Expert: Nazim Nice - 10/27/2009

Question
QUESTION: (I apologize for resending, but I missed the link for attaching the picture on my first query.)  

I would like to repaint the exterior of my newly purchased home.  Unfortunately, the entire first story consists of painted brick.   (The second story is stucco, wood, Hardiplank, and some brick extending from the first floor.)  The brick is not of a good enough quality to be returned to its original unpainted state, so I'm trying to figure out our best option for painting it.  Should I attempt to faux paint the bricks to a brick-like appearance, or should I stick with the current painted look but in a different color?  (I wish they had never been painted, but I'm not sure a faux finish would be worth it or desirable on such a large area).  Is there another option I haven't considered?  Finally, what colors would work with the design of the house?  I had thought of using more natural shades such as Sherwin-Williams' Likeable Sand on the brick, Brevity Brown for the trim, and Heavy Cream by Behr for the non-brick base, but I would very much appreciate your suggestions, even if they are nothing like those colors.

Thank you very much!

Felicity

ANSWER: Hi Felicity,

I think you are on the right track with the colors  . . . I looked up those colors and to my eye I think there is just a little too much red in them.  Sherwin Williams has a good Exterior Preservation Palette (it is not in most fan decks though).  But take a look at those colors, which I have found are some of the best colors for the exterior (hence the name).  Take a look at SW2808 Rookwood Dark Brown for the dark trim.  Roycroft Vellum would be a nice color for the stucco panels.  I would then paint the brick and the wide siding that I see on the right side of the photo the same color, something like your Likeable Sand, but with less red.  Like Roycroft Suede SW 2842.  Test these colors before you commit to them! But take a look at that Exterior Preservation Palette because they are really good colors and it is harder to go wrong with these colors.

Good Luck!

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

QUESTION: Hi, Nazim!

Thank you very much for your color suggestions!  I've purchased samples of the colors you suggested, and I found the Roycroft Suede to be too yellow for my preferences.  In looking for a paint color that resembles a shade of monochromatic brick, I've found that I prefer the redder (blushier) tones over the yellow.  Do you have any suggestions for a redder version of your recommended color scheme?  (I really like how your colors work together).  These are some combinations I've found, but I definitely don't trust my judgment:  SW Plum Brown, Sensational Sand, Sand Dollar  (or)  Behr Summer Bloom, Dover Cliffs, Charred Hickory.  Again, I would very much appreciate your color suggestions.

Thank you!

Felicity

Answer
Hi Felicity,

I looked at the Sherwin Williams colors (I don't have a Behr fan deck) . . . I think in general those colors look good and I'd give them a try. I'm not sure about the Plum Brown though, but I'd still test it. Traditionally these wood elements in a 'tudor' are painted black or brown, so it may be a little odd to paint it dark purple, but I'm never against breaking these 'rules' if it looks good!

Good Luck

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

Read our blog at: http://seattlearchitects.blogspot.com/
See our completed projects at: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-architects-projects.htm
Looking for an architect?: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-architects.htm
What are the typical services of a design firm?: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-architecture-firm.htm
Remodeling your bathroom: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-bathroom-remodel.htm
Laundry and mudroom design: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-laundry-mudroom-design.htm
Remodeling your entire house: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-whole-house-remodel.htm
Information on Seattle Home additions: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-home-addition.htm
Adding a roof deck: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-roof-deck.htm
Choosing exterior colors and materials: http://www.motion-space.com/exterior-house-colors.htm
Read about remodeling your basement: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-basement-remodel.htm
Need to add more space? Consider a second story addition: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-second-story-additions.htm
Information on common residential projects: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-residential-architects.htm
Frequently asked questions of architects: http://www.motion-space.com/frequently-asked-architect-questions.htm
Sustainable and green design resources: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-architects-green-design.htm
Information on garage additions: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-garage-addition.htm

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