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Expert: - 2/5/2010


Question

Housephoto
Our house was repainted recently and I am disapointed with the results...the painter convinced us to avoid contrast.  The stucco color is a medium tan gutters and front door a mocha color.  What do you suggest to add some interest?  Would shutters help?  We need to re-roof, what color would you recommend? Please help...I love my house but it is too blah!  Thank you very much.

Answer
Hi Velma,

The first thing I'd look at is the trim around the windows and door openings . . . it looks like it's painted the same color as the house right now. This is often painted a lighter color than the rest of the house. So you might consider a color between the white windows and the house color and probably just a lighter tone of the house color.  Some other elements could be painted this same color, like the gable roof vent. To add some color, it really looks like the front door is the main opportunity. I could see a dark brown-purple color looking good - still staying with some of the tones of the house but introducing some red into it.

I think shutters would be too much for the house. It seems to have enough detail already.

For roof color, are you considering a composition roof shingle? If you are, then most manufacturers have a color called Weathered Wood, or Driftwood, or a similar name that is sort of the color of a wood shake roof.  That's probably the best color for your house. A charcoal might work if it's dark enough, but since your house color is brown, I'd probably stick with a dark brown roof.  

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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