windows and door will stay the same size, but the mudroom’s walls will be replaced with a series of tall windows.
I’m having a hard time with colour choices, since the built-out (currently siding-covered) parts of the exterior are so prominent and take up the majority of the exterior. It seems that the default colour choice in my neighbourhood is white, but I think this looks gaudy against the dark brick. I’m leaning toward black or a variation of black (charcoal, gun-metal) but, at the same time, I don’t want the house to look too grim. I would like a look that is classic, timeless, and muted. I don’t want to have to repaint in a few years when a colour trend changes. Could you help me with colour choices for the window frames, front door (which will probably remain a glass door) and the surrounding boxes? Should they all be the same colour, or shades of the same colour family? Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks! Micki
Hi Micki,
Take a look at Shaker Beige (HC-45 — Ben Moore) for the window frames. Lenox Tan HC-44 would also work. Then for the surrounding boxes, consider a green from your brick, something like either Fairview Taupe HC-85 or Kingsport Gray HC-86. Either of those will give you a traditional, timeless color that will coordinate with the brick and not be anywhere near as shocking visually as the white is now. For the front door, you might pull out one of the reds/purples like New London Burgundy HC-61 or Caponata AF-650 (also Ben Moore).
See what you think of that palette.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for your help with this. I like that you have drawn from the “historical” part of the colour deck, but would prefer to stay away from the beige/taupe family. Are you saying that the black/charcoal/dark grey idea should be avoided, or is there a way to make that palette work?
Cheers,
Micki
Hi Micki,
Not necessarily but the whole house will be warmer if you avoid a siding color that’s too cold. But look at the grays that have some green in them — Kendall Charcoal HC-166, Amherst Gray HC-167, and Chelsea Gray HC-168. Any of those will work. Gray but with a warm twist…
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Great! Thanks for your help, Barbara
Hi Barbara,
After many years in our yellow victorian farmhouse (circa 1860), we painted it white SW Aunt Betty’s China with gray-brown trim SW Broadstreet Brownstone around the windows and doors. Painted porch floors and deck the same. Doors painted black . Cedar shake roof. Long story short-very dull and lifeless! We are willing to change all but the white. We have lots of painted wicker(currently black) on porches but can repaint. Need a suggestion to breathe life back into our farmhouse with some color. Also have painted window boxes across the front and at back windows. Free standing garage (see pictures) what color should doors be? House sits back from the road a bit , has brick foundation and steps and some copper accents at roof line.
Here is the link to see my pictures: http://pix.kg/p/682645335215%3A573605755/scl
Thank you!
Hi Elisa,
Nice job! I do like the white. And the trim is fine. It’s muted and aged-looking — very appropriate for an old farmhouse. I also like the roof. I assume the copper is going to age to its natural patina? But now for some additional color. I suggest painting the black doors a color from your brick steps. (I have Ben Moore’s Moroccan Spice AF-285 as a possibility but you can obviously pick a SW color — just make sure it comes from the brick — not too bright). Painting the black doors brick red will warm up the entry areas. Black is a little stark. It’s okay to have black as the metal (lights, etc) but the black doors are too dark particularly because they’re under the overhang of the porch.
As for the furniture, it’s okay to have black painted wicker as it contrasts well with the white background color (I would like natural better, I think, because the roof is a natural brown. But black is okay.) I would suggest painting the planters the same as the brick red doors. That too will bring pops of color to the house and will be visible from the road.
It looks like your porch ceiling is already painted a light blue, but you might bump that up a shade or two for more impact. Ben Moore’s Serenata AF-535?
You’re on your way. The only other suggestion is to make sure you have colorful annuals, perennials, and flowering shrubs/trees in your yard for year-round color. If you bring some of the foundation plantings away from the house and free up the view of the foundation a bit, the brick will also add color to the house.
Does that help? Small changes will make a big impact. No need to re-do all the trim.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
I currently have brown shutters and brown front door that I feel is boring. In two weeks I am having new windows in the front of the house put in that will be white and also a new entry doors and white storm door. Can you please give me advice on what color will look nice to do the shutters and front door . I want something that will pop and look nice and inviting.
i would like to email you some pics of my house where do I send them? I also just paid 20.00 for the information from your blog
Thanks’
andrea
Hi Andrea,
Send photos to bmeglis@yahoo.com and I’ll be sure to see them there.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Andrea,
Personally, I don’t mind the shutter color at all as it ties in the roof nicely. But the front door needs a pop of welcoming color. Something like Ben Moore’s Georgian Brick HC-50 (a warm brick red-brown) or even a grape color like Kalamata (AF-630 Ben Moore).
The trick is then to pull that color into your landscape by the front door. You need some taller shrubs on either side of the step and then some pots with annuals in them for the step (or planted annuals or perennials in either the reds or the purples, depending on which door color you chose).
Tying the foundation plantings into the front door color will tie the color scheme together for your house and make the entryway warm and welcoming.
Hope that helps.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
PS If you’re really craving color on the house, paint the shutters the same color as the front door. With such a neutral house color, you can certainly do that.
Hi Barbara,
Love your blog & unique approach to helping the colour-challenged!
I just moved into this house and the porch paint is worn and needs an update. I could simply re-paint the same colour (a light beige of some sort), but started thinking of perhaps painting out the blue as well – although I do like the unique look. I was just wondering what your thoughts were?
The siding and brick are white. There is stucco on the side and back of the house instead of brick and it is a light grey-beige. The roof is a medium brown.
Perhaps I should paint out the blue bits on the porch but leave the door & windows trimmed in blue? That still doesn’t solve the dilemma with the porch itself.
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/view/3668732117-1342751379-44010/36687
Many thanks,
JJ
Hi JJ,
First of all, I do like the grey-beige as it goes with the stonework in the front of the house. And I also like the porch railings painted out an accent color. But you might want to choose a color the coordinates with your own color palette — an accent color you’ve used on the interior, perhaps. The electric blue makes quite a statement. But as you can see from your photoshop brown sample, the porch looks good painted.
With that in mind, though, I would also paint your “porch” on the back of the house to add some color back there. Also, you might paint the window trim on the front the same white as it is elsewhere. The window trim is not part of the porch paint — it’s a little much, I think. Keeping the window trim the same all the way around your house will give it continuity.
So all you need to do now is pick your favorite color!
Thanks again for your patience. Hope I catch you in time.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Thanks, Barbara. I appreciate your thoughts. Time to get some paint samples!
JJ
I live in a 1853 historical home. You cannot see the roof. The front door is dark wood. The brick is persimmion/red brick. I would like a trim color for the exterior of the house. I have tried many paint samples and I am not liking any of them. The mortar is buff or light tan. Would like to attach a picture but not sure how. I would like to paint the wood scrolls under roof line in a cordinating color. Please help.
Hi Linda,
Attach a photo to an email and send to bmeglis@yahoo.com
I need some help choosing trim color for the outside of my house. I have a picture of the front that I will email to you. I want to paint trim, garage door, front door. The deck in the back is cedar color and the fence cedar color. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Jacquie,
Take a look at Ben Moore’s Fairview Taupe HC-85 or Kingsport Gray HC-86 for the garage door and trim. Either color should go well with both your roof color and your brickwork.
For the front door, you can use a contrasting color like Ben Moore’s Red Oxide 2088-10 or the much more subdued Copper Mountain AC-12.
See what you think of those colors.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Thanks Barbara. Went with the fairview taupe and love it – only have the garage door half painted so far. I really don’t like the red oxide and can’t find copper mountain – is it a benjamin moore paint? Any other suggestions for the door – I’m thinking I may be a bit tired of the red colors.
Barbara,
For the last two years I have been working on fixing up my first home – a 1928 American Foursquare. The house was not in great shape when I purchased it in late 2010 and since that time I have been addressing the interior primarily but now it is time for an exterior facelift. I have hired an experienced professional contractor to clean the brick, repair/replace wood trim as needed, prep/paint all the non-brick surfaces, replace the gutters, as well as strip and re-paint the concrete front porch. All I need to do now is select a color scheme for all of the exterior elements.
The house is predominantly red brick (with what appears to be grey grout), has wood sash windows and simple, minimally detailed, exterior trim. There is a later addition on the rear of the house that includes a pantry, bathroom, and screened-in porch. The exterior of the addition is siding. The front porch has a tin roof currently painted green while the main roof is covered in charcoal shingles. The front of the house faces directly NE and receives morning to early afternoon sun although a tree provides partial shade.
The vast majority of brick homes in my area – historic downtown Fredericksburg Virginia – seem to adhere to the traditional white/black combination for the window frames and trim which I find too formal and quite honestly a bit boring. That said, I would prefer a color palette that is interesting but relaxed, imparts some character to the home and accentuates the simple details and craftsman-style elements in the house.
Although I’ve been told I have an eye for color I believe that given the scope of the job and that this is something not easily changed, its in my best interest to seek your professional assistance in choosing the right color scheme. With so many colors/combinations I’m a bit overwhelmed. I have read through many of the posts on your site and have a feel for the general guidelines but I’d really like a hand in narrowing down my options. Further, I am equally perplexed by what elements (porch, trim, doors, window frames, railings, etc.) should be painted which color. Your recommendations for appropriate colors and their applications will be greatly appreciated.
You can view photos of my home here – http://myfredericksburghomeinprogress.shutterfly.com/
Thank you,
Max
Please remove me from your email
Amy hammonds
Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone
I’ll try to Amy, but I don’t send emails to anyone. Did you become a subscriber? I think you can unsubscribe yourself, but I’ll check.
So sorry for the bother… I know how it feels to get peppered with unwanted stuff.
Send me an email at bmeglis@yahoo.com if you can’t figure out how to unsubscribe.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Max,
One of the most prominent features of your house is the porch, and I think the current gray is a little cold. How about a warmer earth tone — something like Ben Moore’s Briarwood (exterior) or Sherwin Williams’ Weathered Shingle SW 2841. Either of those colors will tie in the roof and warm up the entry.
Then a really neat idea (not mine originally, of course) is to paint the porch ceiling a color. I like the current dark shade but it does make the whole porch kind of dark. So how about something like either a warm gold tone to coordinate with the brick (look at Birdseye Maple SW 2834 or Classical Gold SW 2831) OR a traditional light blue (look at Tidewater SW 6477 or Calico SW 0017).
After you decide on the ceiling color, you can pick the front door. Perhaps a contrasting Bunglehouse Blue SW 0048 or Roycroft Bronze Green SW 2846. The ceiling color will also work for the front door.
After those decisions are made, then you can settle on the trim color. I like the current white — especially if you use a striking color on the front door/ceiling. The white will make it pop. However, since you have an historic home, you might want to soften the trim color to blend a little better with the brick. Look at Ben Moore’s Edgecomb Gray HC-173 or SW Ivory Lace SW7013.
Your windows are white — I’m assuming they will stay white. Using a color on the window trim will only accent the white windows. Let me know, though, if you plan to paint the windows themselves. That opens up new options.
See what you think.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Barbara,
Thank you so much for your suggestions!
I really like the Roycroft Bronze Green for the door! That would be such a nice change.
As for the porch, I inherited the grey paint from the previous owners and have always disliked it – I think its standard garage floor gray. The SW Weathered Shingle combined with the SW Bird’s Eye Maple for the ceiling will work quite well and I cant wait to see what a difference that will make.
Your suggestions for the trim (BM Edgecomb Gray HC-173 or SW Ivory Lace SW7013) are also quite nice. I did notice SW 2833 Roycroft Vellum – would this work?
Regarding the windows they will be receiving paint as well. In fact, every surface on the house that is not brick will be getting painted – top to bottom, front to rear. You mentioned that painting the windows would open up other options so I’d be curious as to what that may be.
Lastly, would your recommendations for the trim colors also apply to the front porch railings as well as the siding/porch on the rear addition? Would I want to carry over the front door color to any other elements (e.g. the top of the porch railings, etc.)
Thank you again,
Max
Hi Max,
Great color choices! Yes, the Vellum should work just fine. Make sure there is no pink in it (looks okay on the fandeck but on the screen it’s hard to tell.) You might consider painting the Bronze Green on the porch railings with spindles painted trim color.
The windows could also be the Bronze Green if you’re not sick of it yet. You would get excellent contrast between windows and trim (Vellum) and nice tie-in to the front of the house. If the Bronze Green seems too dark for the windows, then try Garden Sage SW 7736. You could use that color for the porch siding if you think there’s enough contrast with the floor. Again, testing samples will tell you. And I’m happy to look at photos of your samples painted on the house directly. Lighting is so crucial to this process — as I’m sure you know.
You can also pull the Birdseye Maple down to the caps of the brick columns if you feel the need for tie-in with the ceiling. Otherwise, yellow pots/flowers will make the connection nicely. You have other mouldings and opportunities to spread the color around but just be cautious as you don’t want the house to look too busy (Victorian). Clean, crisp, coordinating colors will highlight the architecture without going over the top.
Hope that helps.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara,
I just sent this same message to your email address with photos…
We just purchased and moved into our home this past November here in Alexandria, VA just outside of DC. We are in the process of getting quotes on new windows for the front of our house. Because the “window holes” are so huge, we can basically choose any kind of new configuration for windows: casements, pictures, sliders…and any combination. We’ll also have to choose color – which is where you come in! I am not a fan of the small brick houses with bright white window trim. I’m not so sure I like the beige window trim either, though. I just don’t know what will look right. There is already brown gutters and trim, but I don’t know how I feel about brown windows. What do you think about the trim color? Does it look out-dated? What would be more modern looking, but able to withstand the test of time?
Because these will be new windows, I’m thinking there will be a lot more frame showing than currently shows with the original windows, and thus color is more important. What do you think? There is a small amount of siding framing the groups of windows – it is possible that siding would be replaced when the windows are replaced. What color do you think for that? What should match and what shouldn’t?
As you can see from the photos, the door is the only bright white part of the front of the house. What do you think about a door color? I’m not even sure we can paint the storm door, because I hear vinyl isn’t really something you can paint – I may be in trouble there. Any thoughts?
Thanks for your help!
– Jill H.
Hi Jill,
I will start with my wish list for your house. Since it’s a small ranch, I would try to blend the windows as much to the grout color as possible. That will maximize the size of your house without interrupting the color with contrasting windows. Look at Pella Honeysuckle or one of the warmer (yellower) beiges. I do not suggest using brown even though it will go with your roof. First of all, you already have brown windows and secondly, it’s a dated look on your brick ranch.
After selecting windows, I would zero in on the rest of the colors. In keeping with the goal of maximizing visual space, I would recommend a creamy trim color, a shade or two lighter or richer than the window color. Ben Moore’s Montgomery White might work.
For the door, unfortunately at this point, the white storm door will stick out like a sore thumb (more about that in a minute). So in the ideal world, I would replace that white door with an ivory/cream one — same style. For the front door itself, you could go with something like Kingsport Gray HC-86 or the more exciting Chambourd AF-645. Both colors appear to be in your brick.
You could use the Kingsport Gray for any siding.
To make the house look more modern, I would use nickel metal for large house numbers and new lighting/mailbox and any other metals on the house. Use silver/concrete planters and a monochromatic color scheme for your flowers/shrubs. Lots of greenery and not too many cottagey colors.
Getting back to the storm door, if you keep it, you will really be pushed into using white/gray-white for your trim color (you can still keep the color on the windows). But you’ll need more white than just the front door to pull off the overall look. Also add white flowers to your landscape plantings.
See what you think.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara,
Thank you so much for your advice. It’s scary making decisions about things like windows because it’s so permanent! I have a couple follow-up questions for you, but want to say I LOVE that Chambourd color – went to pick up the Ben Moore color chips this afternoon and that is my favorite for the front door! I’m thinking we could probably use the white storm door on the side of the house (since we haven’t replaced that door yet) and sub in a cream colored version.
Questions…
1. What exactly do you mean when you talk about trim? I’m thinking gutters and down spouts, but what about the color around the windows? Currently we have brown windows and then a beige around them. Is that trim, too? If you have the Behr fan deck, that trim around the windows is currently like Behr mushroom bisque. The siding was probably the same at one point, but has faded to something like Behr baja. The window guys said they can do the trim around the windows in any color we want as well (and it can be different from the windows).
2. I’m color challenged when it comes to beige, for some reason. I can not – for the life of me – figure out what undertones a particular beige has. Therefore, could you recommend a color for the windows from the Ben Moore (or other paint) fan deck? We won’t be getting Pella windows, so I want a paint chip to be able to color match to when we make a final decision on windows.
3. I really like the colors with gray in them, so I LOVE the Chambourd and Kingsport Gray. However, I’m worried about combining the Kingsport Gray with the Montgomery white – it looks like they might have different undertones, but what do I know?!
4. You mentioned the Kingsport Gray for any siding. There really is only a small portion of siding around the windows in front. The way it is now, the siding forms a very slender “T”. Is it OK to do that in a color that is different from everything else, even though it is only a small surface area? Or, would we want to keep the siding similar to the trim because it’s a small amount?
5. Do you think the Montgomery White will look like yellow when it’s up? I’m afraid of yellow on our house. I think a lot of my worries here have to do with combining versions of beige that don’t look good together. I really like the Chambourd and Montgomery White together!
Thanks so much!
-Jill
Hi Jill,
How about getting the windows to match the front storm door. That will unify all the vinyls. Then use the “trim” color for everything else including the little bit of siding you have around the door. That area can be a semi-gloss trim finish in the same color that is around the windows. Try Ben Moore’s Jute. It has a green undertone (not yellow at all) and it looks really good with Chambourd and your brick. Also it will contrast a little with any beige tone of window that you end up with. The main thing is to avoid mixing those window/door colors. Pick one for both windows and front door from the same company. They’ll match and look terrific. Even an ivory/cream will look good.
Then you can use the Chambourd for your doors.
An alternative: if you really like the Kingsport Gray, you can use that for your trim color. That will work with any beige (grout-colored) window/door. I would use your grout as your color guide for the windows/door. That will unify the house. Bring the vinyl samples home and prop up against the grout. Use the color that goes the best — send me photos and I’ll help you.
So now you have a couple of options. Three colors: door, trim/siding, and windows. That’s it. Any more colors will chop up the house.
Hope that helps.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
I would LOVE it if Jill would email me her home to renaelyre(at)gmail(dot)com, she sounds like she’s having the same issues that I am down to the white storm door. I’d love to see it!! I am ready to submit my payment for your expertise!! Getting excited!
Hi I am typing my question first and then will go to paypal. Here is a link to pictures of the front of our house. http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/ii581/takecareofit/IMG_2981_zps8e360581.jpg
We live is a suburb of Los Angeles.
The stucco has been painted Dunn Edwards DE6249 Trinity Islands. The windows have the old blue on them still. I need advice please on what color to paint the windows, front door, wrought iron work on the front porch and the garage door. Pictures #5 & #6 probably are the best representation of the color. But hopefully and you can also see the paint chip from Dunn Edwards. The front of the house faces north west and receives afternoon sun. As you can see, there are 2 big city trees along the sidewalk providing shade. Obviously we need to work on plant selection as well as we go thru this project of improving our house. My husband really likes how the green paint looks against the red brick. on the front porch. I was a little turned off by it to be honest (The house used to be white). But now that the paint is on, and he likes the color, as do I, but just not up against the red brick on the front porch, we need some advice on how the make the best look of the window color, garage door color (set way back in the driveway), front door color, and wrought iron color. I personally like blues if there was any way to work in that color. And I would like to minimize seeing the red brick against the green house. But of course, the main goal is to have the house look beautiful.
Thank you very much
Hi Ann,
Since you have terracotta pots as well as a beautiful teal blue pot, I would embrace those colors as your accents. Even with the brick. I think the brick color looks spectacular against the Trinity Islands green. So take a look at using one of these accents or both: Something like Atlantis DE5790 for the windows and other areas that are currently blue and then Cedar Grove DE5152 for your doors.
Since you have a ranch, I would play up the modern aspects of the design and go with nickel/silver metal color for lighting, mailbox, big modern house numbers. If possible, just remove the wrought-iron column as it is a remnant of an earlier design period and it doesn’t really go now with your ranch style. If you need to keep it, then just paint it a color that will not stand out. Try Black Bean DE6385. Also, when the budget allows, purchase a full-view front storm door if you need one at all.
For other trim that you do not want to accent, like the fascia/soffits, go with a lighter version of the siding color, something like Garden Pebble DE6247 or Moonlight DE6246 to give the house continuity and make it look bigger.
Get samples of the paints to try before committing as it’s always good to see actual paint on the house and not just a paper fandeck.
If the idea of blue windows is just too much, you could paint them Garden Pebble DE6247 and then use one of the accent colors for doors only. But your windows are so nice that I would love to highlight them, much like you did before with the blue windows. You can still have the multiple-color palette if you like the idea of a modern look to the house. If you prefer a conservative, blending approach, then stick with the lighter trim color for the windows as well as the rest of the trim.
The garage doors (I didn’t see a photo of them specifically) can be the house color or two shades darker (DE6251 Green Scene) if you want to camouflage the doors. If you want to accent them, use one of the accent colors above.
See what you think.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara
I wanted to finally let you know that your suggestions for the trim color were perfect. I truly appreciate that you suggested the deep blue could work, as I doubted myself. We ended up using garden pebble on the windows and deep resevoir on the garage door and back patio posts. The effect is a cool garden scene which I love and enjoy every day. Thank you very much and your service is completely worth it.
Ann
Ann,
You’ve made my day. Thanks for the feedback!!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hello,
Thank you for a wonderful blog!
We are finally beginning to do some work on our 1935 house (picture sent to your e-mail). The cream siding has to stay but we’re getting new windows that are white. We’re trying to do something a bit more interesting to give the house a more bungalow feel. We are also getting a new front door (I sent a picture). So, We’re wondering what we can do about the trim around the windows, porch, above the porch front (not sure of the technical name), the door, and the foundation color. We’re not sure how much we can do with a light siding color but we’d love it to be a bit spicier. Thank you!
Hi Adelaide,
To give your house more of a bungalow feel, we need to accentuate the architecture. Since you’re keeping the siding, how about this palette:
Trimwork/windows/door trim — everything currently beige:
Tate Olive (Ben Moore HC-112)
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/tateolive
Foundation:
Dinner Party AF-300
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/dinnerparty
Front door:
Powell Buff HC-35
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/powellbuff
Highlighting the trimwork and the door will bring the bungalow back to your home. Hope that works for you.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Thank you so much for the ideas! I can’t wait to start painting. Is there a darker color that might work for the front door. I’m trying to stay open minded but we have two small children so a light door scares me. Perhaps it’s just time for me to go with it! Thanks again!
Hello Barbara,
This is my second post. The first requested help with roof color. This one is to request help with the trim color and the vinyl gable inserts. Our rancher needs help with curb appeal. My husband and I have never been fond of the brown trim and would like an updated, fresh and clean look. Looking forward to your replys. I thought I had more time, but the contractor says I only have a week. Sorry for the rush.
Sincerely,
Denise
Hi again Denise,
See what you think of Ben Moore’s Sail Cloth as a trim color. Here’s a link.
http://www.benjaminmoore.net/samples/2599.html
(It’s an exterior paint color so it’s not on the Ben Moore site — but they should have a sample of it in any Ben Moore store.)
For the vinyl gable and maybe even the garage door, consider a medium tone from your brick. Something like Alexandria Beige HC-77.
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/alexandriabeige
Almost any brick tone will work so when you bring home vinyl samples, hold them right up to the bricks and stand back. That way you’ll get a good picture of how the house will look from the street. That color would also be good for the railing and shutters. It is a great idea to get away from the cocoa browns and move more toward colors with a “green undertone” — since the bricks have that. With Alexandria Beige, you’re on your way.
See what you think
Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara,
I am sending you an email with the new shingles installed. I have to make a definite decision now on trim and vinyl color. The trim will be wrapped rather than painted.
Thanks,
Denise
Hi Denise,
I’m not sure what vinyl brand you’re using, but here is a combination from Certainteed:
Timber Blend for the siding (picking up on the tones in the brick)
http://www.certainteed.com/products/vinyl-siding/horizontalsiding/309791
and here’s an idea for the trim:
http://www.certainteed.com/idea-center/gallery/trim/?res=true&Division=7
They used a vinyl paint from Sherwin Williams called A Touch of Cream. What we’re looking for is a trim that will coordinate well with the yellow in your grout color. The whites are too white and the Alexandria Beige is too dark/gray.
Another idea:
Vinyl color Heritage Cream (Certainteed from link above). Hopefully not too peach for your grout.
The best approach is to take your fandeck of vinyl options and hold them up to the brick. Stand back about 3 feet and look to see which colors coordinate with the brick and bring out some of the inner shades and tones in the brick. That will be your siding color. Then do the same with the grout.
Since you have a lot of texture already between the brick and the roof, I suggest a lap siding for the gables and addition. No preference as to bead but just don’t get a lap that’s too skimpy in terms of height. Again hold samples up to the brick to check the scale. Feel free to send photos as you’ve been doing.
Hope this helps.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
PS The roof looks great!!
Hi Barbara, I love your site. My husband and I just purchased a home and we are struggling with the color. The house is a Yellow/Orange Brick with Brown roof and white trim, white shutters and white garage door. The white isn’t as high of a contrast as I would like and just seems to be a bit on the dull side, but I think Black would be too much. We would just wonder what color we should paint the trim to make a bigger statement
Hi Sam919,
I suggest keeping the white window trim as you have white windows so there’s some logic to that. But for the shutters, have a look at something like Essex Green Ben Moore Exterior.
http://www.benjaminmoore.net/2588.html
What that will do is coordinate with your plantings out front, contrast with the brick without introducing another bright color, and get you away from the dull white shutters you have currently. I agree that black is too much. You could also go with a dark brown to coordinate with the roof. Check out Tudor Brown (Exterior)
http://www.benjaminmoore.net/2591.html
Either of those colors should add the contrast you need and still coordinate with the brick and roof as well as the front door.
See what you think.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Thank you Barbara, This is such a hard color of brick. Would anything gray work or should we stick with the warmer colors?
Hi again Sam919,
I think I have it! Take a look at this color: Silhouette AF-655 by Ben Moore. It’s a complex gray-brown that looks great with the brick. I can’t see your roof in the photo, but check this color out and see if it’s a nice compromise between a black and a brown shutter.
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/silhouette
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Thank you I quite like that color. Thanks for all your hard work. I uploaded a second picture of our home. If that helps with the roof color. http://www.flickr.com/photos/shellyminer/8391920145/in/photostream/
Try the Silhouette and the Tudor Brown. I think either will work great. I do like the Silhouette — it contrasts nicely with warm roof and brick. See what you think.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
I forgot to send the photo http://www.flickr.com/photos/shellyminer/8385242396/in/photostream
Hi, you helped us with some trim colors for our house and suggested Tate Olive. The window didn’t have that exact color so we ended up going with something just a bit lighter. You suggested Powell Buff and Wilmington Beige? For our front door. Since our siding is cream, and the green isn’t quite as dark as planned, we were considering more pop for the front door. I’m currently obsessed with peacock blue colors. Is it a real no no to have a blue door with green trim?
Thanks!
P.S. we took your advice in our kitchen too with Woodlawn Blue and are in heaven!
Hi Adelaide,
You can be a lot more creative with the door color than with the rest of the house. I think it would look spectacular to use a peacock blue for the door. (And it’s only paint… and it’s just the door… if you end up not liking it after a couple of weeks, then just paint it over.)
That was easy… 😉
Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara,
We need to make a quick decision on trim/door color. I sent you a photo of the house. It is Benjamin Moore Natural Redwood and needs to stay that color. The trim and shutters are currently Benjamin Moore Richmond Bisque and we would consider changing that for a new look.
Our current problem is that we are replacing the front door and sidelights with something similar and need to choose door panel and trim colors. We can have the door panel stained or painted in one of the Pella colors and the trim color can be used on the entire sidelight or just the trim around the door. http://www.pella.com/doors/explore-door-styles/entry-door.aspx?type=pella-twin-colonial-light-entry-door-with-glass&panelId=2
There is a shrub and perennial garden in the front with colors in the pink/purple/white range.
We appreciate any suggestions.
Our curr
PS- I was leaning toward using Vanilla as the trim color and going bolder with Honeysuckle as the door and sidelight color. Further research showed that we Honeysuckle is only a trim color and not available to do the door. We are now thinking we will use Vanilla (close to the shutter color) for the trim and getting the door unfinished and painting it ourselves which means we can go with any color we want. What do you think about some thing similar to the honeysuckle? Or if we open it up to the world of color what would you suggest?
Hi Cindy,
Since you’d like a different look to your house, have you considered going more neutral with the trim color on the house and shutters to coordinate with the front walkway and give the house a little more earthy feel? Something like the Pella color Putty that would coordinate with the darker window color but not call too much attention to itself.
Then with the trim neutralized, you are free to do something a little more exciting with the front door. And since you have pinks/purples in the garden, how about pulling those colors into the door with something like Ben Moore’s Sleepy Hollow 1454 http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/sleepyhollow that will pick up the garden without shouting purple too much. Another idea for just the door is Louisburg Green HC-113 http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/louisburggreen, again to pick up on your garden.
See what you think of those ideas.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi,
I was so happy to see this blog. I need some help. I have a light blue house, window trims are white, brick porch and staircase, and light gray roof. Its a small home. I have been contemplating window shutters, window awnings, flower boxes and door color for sometime. I live in a beachy town so would like something to maybe be fun. Inside decor is comfortable and white and would love the outside to feel the same. Definately want shutters but don’t know if a awnings would be too much. I have a picture and would love to forward it to you. Looking forward to your response, Thanks, Amy
Hi Amy,
You can send a photo to my email address: bmeglis@yahoo.com
I’ll be sure to see it there.
More soon.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi, Barbara –
Apologies if this same request shows up twice, but I think my prior effort failed. (I posted, but I don’t see the query.) I’ve sent a PayPal payment and, via email, a photo of the house.
You helped tremendously with roof color; we went with Certainteed Pewterwood to pick up some of browner undertones of our deep-colored brick (winey) and to complement our siding (Hardie’s Evening Blue). As you can see in the photo, the windows are white and the trim wound up being white by default. (I’m open to changing that, but don’t know if everyone at our house shares that view.) The dormers facing the street use Evening Blue and white trim.
We are trying to sort of color choices for these remaining items:
* shutters
* front door
* trim around door
* peak (on portico) above door
* trim around a large-ish boxed window very close to the door
One option is to let the front door area follow the scheme of the front dormers — i.e., Hardie’s Evening Blue on the peak of portico and on the front door, with white trim around door.
If so … shutters also maybe the same blue? or too much? We know everyone uses black shutters. That takes us in a more colonial direction, though, and we think we don’t want that. We made architectural choices that have a little bit of a cottagey feel. (I think.)
Box window … no idea what to do here. Last week someone painted primer over its “sailcloth” paint, which took it from unobjectionable to awful bright white. But more blue? We’re getting very blue at that point. Or do we do this in blue, and do something else with shutters?
A neighbor suggested the box-window could benefit from a neutral that matches the mortar — something sort of Navaho Beige or Cream or Greige or Taupe. Is that a workable idea? getting too busy?
Finally, f we need to go with black shutters, what black will work well with the Pewterwood shingle? (But I black shutters are not my fav option.)
Thanks,
Kathryn
Hi Kathryn,
I like the idea of using blue for the portico peak to mimic the dormers. The white trim should help to make the blue pop — just like on the roof. I do like the white trim as it blends in the windows. Nice since they are different sizes and shapes.
Then for the box window and the shutters, I suggest using your neighbor’s advice and going with a neutral that will help to balance the windows across the front of the house. Coordinate with the mortar color (or check out Manchester Tan HC-81 Ben Moore). http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/manchestertan
White door trim will blend in the storm door. For your Victorian cottage style, you might consider getting rid of the storm door (it’s so practical, I know). But no matter really. It’s energy-efficient — not always as stylish as we might like.
Then you can paint the front door blue to match the siding or red to match the brick. Either one surrounded by white trim should make the front door stand out — even behind the storm door.
See what you think.
Option 2 would be to use blue on the shutters to coordinate with the roof (a classic look — I wouldn’t use black shutters in your case). Then you might paint the portico peak the mortar neutral to make it pop even more off the dark roof. Just an idea.
Hope that helps. Let me know if you have questions or concerns.
And thanks again.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Option B is very interesting, for a couple of reasons. (1) We like doing the shutters in that deep blue-grey; and (2) making peak blue seems like it might upstage the door and overwhelm everything. I’m already nervous about the size of that portico (I nearly fainted when I saw the scale), but I had not a clue what option we had other than the blue.
I tried photoshopping neutrals into the peak, with Eve. Blue on the shutters & door, and that was very promising. (I’m impressed. Thanks for the tip.)
Picking the neutral: As it happens, I have Manchester Tan lying around (this home-addition is taking too long!), and I think it may be too yellow. I tried photo-shopping something more from a Taupe or Gray look and … wow … that was a happy surprise.
So, a couple of questions, if you don’t mind:
* The idea for the neutral is to get something that comes close to the mortar, right? The grout does have a bit of a yellow hue … should I persist w Manchester Tan as a complement?
* if we are going more toward a grey or taupe, do you have a color you’d recommend? I recall Hardie having a Monterey Taupe that they people seem to use with Evening Blue …but when I went looking for a paint color-match, it kept being gray-green. Maybe I just want grey. Greige?
* If we are painting the shutters and door blue, but the peak is going w/ a mortal-neutral, which color would go on that box-window? Is it blue to go w/ the shutters, or neutral to go w/ the peak? [Or is it that either would work?] I sometimes feel like people go a little crazy with blue accents that wind up looking like a novelty act.
Thanks!
Hi Kathryn,
Here are some other color options instead of Manchester Tan:
Briarwood (Ben Moore Exterior)
http://www.benjaminmooreonline.com/2596.html
Alexandria Beige (HC-77)
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/alexandriabeige
Lenox Tan (HC-44)
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/lenoxtan
Those should help you see whether to go more gray or yellow beige.
As for the box window, I would go with blue to coordinate with the shutters, only
because you don’t want to compete with the front door peak. But you can use the neutral
on any garage doors (??). If you want the box window to be a feature — like a bay window —
they use the neutral on it, but personally I think it might stand out too much.
I know what you mean about using the blue as an accent in too many places. If anything,
switch out the front door to avoid too much blue. Either the neutral or a red to match your
brick will work. But worry about the front door last. After the other elements are painted.
Hope that helps.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara,
Great site and service! I have emailed you some pictures of our house – it’s a white stucco bungalow with gold trim around windows and doors. The windows also have brick trim at the bottom. I’m not thrilled with the white house but for now our budget won’t allow for a color change. I’d like to update/freshen up the trim as it’s pretty old. I’m kind of at a loss for a trim color that won’t be too stark against the white – maybe a taupe or grey, but I’m not sure that goes with the brick. Some other issues I’m trying to figure out:
1. I would like to do the front door an accent color, but our front door is actually behind a small enclosed/glassed in section on the front porch, so not very visible. Do I paint this section as the accent color since this is easier to see? And I need an accent color. Do I stick with a yellow or venture to an eggplant or deep red?
2. Not sure what color to paint the porch ceiling – same as trim, white or other (I’ve seen the haint blue ceilings which are intriguing but not sure if that fits here in the Northeast (NJ/Phila area)
3. Do I paint the porch floor or leave as is and freshen up the existing white? The middle portion of the porch floor is the natural cement blocks)
Finally, we are in the process of taking out the three big viburnum shrubs in front of the porch. They are massive and hard to keep small, so pretty much swallow up the front of the house. I’m looking to put in a perennial garden (russian sage and some grasses perhaps) and maybe some low evergreens. I’m hoping that this will also make a difference!
Thank you,
Jen
Hi Jen,
Take a look at Ben Moore’s Kalamata AF-630 for your accent color, both around the windows and all the doors.
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/kalamata
I would paint that “vestibule” the same color since you can’t see the front door anyway. That IS your focal point.
Use white for the porch edge and the columns.
Then for the ceiling, look at something like Revere Pewter HC-172
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/reverepewter
It’s a transitional color and it looks like it’s in your roof. A warm gray.
See what you think of those colors to perk up your house.
Hope they help.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hmm. I really like the combo of that plum color with the grey ceiling. However I don’t know if I’d have the courage to do it around everything including the windows, Would you recommend a complementing darker grey instead (maybe something like BM Raccoon Hollow) or the other way and go lighter?
One other thing, in painting the ceiling, I’d JUST be painting the ceiling itself and not the trim piece, correct (i.e. the piece between the pillars and the ceiling? Right now the ceiling and upper trim is all painted gold. Would I paint that white?
Thanks.
Hello Barbara,
I am sending the pics of our house to your email. We are
desperately needing some guidance for exterior paint. Our peachy, orange brick is very difficult to work with. We are in the process of getting a new roof (Timberland HD “Mission Brown”). Please help! 🙂
Tami
Hi Tami,
Although you’ve used taupe/gray before, take a look at Ben Moore’s Briarwood as a possibility for part of your palette. Then also Rich Cream Ben Moore 2153-60 for trim.
http://www.benjaminmooreonline.com/2596.html
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/richcream
Those two colors in combination with your brick color should add some freshness to the house.
See what you think.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
So the entry way and garage door would be the Briarwood?? Also, how do we paint the ceiling of the entryway?? Should the trim color be taken to the ceiling or is it better to paint the ceiling the same color as the walls of the entryway?? Thanks so much. I would have not picked those colors together, but I do agree that it will look nice. I will be glad to down play the peachiness and have some colors that will make the house look nice. Thanks again – you offer a great service!!
Hi again Tami,
I would put the trim color right up on the ceiling. That will maximize light in that area.
Hope that helps.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Thank you Barbara! A couple last quick clarifications… we have hardiplank on the rear of our house, since our garage door and front porch color will be the Briarwood, is that the color we would paint the back of the house and follow with the Rich Cream for the trim as we did for the rest of the house?
Any alternate trim color?? Husband thinks it a little yellow – or will this not look so yellow when placed in conjunction with the Briarwood and our brick??
And, finally (promise!) any suggestion for front door/glass storm door color, currently faux painted a wood door finish??
Thank you again for all your great advise!! Enjoy your week!!
Hi Tami,
If the Rich Cream is too yellow, take a look at Sail Cloth for the trim. And yes, you would match front to back.
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/pm21
As for the storm door, usually either the trim color or the door color. But not an accent — you’ll want to blend that away.
Hope that helps.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
We live in a ranch style home with red/orange brick and Kingsport Gray (looks more green to me) trim. We are having the house repainted the same color but I want to change the front doors to something besides a darker green. What do you suggest?
Hi Julianne,
Check out a yellow-gold, something like Ben Moore’s Concord Ivory HC-12. That may brighten up the entry very nicely.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi,
We just painted the door of our red brick home bright blue, which I love, but now we need help with the coordinating colors. We have a cement porch floor that we tried to paint a coordinating grey but it looks off. We need a color for the cement porch floor, our garage and the eventual shutters we are going to put around windows. Also, what do you recommend for door hardware and numbers. Black, silver, etc. emailing you pictures now.
Thanks for the help!
Hi Meg,
I love your new door color! It really pops off the brick and that’s the idea!
As for porch and garage door colors, check out
Alexandria Beige HC-77 (Ben Moore)
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/alexandriabeige
and
Davenport Tan HC-76
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/davenporttan
I like the darker one for your porch floor and the lighter one (Alexandria) for the garage.
See what you think.
Your house doesn’t really call for shutters given the window style. Actually, the house will look more contemporary without them. Just a thought…
As for hardware and numbers? SILVER!! Smashing.
Hope that helps.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara,
You helped me with my roof color back in the May and I have to say the Certainteed Driftwood you recommended looks amazing with our new James Hardie Monterey Taupe siding. Thank you for that great advice.
I’m back for more color advice. We need help with shutters/front door/garage doors.
We want to go with dark shutters and you had recommended taking a dark hue from the roof color to go with that. Would black be too dark? Should we try a charcoal, dark navy, or dark brown?
Currently, our front door is a lighter red (Benjamin Moore Maple Leaf Red) but now that I look at it, it looks like it blends in too much with the brick. I like the red but is there a different shade to go with that would pop more or should we venture out and try a different color altogether?
What do you think of leaving the garage doors white? The old garage doors matched the old shutters (cream/off-white). If we leave them white will they stick out too much?
Thank you in advance for all your help!
Loretta
Hi Barbara,
I was so excited to find your blog. This is a really nice service that you offer. I was hoping that you could help me decide on a new front door.
Our front entryway is very dark, so we are planning to replace our front door with a half-light Signet fiberglass or Legacy steel door from Provia. However, I’ve gotten stuck on the door color, because the decision is forcing me to re-evaluate how the entire exterior color scheme works together.
Our home is brick with Certainteed “Summer Wheat” siding, which has a sort of orange/peach cast to it. The shutters are Certainteed “Forest.” The trim and doors are white. The roof appears as a medium grey or brown, depending on how the light hits it. The perennial landscaping has red, pink, yellow, and some purple.
I’ve looked at samples against our siding in various lights, and have picked a couple of favorites among the wood-look doors. The oak finishes I like are Pecan and Truffle. The cherry finishes I like are Chestnut and Cinnamon. (The colors with more yellow in them, such as Almond, definitely clash.)
However, when I use the Provia Visualizer tool, I don’t like how any of those doors look on a photo of my house. In the Visualizer, the oak Espresso finish, cherry Coffee Bean finish, and white and rustic bronze colors look better. I could also use any Sherwin-Williams paint color, but have not explored that option yet. I have gone round and round with this, so would really appreciate your perspective.
All of the houses in the neighborhood have the same brick. One side neighbor and two neighbors across the street have black shutters. The other side neighbor has brown shutters. The two next-closest neighbors have red shutters.
While I am mainly looking for suggestions for the front door, the shutter and garage door colors could also be changed.
I’ll email you a link to some pictures.
Hi Patricia,
I do like the Truffle stain color with your brick. http://www.proviaproducts.com/products/entry-doors#!/signet_fiberglass_entry_doors/gallery
The brick is the determining factor as the siding/shutters will go with everything. So test out your door swatches against the brick to see which color works best. And stand back as far as you can to check the color as the brick colors tend to blur together the farther away you get.
Since you have an overhang on the porch, the really dark colors will be even darker under there. I would lighten to a medium tone for the best color. And Truffle seems to work.
See what you think again. I would trust the door samples against your brick more than the color on your computer screen. Very deceptive. (Believe me…).
I like the shutter color especially if other neighbors have black. The green is classic. If you are looking for a change, consider a really dark eggplant purple — a color that will coordinate with your brick but be dark enough to go with the roof and contrast with other elements. See Ben Moore’s Vintage wine (SW can match).
Good luck.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Patricia,
I do like the Truffle stain color with your brick. http://www.proviaproducts.com/products/entry-doors#!/signet_fiberglass_entry_doors/gallery
The brick is the determining factor as the siding/shutters will go with everything. So test out your door swatches against the brick to see which color works best. And stand back as far as you can to check the color as the brick colors tend to blur together the farther away you get.
Since you have an overhang on the porch, the really dark colors will be even darker under there. I would lighten to a medium tone for the best color. And Truffle seems to work.
See what you think again. I would trust the door samples against your brick more than the color on your computer screen. Very deceptive. (Believe me…).
I like the shutter color especially if other neighbors have black. The green is classic. If you are looking for a change, consider a really dark eggplant purple — a color that will coordinate with your brick but be dark enough to go with the roof and contrast with other elements. See Ben Moore’s Vintage Wine (SW can match).
Good luck.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Barbara,
Thank you for your suggestions! It is very helpful to know that I should be matching the door color against the brick instead of against the siding.
I was a little concerned that if I were to use a wood stained door, I would end up with too many different colors on the house. That may be why the white and black doors looked best to me in the online tool. From your reply, I take it that you do not share that concern. That is reassuring, because I like the wood-look doors better.
Does white cladding and a white full-view storm door makes sense to finish the look, tying to the other trim?
Yes, Patricia, if you need a storm door at all (not a favorite design feature on any house, of course), then the full-view is best and in the same color as the trim unless there is one to match the door color. But the storm door in the trim color is fine.
Are you still providing this service? Buying a 1979 brick house with random piece of bone/light taupe siding under front porch. It’s on left side of house to the door, and then just past the door on the right side (not evenly spaced…brick continues from right side of door all the way to end of the house) Currently has same bone/light taupe color gutters, window trim, garage door and porch columns with black shutters and black roof. Trying to decide what color to paint the siding and/or garage door, and if we change shutter color, or if we paint the brick and the siding all one color leaving the black shutters. We are lost. I will want to take a good photo to send if you’re still doing this. Thanks!
Hi Kim,
Yes I am still providing the decorating service — I would be happy to help you.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Great! Inspection tomorrow and I’ll take a good pic and go from there!
Okay. Sounds good.
Hi Barbara,
I’m in the process of replacing my white gutters and changing the color of my fascia boards.
I’ll send pics to your email address after I post.
I was thinking black gutter and Ben Moore (Kendall Charcoal) for the fascia and door trim. If this works that’s great but I am open to other suggestions.
Besides changing the hardware (door handle, dead bolt, astragal, etc) on my front door, what color would look best on this door?
Although the patio railings are white, I do plan to change to black down the road as I need to replace the deck.
I’m also contemplating a change in color of the brick façade. Or should i keep it as original?
Thanks
Dave
Hi Dave,
The black gutters will be fine — except along the front of the house. You’ll still want to paint that downspout gray or the black will stick out too much. Kendall Charcoal goes well with your brick, and I assume you will be painting everything that is currently blue (on my screen), including the deck fascia.
As for the front door (and maybe even the garage doors), consider Chelsea Gray (HC-168), very similar to Kendall but lighter. I would use a high gloss on the front door to add interest. Another idea is Georgian Brick HC-50 to pull out the rusty color in the brick. Either one.
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/chelseagray
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/georgianbrick
Hope that helps.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi – so glad I found your site! We are painting the trim on our colonial (I emailed the photos) but we are stuck. The siding (wood on the front and vinyl on the rest so we are stuck with the color) is sort of cream/tan. The roof is brown but we will probably replace it next year and are thinking something slate-ish looking so we aren’t worrying about matching that. We live at a lake and love the cape cod look so were thinking maybe a navy (Benjamin Moore hale navy maybe?) with a red door….but would it look like a crayola box? We have a two level deck on the back that we need a color for too – but we have small kids so don’t want anything too dark for that. I don’t know that our siding has enough yellow to just go with white trim. Any/all suggestions are welcome – we are stuck! Thank you!!
I forgot to mention that you might consider an Atlantic Blue roof shingle. Gorgeous with your house color, trim, door, and environment.
Hi Jen,
You’re right, I’m not crazy about such a high-contrasting trim as the Hale Navy. It tends to chop up the house and make it look smaller and a little more “country.” I would rather you use a high-gloss Hale Navy on the front door. Then for the trim, I think a cottagey white like Snowfall White (Ben Moore OC-118) would accent the trim, give some depth to your siding color, look good with your current roof and any subsequent roof, and avoid the Crayola Color trap. http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/snowfallwhite
Then you can bring in your pops of cottagey red with Adirondack chairs in the yard, planters, red annuals, and other small removable accessories.
See what you think of that idea.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara. My husband is against the white trim idea (tho I’m going to get a sample this weekend so he can see it) — he thinks we need some color – do you have any other suggestions? What about something like what is there now but more blue grey (instead of grey brown)? I know it wouldn’t look great with the roof as is but as I said that’s going next. Do I need to pay for this follow up question? Thank you!!
Hi again Jennifer,
If you use the white trim, then you can apply color to both front door and even garage door. But if your husband wants color for trim, take a look at Ben Moore’s Alexandria Beige.
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/alexandriabeige
Or Fairview Taupe
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/fairviewtaupe
Both are similar in hue value to what you have now but are less taupey. Even the Fairview — it’s more green.
See if that helps.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara-
I’m getting ready to repaint the cornice and trim of my c. 1890 stone row house. I’m planning on doing the cornice in 3 colors–a light/white overall background color and then pulling out the bracket and medallion details in 2 other colors. I’m going to paint the trim around the windows and front door the same color as the cornice background color (the windows and front door are new and will remain white). My neighborhood tends toward more muted colors, so I’m trying to stay away from any technicolor, neo-Victorian combos. Right now, the pointing on the house is painted white, but I am having the facade repointed this fall and will leave the new mortar unpainted.
I’m a bit stuck on color and have been leaning toward some variation of white, gray, and another color tbd.
I will send you photos by email.
Thanks!
Hi Sarah,
How about this for a color palette:
Background “white” — Ben Moore’s Athena 858 (a soft warm gray that will give the aged quality you need)
Brackets — Davenport Tan HC-76 (a cool gray-brown that will bring out the depth of color in your stonework)
Medallion details — Georgian Brick HC-50 (a bricky brown with enough red to be warm especially in contrast with the other cooler colors)
See what you think.
Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
We have just moved into a new home in Vermont. Our house is a contemporary colonial. It is vinyl sided in pale gray with white trim. The shutters and door are a deep red color, rather dark. The door has a small extended roof with white pillars over it, I guess it is a small porch. I have fallen in love with Benjamin Moore’s Wythe blue and I am thinking of painting the front door in that color. For the shutters, I was thinking gray or black. We have a lighter gray roof and we do have a red brick stairway. I am considering distressing the brick as it isn’t my favorite. You advised us on color for our previous home and we were very happy!
Hi Anne,
See what you think of Kendall Charcoal (Ben Moore HC-166) for the shutters.
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/kendallcharcoal
Just enough richness to contrast with the roof and siding yet not enough to stomp on the delicate door color.
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/wytheblue
And whatever you can do to soften the red of the brick staircase will help to keep the focus on the front door and not the more dominant red stairs. Weathering it will help.
Hope that helps. Send a photo if I need to be more specific.
And thanks for coming back!!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi again Anne,
Your photos just came through. I will take a closer look.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi yet again Anne,
Try Kitty Gray 1589 for the shutters. I think it looks great!!
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/kittygray
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Question about Trim on a Brick House
I am painting my house (Wynnewood) and am torn between using cream color for the white siding and white for the trim( Sherwin Williams Creme for the siding and Alabaster for the trim) and something more interesting- like shown in the photos of a house that i admire [Ridgeview]. I definitely want black shutters and a black front door. I am also considering adding black accents on the garage end of the house and the brick short end of the house. I have seen the outer part of the window painted white with the inner sections painted black . I would keep the trim at the gutter white. A variation on the cream /white scheme that I like but am not sure would work would be Sherwin Williams Natural Choice with Alabaster for the trim. I do NOT want a yellow house with white trim. The color of the neighbors house on Ridgeview is a custom color by Pittsburgh Paints a taupe with “timeless white “ trim with just a little ombre added. I can give the formula s if you want.
Photos:
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B5YEj6OiLjVwbl9IXzhjLUszdXc&usp=sharing_eil
Hi Beth,
I do like the idea of adding a little more hue to your current white siding. But there’s not enough contrast between the colors you mentioned and the Alabaster. I would stick with a whiter trim color, either what you have now (painted over, of course) or Extra White SW 7006. Natural Choice SW 7011 would work well for a subtle color on the siding. It goes well with your grout color and would contrast well with both trim color and brick.
You might paint the garage door the bright white trim color and install BIG black lights on either side of the garage door (or one above but BIG) and two little black shutters on that upper window.
See what you think of that idea.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi. We had emailed a few weeks ago and you asked for a picture and I’m finally getting around to it. I have the pic but can’t seem to attach. Can u please advise?
You can send the photo as an attachment to this email: bmeglis@yahoo.com OR include a link to a photo album right here on the blog. So sorry that you cannot upload a photo directly… the downside to a blog…
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hello. I am sending you a picture of my ranch house. I wanted to update it so I had the vinyl siding and shutters painted. I thought I would be getting the original colors but the house is much too bright and glaring. The contractor is willing to repaint some or all of it at half price but I’m not sure what to do. From what I’ve read, maybe white trim, black shutters and a grey skirt would work with the yellow. What do you think? I’m trying to do the least amount but will redo the whole thing if necessary. Thanks!
Hi Richard,
Here’s an idea:
Paint all the fascia and ALL the window trim (both what is currently blue and the yellow rim too) white. That will give you beefy window trim and will lighten the facade considerably.
Then paint the foundation something like Ben Moore’s Elk Horn AF-105. That will take the focus OFF the foundation because it does not need to be an accent color. The Elk Horn also goes with the roof…
Then see what the house looks like without any shutters at all. They are not critical if the window trim is wide enough. But if you want shutters, consider painting them Ben Moore’s Tamarind AF-120.
You could also use white for the shutters — since you’re in a warmer area. (I don’t use them up here in the North — too cold). Also be sure to paint your door the same white trim color. Not the grayish factory primer that’s on there currently. The white door with a colorful wreath on it will look spectacular!!
The yellow house color is bright but with enough white, it should calm the house down and really make it look nice. I don’t really have a problem with the yellow — it’s very cheerful.
I hope that helps.
Let me know if I can help further.
And thank you for posting on my blog.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
I am the owner of an 8-unit apartment building close to the University of South Carolina. We primarily rent to students and graduate students. I have sent you pictures of the building by email. I am hoping to find some paint colors for the doors and trim that would improve the curb appeal. Right now the colors are very bland and could use some sprucing up. Thanks.
Last September my husband and I bought a great little painted brick 1940’s Cape that we’ve completely redone on the inside however we’re stumped when it comes to the exterior. I’ve determined that the body of the house and window trim is very close to Benjamin Moore’s “Sailcloth” and we want to keep it because the home was repainted just three years ago, we both like the neutral palette it provides and at this point, we’re broke. For us, the biggest complicating factor in choosing trim color(s) is that we both hate the roof color. BUT it was replaced right before the house went on the market last summer so it has to stay too (again. broke.). So, we’re left with changing the trim from the dated dark brown to something else but what will work with the dang roof?? (I’ve emailed a photo from the MLS listing. ALL of the foundation plants are now gone and we’re waiting to replant in the next couple of weeks but I’ll try to take a recent one if it ever stops raining here.) I’ve considered leaving the facia and soffit dark brown but painting the trim board under the soffit the color of the house since I don’t like that it “hugs” the top of the windows and leaves no separation if we wanted to paint the shutters. Finally, PLEASE overlook the metal awning over the front door which will be history as soon as we figure out a plan for the trim. Can you say “recycling”??
Since we’re doing all the painting ourselves – and we’re sick of painting at this point – we’d like to paint as little as possible to make it all come together. But we’re not opposed to painting the window trim, shutters and/or the front door to achieve an updated look if needed. Help! Any ideas?
Thanks!
Holly Beverly
Alabama
Hi Holly,
A couple of ideas come to mind:
1) Keep the fascia and soffit dark brown, paint the trim board under the soffit Sail Cloth, and remove the shutters completely. You have wide windows and at least on my screen, they look fine without shutters (the shutters are a little narrow for the windows — visually — and I know why. It’s a small house. But they look a little skimpy for the width of the windows.)
2) OR Paint the fascia, soffit and trim board Sail Cloth and KEEP the dark brown shutters. They do go with the roof and give the house a traditional look — important in your neck of the woods.
Regardless of the trim (above), paint the door trim Sail Cloth and pick a nice dramatic door color. Take a look at Ben Moore’s Peaches ‘n Cream 040. It goes great with your roof and you can tie the door color in with annuals or other warm-colored plantings out front.
I would plant shrubs in front of the fence — or take it down completely. That dates the house more than anything else.
I do like the roof — it’s a bit heavy, but it’s better than black and it’s a traditional color (not too busy).
Hope that helps.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
I am trying to settle on a color to paint my house. I don’t care much for the look of painted brick, so I’m just focusing the on the brown colored wood that makes up a significant portion of the front. Do I simply stick with the brown or is there something more attractive I should consider? The gold/orange brick seems to limit my options, but I don’t know the first thing!
Another factor is that the previous owner put on a roof that is a red color. I’m not a big fan of it, but because the roof is relatively new, I can’t financially justify changing it right now. I’ve put four pictures of it at the links below.
If you notice on the last picture, I’ve set a fascia board along the top of the brick which is painted a color called “mocha”. I put this board there to see how I felt about the color. I think it is too gray in direct sunlight and almost takes on a purple cast in the right lighting. I’m not as big of a fan of this color as I thought when I saw a tiny color sample of it.
Check this color out, Matt.
Benjamin Moore’s Fairview Taupe HC-85. I think you’ll find that it brings out the green tones in your brick and looks rather good! Hope it works for you.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Dear Barbara, I just stumbled upon this site. I have a question about how to add visual interest to our house by painting the door and storm door (perhaps sidelights too?) and, possibly, the trim around the door, windows, and perhaps fascia and gutters? I have always found the house a little blah. How to add a little more contrast without changing the existing siding (which is in the tan/taupe family) and the roof (medium to darker brown, depending on lighting)? What would you recommend we paint and with what colors (preferably BM brand)? I am emailing you a few pictures.
Hi Ladka,
I would definitely paint all the trim white (or at least whiter). Here are a couple of options:
Benjamin Moore china white PM-20
OR
Benjamin Moore etiquette AF-50
For the front door, something warm and different from the rest of the neighborhood. Here are a couple of options. With either one, you add flowers/shrubs in the same color out in the landscape to pull the whole look together.
Benjamin Moore tawny port 1281
OR
Benjamin Moore moroccan spice AF-285
See if that helps!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara,
We are located in Southern California in the foothills above Pasadena. I’m so happy to have found your blog as I hope you are the answer to my nightmare!
I’m in desperate need of help in choosing a color for trim, front door, and shutters (I only have two shutters). I stopped the painters on Friday when I realized they had the wrong trim color and started painting the trim a turquoise instead of the original light green. I’m meeting with the main painter tomorrow morning to figure this all out. Now I’m wondering if I should have a totally different color since I’ve got a brand new grey roof, there is brickwork underneath the windows, and my house is white. I’m thoroughly confused. The exterior has already been painted a Benjamin Moore white (not sure of exact color) so I can’t change that color but I can change the trim. I will email you pictures. I don’t know when I’ve been so frustrated.
I loved reading your blog questions and answers. I read them all, and the more I read the more I realized how much I needed your help. Your advice is priceless!
Thanks!
Carolyn
Hi Carolyn,
You’re up next. Back in a few!
Hi Carolyn,
I do like the original trim color. Very soft and it goes nicely with the front gate. Also… it’s diffferent. The roof should be fine.
Try one of these and see if it works better:
Benjamin Moore Beach Glass 1564
Benjamin Moore Silver Mink 1586
Benjamin Moore Gibraltar Cliffs 1587
Benjamin Moore Mount Saint Anne 1565
They are all grayer than the painter’s selection. And any one of them should look better.
Hope this helps you.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara,
Thanks so much for the Benjamin Moore suggestions. I had my painter pick up the four samples and he applied them around the trim so we could decide. We chose the Gibraltar Cliffs. You made my day! Choosing colors is always painful for me, but when I find the right color I’m in heaven. You’re a jewel.
Thanks again! Color me happy in Southern California.
Carolyn
PS Would you leave the oak door or change the color?
Hi Barbara,
The Philadelphia Cream that you suggested for our house exterior looks quite nice, but we are still struggling with a trim color. (Simply White seems too bright for us, but willing to reconsider.) I had previously mentioned that our windows were stark white. Well, turns out that’s not the case at all–they’re actually white with a grayish cast, which clashes a bit with the Cream color. I’m looking for a trim color that will work with our yellow house color/Moire Black roof and draw attention away from the window muntins themselves.
You had previously suggested Mascarpone with another yellow color, Weston Flax. Will that work in this situation–or is it too creamy? (Definitely a contrast in certain light.) What do you think? Just go with the Mascarpone and be done with it? Or, other suggestions?
Barbara
Hi Barbara, The Mascarpone should work well because it is a light yellow that will not clash with the gray of the window color. I understand how a bright white simply accents the grayness of the windows. Try the Mascarpone and see if it works better than the Simply White or a gray white like China White (another option).
Thanks, Barbara. We have painted some with the Mascarpone, and I like it. Feel pretty good about moving forward with that color choice.
Oh yay! I would love to see a photo when you’re done
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
If I send you a pic how fast can you respond have to buy paint today😩
I am here this morning, Sharon.
This house has cream colored vinyl siding and trim, orange brown bricks with grey grout, and a grey deck, I’d like to bring it to a classic, tasteful look
Hi Jamie,
I really like how the gray calms down the orange brick/red roof and the perkiness of the cream siding and trim. How about painting the garage door and side door the same gray? Scattering the gray around the house wherever you have a paintable surface will give the house a fresh update.
See if that helps.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara,
We have a Old Chicago brick home with an Indiana Limestone archway on the front porch and limestone keys over some of the windows. The trim, gutters, downspouts, garage doors, front doorway area and all other wood areas are painted bright white. The bay windows have a weathered copper roof. The roof has been replaced since the picture in the link was taken. Our new roof is a dark shingle with some darkish green and a touch of eggplant (hard to describe). I will email you a picture of the brick with the roof.
We are repainting all of the white wood on our house and would like your assistance selecting a color. The bright white is too stark. Initially, I thought it would be best to try to match the color of the limestone (although it is not one color). We are replacing the front porch with stone (haven’t decided…do you have any suggestions?). The front door has two sidelights and a transom window. I would like to paint the front door a darker color than the trim. The area under the front porch is all wood and will be painted also.
What do you suggest for a color scheme?
Thanks,
Patricia
Hi Patricia,
Take a look at Briarwood for an alternative trim color. Then a rich Night Shade for the doors. As for stonework, I have emailed a photo to give you one idea.
PM-32 Briarwood | Benjamin Moore
2116-10 Night Shade | Benjamin Moore
Hope that helps.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Thanks so much for your quick response! I will look at the paint colors. At first glance, I really like the colors. Would you paint the sidelights as well as the front door in the Night Shade color?
I love the porch idea. I s the stone limestone?
Best,
Patrici
Hi Barbara,
I like the BM Briarwood, but if it seems a bit too dark, would a slightly lightened version work also (or would the color be compromised if we had it lightened)?
Also, I’m wondering if Briarwood is just so much darker than the white we currently have on the house, it will be an adjustment for me. Our house has SO much brick….so perhaps the actual Briarwood shade is best.
What do you think?
Thank you,
Patricia
Yes Patricia. I just sent you a better color. Shaker Beige should do the trick. Thanks for checking back with me!
Hello Barbara,
Will be sending an email with photos. We moved into this house about 18 months ago. Put a new roof on, updated mechanics, etc. House was very well taken care of in a beautiful setting. The exterior trim is in desperate need of anything but the blue gray it is now. Vinyl siding is more of a neutral gray with a slight bit of warmth. I would like to have more of a tone on tone look. The bay window very cut up looking. Ugh! Have thought about painting larger sections instead of all those rectangles. Aluminum trim used on bay and around the “eye ball’ windows. My husband says it has to stay, but agrees it needs some help. Wood trim under the gables is just too dark. Same color as rest of trim but is wood. Help! I have no clue what to do with garage doors either.
Thank you,
Chris
Hi Chris,
I agree with your assessment — lots going on. So while replacing the blue gray, try painting out the entire window instead of leaving a white box in the middle. Just see how you like that more continuous look. In terms of color, here are a couple of ideas:
One is Chelsea Gray, Ben Moore HC-168. It’s gray but with a lot of green in it that will contrast with your brick nicely yet coordinate with the lighter gray without trying to get too matchy-matchy.
https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/hc-168/chelsea-gray?color=HC-168
If you like the green aspect of Chelsea but find it’s too much gray, then go greener:
Cheyenne Green 1502 is a gray-Green. Again, it will look lovely next to the brick and will offer more of a “hue” on the front of the house. Not exactly tone-on-tone but you’ll see what I mean.
https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/1502/cheyenne-green?color=1502
The white trim is fine. Roof is neutral enough. Gray siding is okay — your garage doors can be whichever accent color you end up with. That will add a bit more interest to the front of the home.
Your landscaping is pretty. What a beautiful setting!
Hope this helps. And thanks for posting.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Barbara, to refresh your memory, you suggested Chelsea Gray for our faded blue gray exterior trim….LOVE IT!!!! I’m back seeking a color for our front door. There are a lot of red doors in this area so I’m shying away red. The door is calling out, “orange”, but I’m worried it will look like the wrong color lipstick on an older face. ;). Would love non traditional plum or a different color of green. Or a subdued orange. We will be selling when my husband retires in a couple of yrs. I’d like the house to draw attention for the right reasons! Will send along a couple of photos as soon as I remember how to attach.
Thanks,
Kathryn
Hi Kathryn,
You’re right. You want something that goes with your aged brick.
Here are a few front door options to consider:
Mexicana
https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/2172-30/mexicana?color=2172-30
Georgian Brick
https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/HC-50/georgian-brick?color=HC-50
Kalamata
https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/AF-630/kalamata?color=AF-630
Caponata
https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/af-650/caponata?color=AF-650
Shadow
https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/2117-30/shadow?color=2117-30
See what you think!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
We have T111 wood siding painted brown with brown trim. We are adding a four season room. Contractor ordered a very dark bronze (almost black looking) color door. How do I tie the colors together
Hi Terrie,
It sounds like those architectural elements will tie together just fine. But now you need a punch of color to get away from all that brown. Try light blue for accents pieces — Adirondack chairs, large pots for flowers, patio furniture/umbrella — that kind of thing. Or Pink! Same thing. You need vibrant accent color but almost anything will work! No problem at all. Thanks for posting.
Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
HI,
Looking for advice for our complex project to update our 70s colonial.
1. We plan to replace the portico structure with a porch with a standing seam metal roof in a bronze color to match the existing brown roof. Is there a recommended metal color. We don’t think we want the maintenance of the copper patina.
2. We will also replace and remove all the brown trims around windows, gutters, fasicia, soffit, etc (white or a darker shade of a tan). Siding is Sandstone Beige Certainteed.
3. We will be replacing the front (to a single door with sidelights and garage doors(carriage style?) in matching mahogany wood like. Garage door color – match front door in mahogany wood or match trim or siding color. Front door could be painted a color if you see that as a better option.
4. The bay windows siding will be removed and replaced with panels-should the panels match the trim color or siding color. It seems those are a large area to leave as one color.
5. Finally a complementary color for shutters (darker brown or sage green or burgundy).
6. Last minute thought on painting the bricks? Do they complement the siding and roof?
Hi Debbie,
Here are some ideas:
1) Dark Bronze is a good color for your roof (the medium bronze is not the right tone).
2) I think white is the way to go with the trim and if you can “beef up” the window trim, then you won’t really need shutters. It will give your house a more contemporary look.
3) Matching the front door to the garage doors (I will email you a photo of the door color that works best for your house — it’s a Clopay color). Since you are taking the brown trim away and adding white, the matching doors will coordinate well with the roof. But I suggest leaving the sidelights white so it’s not too dark up on that new porch.
4) Bay window panels — white to match trim. And you’ll see the dentil molding better!
5) See above — if you have wider white trim on the second story windows, you won’t really need shutters since the bay windows will not have any. (But if you want shutters, then have a look at Ben Moore’s Texas Leather
https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/AC-3/texas-leather?color=AC-3
Or Davenport Tan
https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/HC-76/davenport-tan?color=HC-76
6) I don’t think you need to paint your brick — it is certainly not ugly enough to go through the expense and the maintenance. As long as the porch incorporates the brick nicely and it looks intentional.
Hope that helps!
Thanks for posting!!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
When you mention beefing up the trim can you give me an idea of how many inches you would suggest without shutters and how many if we decide to use shutters. thanks looks like great ideas. love idea of white sidelights-never considered that. also we considered getting rid of the dental trim if thats ok for the style. just doing plain unless you think it adds interest without using shutters.
Hi Debbie,
I thought I responded — oops! guess not! — so in response, I sent you a photo of “beefed up” window trim. Your contractor should be able to help you with actual trim board width that is appropriate for your house. As for the dentil trim, it’s perfectly fine to get rid of that on your style of home. Not necessary at all! Hope this clarifies!
Is this still an active site??? Last post I see is from 2018
Yes Julie. I am a stager now but still answering Questions on this site.
Hello Barbara,
My wife and I would like your advice on a trim and HardiePlank siding color for our two story brick home. It is a red and black “antiqued” brick with white speckles/splatters. We have emailed pictures to your yahoo email address to give you a better idea of the color. We recently put a new roof on with GAF Timberline HD shingles in the “Weathered Wood” color.
Currently, our trim and siding is white, and although our vinyl windows are white, we want to go with a different look. On the second floor where there is siding, we feel that part of the house doesn’t look connected to the brick and want a color that will give some weight to that area. It looks unbalanced to us.
The brick homes in our neighborhood use a single color for the trim and the siding, so we would like to continue with that. Please provide us with a Sherwin-Williams color as that is the manufacturer we will be using.
Thank you so much for your help.
Hi William, I don’t see your photos. Try yourcolorcoach@gmail. Happy to weigh in.
Here are a couple of colors to consider:
https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW7038-tony-taupe#/7038/?s=colorDetails&p=PS0
https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6165-connected-gray#/6165/?s=colorDetails&p=PS0
Either one should coordinate nicely with your roof and grout and contrast with the brick.
See what you think. And thanks for posting!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Barbara, we love the paint colors you chose and think either of them will look fantastic with our brick, grout and roof! As you suggested though, we will check them out with the actual paint, to be certain.
Going back to one of the pictures we sent you, the up-close one of our brick, I see exactly what you mean about being careful with a certain undertone. Yikes! We have seen houses with brick that have gone with a wrong undertone on their trim/siding color, and knew we didn’t want to make that mistake! We only wish we had hired you sooner as we wasted a lot of time trying to figure this out on our own.
Thanks again!
Debbie and Bill
Barbara, your advice on my master bathroom cabinetry turned out amazing! Now I need some guidance on the powder room. I am putting up Thibaut Pagoda Garden wallpaper in metallic pewter. Trim and door will be White Dove in Benjamin Moore. But what color cabinetry? Should it be White Dove too or should I do it in a shade closer to the pewter background of the wallpaper or the darker accent colors in the wallpaper? I’m considering Black Fox and Felted Wool in SW. Thanks!
Hi Katie,
Oh yes! Go for drama with that elegant wallpaper.
Black Fox!
https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW7020-black-fox
The other color, Felted Wool (and the other taupe paint possibilities from the wallpaper), will change color depending upon your light bulbs. The Black Fox will stay true and will contrast the most vividly with the wallpaper making your powder room a…
KNOCKOUT!
You are good to go. (And one more comment: the white in the wallpaper will tie in the White Dove/white trim, etc. in the room so you have that covered.)
Send photos!
And thanks again for coming back.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Dear Barbara,
Many thanks for your help. I would appreciate your opinion in choosing a shutter color and trim color for my brick house. I have many ideas. I thought SW Roycroft Vellum or Wool Skein for trim and black for shutters and door. I have an inspiration photo I will try to include but tell you briefly. It has a front door I found at Lowes prepainted carribean blue (same one as in inspiration photo)! and also light to medium blue shutters. Maybe SW Quietude would do? Perhaps a trim color that’s creamy but more like Toque ?
Also I am curious about undertones. Should we be going with warm or cool based on the pictures. I have no idea how to add photos, asking for help from family!
Hi Tricia!
Happy to help. You can send photos to
yourcolorcoach@gmail.com
I will get busy on your question.
-Barbara
Hi Tricia,
Thank you for the payment. In case my reply did not go through, I will send here. Please attach your photos to my email account:
yourcolorcoach@gmail.com
I will be sure to see them there. Thank you and I look forward to helping you with your exterior.
-Barbara, Your Home & Color Coach
Hello Barbara,
Thank you for suggestions on trim and door color for our former home. What a difference!
We are now in new home and need your advice on trim and door color again. Shutters are faded gray with a beige door. That’s right, beige! It’s a pretty home that needs a little love. I will send photos to your email once you acknowledge payment. Thanks!!
Chris C
Hi Chris. Very happy to hear that the colors worked on the other home. I would be happy to take a look at the new one. You can send photos to yourcolorcoach@gmail.com. I will be sure to see them there.
Bunglehouse blue house and anonymous or driftwood cedar shakes with a gray roof