Exterior/Gable paint colors

14 years ago

Hi! We are in the process of painting the hard board siding of our house. We've painted the sides and back white already but I was wondering if I could paint the large gable over the door a different color? Maybe a muddy grey/stoney color? I'm not allowed to repaint any of the other siding since it was just painted white (darn practical husband!). I didn't think of a different color until the other sides were already painted. Thinking of painting the front door maybe a darker version of the paint color I would use on the gable. The garage doors haven't been painted yet so they could go white or the color I'd use on the gable. We just moved in 6 months ago and I am not a "traditional" house type girl! We loved the floor plan though and got a great deal on the house. Budget is limited, so any ideals about the columns and removing the gable etc. will be shot down my "practical husband" but I would still love suggestions! Who knows, maybe we will win the lottery someday!

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PRO

Kelli Kaufer Designs

14 years ago

Definetly paint the garage doors white - it will pull it all together with the white trim and pillars and gable.

I don't understand why others want to paint the garage doors a different color than the trim or accent colors on the home. They are large but shouldn't be over looked, make them attractive and work with the rest of the exterior of your home. Done right they can add a lot of personality to the curb appeal of your home.

You have a beautiful home!

If white is to stark, you could paint the garage doors black, gable black and door a fun color.

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Comments (8)

PRO
Sarah Bernardy Design, LLC
14 years ago
Paint the garage door white to balance out the color of the pediment or gable. You could either paint the decorative trim around the door the same white and paint the door the black of the shutters or paint the decorative trim around the door black like the shutters and leave the door white.
bonnielynn75
14 years ago
Only paint your garage doors white if you want to make them a focal point...I am saying NEVER paint your garage doors white! Garage doors need to disappear; the color on them is ok, I would make it as dark as the darkest shade of the brick to really down play them...
the classic black and white looks great. So if you want to be more edgy do the door your radical color but I would keep the trim white to co-ordinate with the gable. Adding some color to compliment the door color choice.
This house has a timeless quality and by adding some personal touches it will make it feel like home.
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PRO
Silvertree Interiors
14 years ago
Leave the trim white paint siding (gables) same color as the garage door's (the garage doors looks like you have a different color?)
paint front door black or a custom color your trim around the front door matches the trim on house
PRO
Adapt Architecture & Construction
14 years ago
I agree with Kelli. Definetly paint the garage doors white. They only look dirty as they are now, and dark paint would only make them stand out more and will not down play them as suggested. Painting things dark doesn't hide them. Most of the traditional homes on Houzz that have white trim also have white garage doors. These designers are not all wrong.

I know this is not what you want to here but you have a traditional house and that needs to be played up. I know its not in your budget but I would consider adding two more columns and trim to your front gable also. Give this one to your husband and the next one is yours. Oh... and I have white garage doors.
kcmanthei
14 years ago
Kathy has it right. Leave the trim as is everywhere (including on house, gable and door ). Paint The gable siding to match the garage doors and paint the front door black. White garage doors look very stark builder-grade. This house is timeless, but I agree that it could use a little "cozying up" on the outside.
pagosapamie
11 years ago
I think you are already on the right track. I like the color of the garage doors, it blends into the mortar color in the brick. I would use the same color to paint the siding above the front door and then go wild with the front door color. That will sooth away the garage doors, the giant hairy eyebrow above the front door and draw all your focus to the door. Accent with pots on either side of the door with spiral junipers - thats always inviting.
libradesigneye
11 years ago
The garage doors are the right shade for this house. Leave the white trim and posts that you have already done, but paint the siding in the triangle to match the existing garage doors.

Definitely paint the front door black or a tone between the siding/garage and black -

PS (this is for next time and for others reading this) When painting homes that have a historic architecture, it is useful to consult historic colors. The white that you used here was not available until 1950, when titanium first became used to make whites whiter. It looks crisp and under the circumstances you certainly shouldn't change most of it (do change the siding on the gable), but as a general rule, a softer / older / historic white would have given you a better result. When and if you repaint, several paint lines carry historic colors - they have whites that would look like off whites next to the white you chose, but would also look more appropriate en mass.