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I desperately need help with exterior paint color!

6 years ago

Our Orange County, CA home is the original color from 18 yrs ago...yuck! The architecture is neither here nor there (frustrating), so it's difficult for me to select fresh new colors. After tinkering on the Dunn Edwards color match program, I thought about colors that might transform the house into a Santa Barabara style/feel--Historic White body with Chocolate Chunk facia, pop outs, and garage. What do you think?

I feel like I need a 3rd mid color so the home doesn't look 2-dimensional. your thoughts on that? I'm stuck on what to paint the archway entrance because of the shape. As you can see, it is 2 tone right now. Should I introduce a 3rd mid tone color for the entire archway (or just the base portion)?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated as my budget won't allow for a color specialist, or landscape designer at this time...

Thank you!

Featured Answer

Cara Lewis-Watts

6 years ago

I'd go dark trim on windows, and I'd keep the garage white to match the house, as you don't want the garage to be the focal point - that should be your front door.

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Comments (14)

decoenthusiaste
6 years ago
What about gray/taupe and white trim to work with your current windows? Your garage door needs to fit the vibe. Go for wood there and at the front door or add a touch of azul if you stick with white.
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Sterling Renovations
6 years ago
I agree with Cara Lewis-Watts. All white with dark trim will definitely update your look and give it a very clean elegant feel. I don't think you will need a third color, the angles of the house and shadowing should give you enough dimension. You may even consider black trim, it will give it a more dramatic look.
ocrose
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you Carla and Sterling Renovations! I never thought of keeping garage same color as body of house. It does look cleaner. Most of the homes in the neighborhood have re-painted dark garages.

Do you notice how my windows are "recessed" a bit? Would I paint that portion of stucco dark even though the window frame is white (aluminum). Should we paint aluminum frame dark as well (along with popouts above garage and windows)?
acm
6 years ago
I think your house has a lot of interesting angles and shapes on the front already -- breaking it into blocks of different colors will just make it look disjointed, not more interesting. I don't feel strongly about white versus other color choices, but I'm with those who favor painting all the walls one color.
Carol Singletary
6 years ago
Do you have any restrictions in your neighborhood? When I lived in OC all the neighborhoods had color restrictions.

I would go a soft white for all the walls and garage.
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Sterling Renovations
6 years ago
If your windows are aluminum, I wouldn't recommend painting them. I would paint just the trim dark, ( the red above each window) and I think it will be enough contrast. You still have that great iron work that will coordinate nicely and will really pop against the white.
ocrose
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks to everyone! Attached are my photos after using InstaColor. Not the best, but you get the idea. One has garage same color as body of house, the other has dark garage. Thoughts? as for landscape we would add 2 potted bougainvillea in front of archway along with drought tolerant plans on driveway side...
Cara Lewis-Watts
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Same color as house. Garage should NOT draw attention to itself. Looks like a big dark hole in the top photo.
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Color Zen
6 years ago
When in doubt keep it simple. Instacolor plan looks good with lighter garage.
ocrose
Original Author
6 years ago
What do you think if I were to install new wood look garage (like many Santa Barbara/ Spanish style homes)?
Carol Singletary
6 years ago
If you can afford a new, wooden garage door, and want to make that your focal point, go for it. Just remember, those fancy doors will be the focus of your front. I also like your mock up with a white door.
sheepla
6 years ago
Definitely the second picture with the lighter garage door. Looks fantastic.
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BeverlyFLADeziner
6 years ago
I kept your colors but just fine tuned some placements

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