You are here:

Architecture/Exterior House Color Help

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/24/2009


Question

House
We are planning on painting the exterior of our house soon (the red portion) and are stuck on choosing a color.  As you can see in the picture, we have brick with many different colors.  Our fascia and soffit is metal and white.  We prefer to not paint the brick nor the fascia and soffit.  Also, we are replacing the roof, so that color may also change (I am leaning towards a slate color?).  What do you suggest?  Would you suggest painting the garage door the color of the wood house on the opposite side or keeping it the trim color?  I was thinking maybe a darker taupe color, but would that be too drastic with the brick?
Thank you so much for your advice!

Answer
Hi Cerissa,

It looks like the painted part of the house is an addition?  I think if you can tie it together with a light color pulled from the brick that would help tie the two pieces together better. In fact it doesn't have to be a light color, it could be the dark brown color instead, but I think the white trim/soffits would work better with a lighter color.  

As for painting the garage door the same color as the siding, yes I think that is a good idea to help balance things out and 'tone down' the big white door.  

Could the windows at the wood siding part of the house be painted trim color too?  That may help it look more integrated.

Regarding the roof, I think you're on the right track with the slate grey, which goes with most color schemes.

Good luck!

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

See projects completed by Motionspace Architecture + Design: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-architects-projects.htm

Need help selecting an architect?: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-architects.htm

What are the typical services of an architecture firm: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-architecture-firm.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

How to choose 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

Remodeling your entire house: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-whole-house-remodel.htm

Check out our newest product - Custom Engraved switchplates: http://store.lumenid.com

See our gallery of products: http://store.lumenid.com/product-gallery.html

Send in your own switchplates: http://store.lumenid.com/mail-in.html

Uses for our custom engraved switchplates: http://store.lumenid.com/product-wheretouse.html

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.

Organizations
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

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.