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Expert: - 10/22/2009


Question

Cape cod house
I have a cape cod style house that has a very sloped roof, brick front by the entrance, block wall painted white stucco up to the second floor and with the second floor having rough cut cedar (currently painted red),  We are putting in new vinyl windows and are confused as to what color they should be (white, sand, green) as to what we should paint the siding and stucco. HELP!!

Answer
Hi Kimberly,

I think you have two options:

1.  If you like the exterior house color (the deep red), the I would look at painting the stucco darker and using a sand color vinyl window.  The issue I see with the stucco is that it's too much contrast with the brick.  Plus the brick ends strangely at the corner. So painting the stucco the same red color would help make the materials look more integrated together.  The sand color vinyl would stand out less than bright white.  I would avoid the green windows unless they are very deep dark green, almost black (which it probably isn't).  For the siding, if you are looking for a different color red, check out Sherwin Williams Aurora Brown, but be sure it goes with the brick.

2.  Paint the brick and the red siding. Generally, with this option I would head toward a lighter color paint scheme, like beige's and creams for a more cottage like look.  Here you could use white or sand windows, and possibly even green.  If you use green, then I would paint the front door or some other element green to help it tie in.

Good luck!

Nazim Nice
Principal / Architect
http://www.motion-space.com
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Nazim Nice

Expertise

I am a Seattle Architect and can answer architecture and design related questions. Ask me about material suggestions or usage. Ask me about design options - what is good design and what is bad. Ask me about choosing exterior house colors and furniture layout options. Ask me about detailing and assembling houses or components in the home. Ask me about green design or materials. Ask me about choosing an architect, the architectural services, basement remodels, second story additions, and whole house remodels. Ask me about garage design, bathroom remodels, laundry and mudroom design, family room additions, and roof deck additions.

Experience

Over 12 years of practice in the Architectural field including three years of internship plus 5 years of school. I have taught at the Knowlton School of Architecture at the Ohio State University and lectured at Carnegie Mellon University. I currently own and run the Seattle Architecture Firm, Motionspace Architecture + Design PLLC.

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National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB, Seattle Architects | Motionspace Architecture + Design. More information at our blog the (un)common house. Lumen ID Custom Engraved Switch Plates with Labels.

Education/Credentials
BArch from Carnegie Mellon University & Andrew Carnegie Scholar

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