Architecture/exterior paint

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Expert: - 4/13/2011


Question

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Hello Nazim. I am looking for some incite for exterior colors for our home. The house was built in the 80's and the siding is cedar and orange color brick. We are looking to boost the curb appeal. The home also has a detached garage. I have attached pictures. I would also like repaint the door. Thank you!

Answer

Classic Painted Brick
Hi Tess,

For colors I think what will make the house look bigger and better is to either pick a color from the brick and paint the upper story that color, or paint all the brick and the siding the same color (or a darker shade on the brick, and one tone lighter of the same color on the upper story). I'm not in love with the brick color, but sometimes people don't want to paint it, so I understand. I've attached a photo of a house with painted brick in a nice classical color scheme. It keeps the white as an accent color (or cream color if you want to tone down the brightness), and then introduces a dark accent color close to black for accents. If you don't want the garage door to stand out, you might paint it the same color as the surrounding brick, or if you choose to do the one lighter color on the siding above, you could introduce that onto the two garage doors, and then save your accent color for the front door.

Also the roof looks quite red in the photos. Next time you are reroofing, you might choose something with less color. There is usually a color that is supposed to be like cedar shake shingles - it is often called Weatherwood.  Also a charcoal color might work too.

Nazim Nice
Principal / Architect
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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.

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BArch from Carnegie Mellon University & Andrew Carnegie Scholar

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