Ask Our Color Expert

Colors for a Ranch house with a red room

hanspca — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:50:56 GMT

Shannon,

We want to paint the exterior of our 1958 ranch house, but I'm having a hard time figuring out what colors would go well with our red roof.

We want to keep the main color on the the lighter side of the spectrum.

This house is in the silicon valley area and most houses are in the neighborhood are lighter colors, although ours is one of the few with a red roof.

The house is on a corner of cul-de-sac (left side of the picture) and the other neighbor's house is currently a little darker than ours.

The white window separators are between the glass panes and are unpaintable, so those will remain white.

There is a white plant shelf attached below the main windows that will be painted

Pictures were taken in the morning and afternoon to give a feeling for the differences in lighting

Thank you for your help!

Hans

Exterior plum color?

Christy — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 15:28:00 GMT

Hi!

Our new house has brick with purple and cream colors in it. Currently the wood is beige and the doors and shutters are green. We want to spice it up with a plum color for the door and shutters, but not sure what to use on the garage door and the wood part of the house. Can you help with any recommendations?

My Mother's Living Room

cpichler — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:43:40 GMT

After you gave me such great advice on my family room, my mom wanted me to ask about her living room. She would like to find a color that will work with her existing furniture. She is game for changing out all the other decor, but wants to work with the furniture. What do you suggest? This room is mostly a sitting room. There is no TV. THANKS!!

Shutter colors

MaryAnne — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 20:09:52 GMT

We just got our house painted SW Birdseye Maple with Summer White on the fascia. Our windows are black metal with no trim. Our roof covered by light tan/brown concrete tiles. Our mahogany front door is stained with a lovely reddish stain.We want to get shutters to add color and interest. What type of shutters and what color would compliment our existing color palate of our traditional style stucco home with brick walkways?

Please help with exterior colors for our home

Deborah Y — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:01:51 GMT

Hello, we are painting the exterior of our colonial style home. We would like to keep a similiar color for the stucco, however, we need suggestions for the shutters and the trim. The front door is being replaced with a light brown mohagany double door with glass inserts and black caming. We are also removing the shutters and door surround from around the front door only. The window shutters will remain. Can we go lighter than the original color we have now on the window shutters? or what would you suggest. As you can see it is a 2-story home with an overhang and we don't want it to look to dark at night.

Exterior Color Suggestions

cmore — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:55:36 GMT

Hi,

I am looking for exterior color suggestions. My house is 1 and 1/2 brick home (orange red color brick - Hanson Colleyville make). It is on a nieghborhood lake so has high visibility. It is 7 year old and it was painted pure white everywhere. Has 6 windows in the front and supposedly vinyl/metal colored white. The wood brick mold around the windows are rotten so planning to replace them with vinyl brick mold.

Now what I am looking for is: Something different other than the plain white color. (still windows will be white, can paint them as they might peel off). I don't want very dull or too flashy color.

Not a whole lot of painting area in the front, but have a patio, a dormer and gables in the rear, but less visibilty. No shutters either as the brick accents are there.

I have attached some pictures. Please suggest some color. Anyway what type of home design is this?

Thanks.

Interior Paint Colors

gkpaint — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:33:59 GMT

Putting our home for sale and need some suggestions for interior colors. We live in the NW (Seattle area), so in the fall/winter it can get dark here. The home is a split-level floor plan about 2,000sqft. We want to paint the whole interior including bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen and living spaces. The main floor has 3 bedrooms down a narrow hallway, and an open living room with vaulted ceilings that connects to the dinning room and the kitchen has light maple cabinets and white appliances. Downstairs is a large bonus room and another bedroom. The carpet color through out the house is an off-white color. I am thinking one color for most of the house and a matching color for all the bedrooms? Then there is the bathrooms too... I don't have any pictures to post, but hope you can give some suggestions without it. Thank You.

Painting the exterior brick and trim

chasitydunham — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:51:56 GMT

Hi! My husband and I bought this Ranch Style house a couple months ago and are wanting to paint the brick, shutters, trim and doors in something that is more updated. The color of the brick that we have now is a peachy, pink color and the trim is two different shades of green. The roof is brown, but we know we will be replacing it, so we don't want to be limited on paint choices. We are thinking we will go with gray or black for the next roof. We want a classic, timeless look for this house. It is on a really neat lot with lots of big oak trees, so it stays really shaded. It is a lovely house, it just needs an extreme exterior makeover! I hope you can help us with some ideas! We would appreciate it so much. Thanks!!

1950's post & beam exterior

ryb — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:04:00 GMT

Hi,

I've attached a picture of our house- the main color is white with a dark brown trim.The roof is also a dark brown metal.

We wanted to change the exterior trim color as it is in need of new paint and because we think the trim makes the house look dark or uninviting.

The upper deck is stained the dark brown and the beams that run in & out of the house are that same dark brown- we wanted to keep those dark brown.

I think we want to keep the house white for now as it doesn't need painting

We like how a white trim looks in the front, but I'm not sure about how it would look with the rest of the house, or what to do?

Thanks,

Cape Cod house with black roof paint color

ceragibs — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 23:52:11 GMT

Emergency!! I am in the middle of a house remodel and need an exterior paint color to coordinate with a charchoal black roof with some khaki brown James Hardie lap siding. I originally was hoping to achieve a charming cottage/cape appeal, but the siding color and black roof are throwing me off. I need to paint the brick on the lower part of the house a color that goes with the roof and siding while still getting my "charming cottage feel". Thanks!!!

Exterior for Asian inspired Ranch

Daniela — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:43:16 GMT

I'm remodeling this Asian inspired Ranch home and need suggestions on exterior paint colors. Currenlty is a very muddy brown color. I was thinkg of a medium biege color for the house and confused if I should go darker on the trim or lighter. I want the house to have a more contemporary feel. The roof is a japanese style and the landscaping is being cleaned up to incorporate more modern "zenlike" design with adding river rocks and plants with a purple hue. Also some landscaping will be moved around so the house is more visible. Also I'm installing a new garage door which will have four rectangular windows on top for a more contemporary look. What would you suggest?

Worn Denver ranch needs new look

CHebeler — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:27:27 GMT

Shannon - I have spent several hours ‘with you’ on your website and I appreciate your skills very much. My post World War II Denver home has always been some shade of gray, and it’s time for a change! Over the years, my front door has been white, bright yellow, black, and now red, matched to the oriental rug in the living room. Inside is all Benjamin Moore HC37, natural color woods, hardwood floors with oriental rugs in reds and blues. The decks that you see on front and back are made from Trex, and should not be painted.

As for the ‘look’ I want - I hope it can reflect that this is a home that is used - pot-luck dinners, meet the candidate, a temporary home for friends during times of transition in their lives. I would like it to be warm and welcoming. The house on one side of mine is cream colored with deep sage green shutters, on the other side is a house painted pale taupe with a darker taupe trim.

I am fond of blues, yellows, grays (obviously), and not so much into greens, pinks, or oranges. I am thinking either Wool Skein (SW6148) or Stucco (SW 7569), but am happy to think in other directions as well.

Attached are pictures of the house. Certa Pro estimator this morning recommends Sherwin Williams paints, which is fine with me. I am looking forward to suggestions that you have!

Red Brick House with white windows

edoering — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 22:47:55 GMT

I Have a red brick house with white windows and brown shingles. i want to paint the rest (front door, all woodwork, porch). Any suggestions? My guy really wants to use Benjamin Moore paint. Thanks you!

Kitchen / Family Room Colors

steveherz — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 18:46:53 GMT

We need help in selecting colors for a open area that includes our kitchen and family room. While open, we still have a visual separation between the rooms. The tile is an off white. the carpet in the family room will be replaced by either carpet or hardwood floor. Your input on that decision will be most appreciated.

The wals a re presently white in the kitchen and hall, light gray in the family room. We would like to repaint.

1) What colors do you recommend that are current yet classic (not trendy)

2) what do you recommend for the family room floor : wood? what color? or Carpet -- what color?

Your expertise will be appreciated

Thanks

Steve

Colors for Master Bathroom

joyingrace — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:11:50 GMT

Hello! I am stumped! I have a bathroom that gets a lot of natural light, has blue-green tile around the tub and shower and more neutral tile around the sinks on the other side of the room. I am looking for something contemporary, warm and upbeat and also fit for possible resale in the next year or so. Our adjoining bedroom is painted with SW ambitious amber.

There is a sloping ceiling above the tub area, which needs to be painted the same color as the wall because the sheetrock installation (done before we lived here) was not very good and the line between the two is uneven. I am afraid a white ceiling would bring attention to the uneven line.

I've been looking at sage greens, beige (but not really a fan), cream, SW Cargo Pants (but seemed too light). I am now wondering about SW Grassland or SW Quietude to add a little blue. You'll see I've tried a lot of samples, but I haven't tried those last two yet.

I'd love your suggestions! Thanks! Sorry the pictures all rotated. They were taken with my phone.

brick red multi peak ranch house

KarenDurr — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:18:18 GMT

I received your suggestions for a paint color. The 2 suggestions were both a
shade of gray. I had said in my email that the house across the street from us
was gray, and the house right next to us is gray. Can you please make another suggestion other than grey?

I am anxious to get started on the painting, but would like your recommendations before I begin. I am behind on my target, because it took days for me to find out that my response to your email never got to you.

Exterior Color Suggestions for Craftsman Style Home

Pinnacles — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:14:11 GMT

Hi. I am looking for color suggestions for the exterior of my home. It's mostly a Craftsman style home from around 1906. I don't really care about using historic colors. I just want the house to look its best. The current colors are a bluish gray with white trim. I have a slight preference to move towards a beige/light brown for the primary color and perhaps a white or off white trim, but I am very open to suggestions. There are also three decks/porches that currently have a darker gray deck stain. So, I need a suggestion for the deck color as well. Thanks so much. Pictures are attached.

house color

KarenDurr — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 20:16:39 GMT

Shannon,

I am looking for suggestions for an outside paint color for an "L" shaped ranch with brick work. I would also like suggestions on accents I can put on the house to give it more appeal. Thank you.

Colors for great room/kitchen

nichack — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 19:33:08 GMT

Shannon,

We have an open floor plan and I am trying to decide which colors will go together and which walls to paint which color. So far, I like Silvermist (SW 7621) for the kitchen. I want to paint the great room a beige and the upstairs hall a lighter shade of the same color. Which beige would go well? (I think the walls are currently too yellow and a little too light.) Where do I paint the darker beige and which walls should be lighter? I appreciate your suggestions. Certapro will be here Thursday!

Thanks!

Nicole

small powder room

shirl — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 19:50:21 GMT

I have a very small powder room with white wanescotting and a tile floor that is natural look stone with some gold and beigey browns. Could you please suggest a paint color that would look good. thanks for your help.

1950's Split-Level - Color Help Needed!!

barneta — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:49:11 GMT

Hi Shannon-

My husband and I recently purchased a home and are about to give the exterior a much-needed makeover. I've always liked the look of a netural home with black shutters, however several of the tan/beige colors I have sampled (BM Lenox Tan, Berkshire Beige) are looking very similar to our neighbor's home depending on the light.

We'd really like to stay away from green and were hoping not to paint the brick since it sets our home apart from some of the others in the neighborhood.

I'm starting to lean towards a deeper taupe/or gray color but am at a loss as to whether this will blend in with our brick color.

Would love to hear some color suggestions!

I need help with Exterior Color selection.

mmorgan — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:48:51 GMT

We are about to begin a exterior painting project on our home. The current color scheme was in place when we purchased our home in 2002. We have recently changed the front porch railing system to black iron, and we added the square columns to modernize our home. We may change the style of the shutters to add additional detail to the exterior. We are completely open to any idea that might have that would allow our exterior to look fresh and up to date while blending well with the brick. We prefer to not paint the brick.

house color

KarenDurr — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 22:52:30 GMT

Hi,

I would like your opinion for a house color. My scanner does not work. Can I fax you a picture of our house?

1920 Stucco and Brick Bungalow-- Exterior Color Help

annw — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 18:11:15 GMT

I need help on exterior paint colors for my 1920 brick and stucco bungalow. In the winter, the house looks peach. The biggest obstacles are the different window types and the front door. The previous owner replaced the double hung windows in the dormer on the front of the house and now the window is white and is missing trim casing. The front storm door is white too. The rain gutters are currently a dark brown and are a different color than the trim. I recently purchased new arts and crafts style house numbers, and I welcome suggestions on where to place them. The two nearest paint stores are Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore. I look forward to your suggestions!

advice please

luckylife — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:12:36 GMT

Shannon,

Hi. We are repainting our colonial style home and need some color advice. I hope that you can view our inspiration album through this link http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=danbrun2&target=ALBUM&id=5491197223662539217&authkey=Gv1sRgCNKS5e6vwuWCyQE&feat=email . We are purchasing Sherwin Williams paint per our painting contract, but we are willing to color match to Benjamin Moore, if necessary. Our neighborhood has many brick homes with neutral trims such as putty, beige, and cream. The neighborhood is very neutral, classic and traditional. We would like to enhance the curb appeal of our home for resale in the near future. We have spoken to a contractor about adding architectural elements such as door trim, shutters, wall sconces, and new hardware. (The trim around the windows would be removed and replaced with painted shutters and decorative trim.) Please excuse the landscape, we have plans to upgrade there as well.

We have over 20 samples of paint and cannot seem to decide the best fit for the style of our home and neighborhood. We want to stay in the neutrals. The front of the house is North facing and partially shaded. The back of the house gets a very strong sun, even in the Midwest. We have a brown roof and light colored concrete driveway. There is a large porch on the back of the house. I like the clean, crisp contrast in many of our inspiration pictures. We don't know the exact color of our house currently, however it seems to be close to Tony Taupe and Mega Griege. We have tried Tobacco Road and Whole Wheat as well, but we are concerned the yellow/gold tone will be overwhelming. We are considering an accent color on the door such as burgundy. Any suggestions on exterior color, shutter style and color, door trim style, etc. would be greatly appreciated. We look forward to getting your feedback. Thank you in advance.

Best,

Dan