Expert: Nazim Nice - 7/26/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello.  Thanks for the opportunity to ask a few questions.  We have a ranch home with some brick in the front.  We are getting new windows, finally, with great rebate and want to repaint and side the house shortly after.  The new vinyl windows will be white.  We hope to change the current siding to hardie plank that will run horizontal.  And perhaps match the peaks. you can't see the car port in this photo, but it is on the right side and has a tall roof and a door way in that we use often. I would love to hear your suggestions.  My husband does landscaping and will also be relandscaping the front, under the 2 small windows.  When it isn't snow covered we have a beautiful country perrenial garden in the front and a winding brick path that weaves through.  Thank you for your suggestions.

ANSWER: Hi Melissa,

If you haven't read this article on our website, it may be useful to you.

http://www.motion-space.com/exterior-house-colors.htm

It wasn't clear to me whether or not the new siding is going to be covering up the brick?  I will presume 'no' since that would be somewhat odd to do.

In my article I talk about painting brick as an option. If you don't like the look of the brick, this is often a good way to change the look dramatically.

I also talk about white vinyl windows and brick.  If you leave the brick as it is, I would consider using almond color vinyl windows instead of white.  Almost all manufacturer's make an almond color, and it just isn't so 'bright' against the brick.  Atrium, Allside, and LBL also make a brown vinyl window that looks great with brick.

Hope this helps.

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

QUESTION: Thank you for the suggestion to go with almond windows.  I think we will do that.  What color then would you recommend for the trim and the new siding.  We will not be painting the brick.

Answer
Hi Melissa,

Take a look at sherwin williams arts and crafts selection.
http://www.sherwin-williams.com/do_it_yourself/paint_colors/paint_color_palette/

These colors are a good starting point, especially when learning the right value (lightness or darkness) of a color to choose.  Generally I would say for the siding, choose a relatively dark color, then maybe a couple shades lighter for the trim (between the value of the almond windows and the siding).  Of course there are many variations on this.  

Consider pulling colors from the brick, like the dark browns.  That may help tie things together.

Also, a useful stategy is to search flickr for brick homes and find examples that you like. Also search google using the images tab.  

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

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