Expert: Stephen Major - 6/20/2007

Question
I have a 1928 Craftsman home (big front porch and columns) with the original red brick and white trim. My parents owned the home for 50 years and did not change anything. I want to lighten the outside and brighten the inside.  My plan is to extend the living room by enclosing half of the front porch and adding large casement windows. I have a plan that I love, which retains the Craftsman character. However I am adding siding to the new addition (7x13) and under the gables.  My problem is what color trim and accent colors to complement the brick should I use.  I am in Fort Worth.  The front of the house faces south.

Thanks,
Erin

Answer
Erin,

Thanks for sending the elevation plans.  I need to assume a brick color to help you, so I am using a common brick red.  If your brick is not reddish, then my recommendations probably won't be valid.

I posted two PDF slides on our website.  One shows two color possibilities, a brownish teal, and a brownish olive.  The other is a photo of a brick structure with the brownish teal color for trim.

Just go to :

http://www.stephenmajor.com/brickcolors.html

and follow the link.
Color choice can be very subjective, and is affected by landscape, neighboring properties, personal taste, etc.  The colors that I have indicated represent families of color that you may want to consider, balanced against these other factors.  Best of luck with this.  Let me know if you need additional information.

--Steve Major




Erin,

I could answer this better if I could see a color photo of your house.  If possible please send one or more photos to our e-mail: info@majordesigngroup.com

If you can't do this, let me know and I will gladly help in any way that I can.

--Steve Major