Expert: Rikki Nyman - 11/24/2009

Question
Our home was built in the early 80's in Houston, Tx. We have 4 - two story pillars that we are about to paint. I want a Taupe color on the pillars with a Denim color trim and shutters. My husband says they can only be White. What do you say? Thanks, Bobbie

Answer
Bobbie -

The Southern Colonial style, which often employs 2-story classical columns in the façade, is based on Greco-Roman architecture. The traditional American approach is to use white except for a little bit of trim, shutters, and sometimes the front door. The most popular trim colors are black and hunter green. Your husband is in good company when he resists color on this type of house.

As for the taupe/denim color scheme, I don't see any reason it shouldn't work. It might be very attractive, if somewhat unusual. Consider the neighboring houses and local context. If you haven't tested the colors, pick an inconspicuous place to paint some samples so you can see what the color does in various lights. This is also an opportunity for you and your spouse to move toward some type of compromise ... maybe a very pale taupe with the denim trim?

Many people think there are solid rules about paint, but really there is just light and how color behaves in it, and context — that is, how colors work together. There is evidence that the Greeks and Romans used color abundantly in their architecture at different times. The Palace at Minos is one example.

Hope this helps!

Rikki Nyman
www.antiquehomestyle.com