Wait, now I see you want door colors and ramp. Look at paint colors in the blue green range. Screen door and garage door the same shade. Ramp can be stained with a small amount of same color in light stain.paint chips.

black - door and garage - stain the ramp the same color as the house - black makes anything look chic

Black does look sharp. I wanted to vote for no shutters.

Do the ramp railing in the same cream as your trim - use a high gloss paint so it can be cleaned easily. Stain the base of the ramp and line the sides/outside with pots that have succulents or other indestructible plants right for your zone.

A bright front door would be very cheerful with the brown and cream.

You mention a pretty green shade that you like - since your house is neutral, almost any bright shade will work here. Greens on the blue green side would be the most attractive green shade - something along the lines of bm mill springs blue

http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/millspringsblue

this is a sort of teal green that will be very attractive with the other shades on your home. Get it also in high gloss - ignore the metal screen door since it will just blend into the cream trim and other wise needs to be maintained. You could use this also on any pots to line the higher part of the ramp sides .. if you are ordering any exterior umbrellas or awnings or new exterior furniture cushions then any shade of green blue green (usually known as spa outdoors) would look super with it. Your house is a darling little ranch house. I also like the garage door the same as the house for balance -no need to call attention to the garage.

Libradesigneye, the sample color you sent me is close to the color I was thinking about coloring the ramp with. Thank you all for your helpful ideas. The ramp is for me. I had to be in a wheelchair for a month. I have several things wrong health wise, so decided to keep ramp, incase I one day have to use it again. It does make it easier for me to walk and not have to step up. Yes I do want to get all this done before winter. Again thank you for the suggestions.

HI - Nice house -- it is similar to mine ... " Mermaid " by BM paints for the front door .. use Grand Entrances paint from BM --- have the garage door same as main house color .... no shutters ... paint or stain the ramp a dark color or black . Paint the down spouts the color they are up against . You could also paint the roof edge black to give the house some definition . You could also paint the inside frames of the windows black also to define those too. Perhaps in the spring when you do some landscaping ... extent out more of a patio paving area to the front like an entrance court to the house . It could be framed out with a seating height curved wall and that will distract from the ramp . Do a mass planting at the foundation with daylilies and those will help hide anything else ,like service meters etc.

Me gusta la casa

have u thought about Lime Green for the door and maybe shutters? it will give ur house a modern feel.

I always think about how the door will look with your room that it will be "in" if opened (since there is a storm door, I assume you will be opening the door and leaving it open alot). Make sure the color is "good" with that room.

With the taupe/tan color your house is, you have an almost endless choice for door color. Black, red, turquoise, green, mustard, etc.

Lots of great ideas, have you decided? I agree with those that recommend painting the ramp and garage so that they disappear (well, at least don't stand out), as these really aren't your focal points.

Keep the storm door unless it makes getting inside with the wheelchair problematic. Looks like you get snow, so probably need that added protection.

No offence, but before any colour, one should think about the little things which give character to a home (I.e. shutters, flowers below the windows, extended roof into a patio...)

I actually did have things in mind when I painted my house. I have patio blocks and pavers for front and back of house. I have had several health set backs that I haven't been able to do. I can't stand for very long or be on my knees on hard surfaces, so I have a hard time trying to get things done. I am by myself. I'm on disability, so don't have money to hire help. I am a positive person, I like colors that are bright and cheery. Just wanted some suggestions to help me make up my mind. I am doing this work myself, I sometimes tend to change my mind.

snby - i think it is great that despite having health challenges, you are still plugging away at this . . hope the mill springs blue . .. or something like it comes to your front door soon!

snby, wow u have done alot of things..bravo..have u ever consider contacting a church for help? Some churches have kids that are trying to earn their way to a camp of sorts..the Church pays their way..but they have to do something in the community to work against that payment. they dont unleash a bunch of kids at ur house. lol most of the time an adult comes with them. My church,once a yr goes out and helps someone with their house..i mean the roof, the walls, the foundation, painting, cleaning, yard work, windows. not at owners expenses either. unless the owner has those things. do u have friends that help u?

• Thank you for your nice words. It's always been my thing that If I can do it myself, why pay someone. I grew up having to a lot of hard physical labor and had to figure things out for myself or else. But as of recently I have been in so much pain, I can't hardly make it to the mailbox. I know that I need some help, but its my pride that gets in the way. I've never been one to ask for help. I swore to myself I would not live in a wheelchair. I do have it from when I had an accident. But if I need help walking I use a crutch. Thank you for the idea of contacting a church for help. It never occurred to me to ask them. I don't really have any friends that could or want to help, or even family. People just don't want to do physical work anymore. Specially when there's nothing in it for them. I don't ask people for help, I try to help other people and animals as much as possible. I don't ask anything in return except if they see someone in need please help that person. Kind of a pay it forward type thing. I also want to thank you for the mills spring blue wish. Thank you all for your ideas. God bless you all.

it is ok to be someone who can do lots of things on their own. i think that is just called "Pride of Ownership"..there are many people almost everywhere begging for a handout. it is also nice to know someone who has the guts to not do that. But at the same time U even know ur limitations. and that isnt begging for help..that is just being Smart. Most Churches are "jumping at the bit" to help people in their community..plus it is a very good way to make friends..people that will look out for u. ..Plus God never intended for the human race to be mini islands.. U say that u have the gift of helps.. so there are many that have that gift..and they do use that gift ..and it is ok to be on the receiving end too. ..I would check out several churches. ive been trying to brain-storm other places.. Salvation Army might be able to help as well.. my husband and i go to Calvary Chapel Buhl,Id.

LOL snby, im the nincompoop that told u to go with Lime green.on ur door. that blue is so pretty. my door is a Purplish color called Aged Teak by Glidden.. my houes is a warm green with ultra white trim. i will be adding shutters to my windows. and they will be painted the same color as the door.

Blues and Browns go wonderful together. cause the inside of my house is Chocolate brown and Blue..lots of sand color too. and white trim everywhere.

Does your budget allow you to do a facelift of the house? Dormer(s) and/or roof extension(s)/gables and/or "front porch covered" all come to mind. So much can be done to improve the look with architecture! I'll leave the color selection to those trained in that realm. If interested in some alternative ideas for the elevation, message me or search for an architect in your area here on Houzz. You will be able to increase the value of your home via its perceived value from a whole new look. As such, you might consider that the next owner is the one really paying for this improvement.

Lots of great advice here. I agree with using colors that play down the ramp and the garage door, but suggest using an attention-getting color for your front door, something that brightens things up. The blue green you like is a lovely color, but it's close to the same color value as the main house color, so the front door won't stand out. My house is a similar brown but is a bit more golden. I went with dark green (it looks black) for my shutters. The house has white vinyl windows so I have white window trim with a narrow strip of dark green around the edge. My front door is mahogany, so that brings in some red, and the side door is fire engine red, which really brightens things up inside and out!

Good luck with your project, and don't be afraid to ask for help. As we get older or develop health issues, we need help to get things done, and I've learned that people really love to help others. Remember how great you felt when you were able to help someone else? Sooner or later, all of us will need to relax a bit and accept help so that others have the opportunity to feel that same nice, warm feeling, knowing that they've made someone's life easier. and you can give back by sharing your wisdom with them.

Color draws the eyes,Garage doors and ramps I do not think are the focus,Paint doors bright or pretty red,yellow,put colored pots on stoop with evergreen small trees.dark green urns,yellow door.Draw eyes to door.Bold Splash of detail entry.

Congratulations on getting the house painted. Whew, that's a big job. I love your idea for Foam Green for the entrance and garage doors. My first choice was a Blue-Green. Maybe you can get the family and friends together to erect and stain the ramp; finish painting the doors and put in some potted mums before winter sets in. Enjoy your home.

Snby: There are services available through disability agencies. I don't know where you live, but you could try looking in your local directory. Disability compliance work usually does not cost the homeowner a dime as there is grant money available. You can also contact Southern Baptist Conference. They have groups that go all over helping people. There is also the RSVP group usually through a local community service. It is a senior volunteer program that uses volunteers to help disabled and elderly. Getting your pavers laid and fixing your ramp would be 2 issues they can help with. There is NO shame in asking for this help snby. These groups exist to help people.

As to your ramp. If you can get help with it, I strongly suggest you have a concrete ramp put in. No matter how well you treat a wood ramp, they start to break down after a year or so. A wood ramp also needs a minimum of 4 good coats of an exterior varnish like a boat varnish. If you want to let me know what state you live in, I can look up some agencies for you. Also, if you are having difficulty getting to your mail box, you can request the USPS deliver to your front door. They MUST comply under ADA and the 504 Rehabilitation Act. It's called an "alternative accommodation". For now, put a decorative tin can or basket out until you can get a mailbox put up.

Color; I, personally, would go with a teal....like a peacock teal. You could also plant a hydrangea under the large window. It would add a lot of color adding to your overall aesthetics.

The fun part of those little sample bottles of paint is that it's not a big expense to try the color you want, and if it looks terrible, then you can change! And you can probably cover a door with one or two samples...! I've used them for dressers, porch rockers...

Beautiful house and trim colors! I would agree with some who said to paint the garage door the same cream as the trim. It will give more interest. Also, staining the ramp a brown/tan color is a good idea. I like a top to bottom clear glass storm door so you can see the painted door. You like happy colors, so go to a paint store and get cards in EVERY color that makes you happy, no matter how wild they are! Then stand back from the house and hold each one up to see which you like. Almost any color will go with brown because it is a neutral. Have fun and go crazy; it's just paint! Add some colorful pots in contrasting color to the door with some greenery and flowers. (A covered front porch would be lovely if you find someone to volunteer the labor!) Do foundation plantings in some colorful shrubs like nandina or burning bush. Put a SMALL vertical growing tree to the right of the door in that open space. No shutters because of the lack of space to the left of the door.

I don't know if you have already chosen colors, but it may help to see some pictures. Note that because the outdoors is so saturated with light, colors painted on outdoor walls and doors appear lighter than they do on the paint chips or when painted inside. You can compare the two doors here with known colors (1 and 3, below) to the paint chips online or in-store and see what I mean: (if pics don't post, go to my idea book "Brown House Blue Door" and I have posted them there with paint colors identified).

In order of photos:

1-Valspar, Woodlawn Juniper

2-Not specified, but very similar to Benjamin Moore, Dream I Can Fly (769)

3-Benjamin Moore, Buttered Yam (AF-230)

4-Not specified, but very similar to both Benjamin Moore, Rendezvous Bay (726) or Surf Bay (2056-30). Or, if you want a darker, more saturated color, Varsity Blues (756).

I think you need some contrast. The brown does not seem very dark and the cream is a neutral, so how about an espresso brown door? I might paint the storm door the same dark espresso brown. Add or paint your existing light fixture in this color as well and add distinctive numbers for your house. If you plant in front of your ramp and keep them trimmed no higher than the ramp rail it will no be the most prominent feature in the front yard. If you live in a climate with cold winter perhaps evergreens would be the best solution. You could also make this bed extra wide and curving and add some brightly colored perennials that will come up year after year. It is a matter of the whole presentation of the house and yard combined.

Good luck to you with whatever you choose. Your home should be a reflection of your own taste and style. Would love to see a photo of the end result!

Never paint your front door the same as the garage door. The color on your garage door blends with the house the way it should be then just about any color will do for the front door but it should make a statement. You don't want your garage door to stand out just the front door should. And yes, I

would put up shutters they are the "eyelashes" of your windows. I would paint them a deeper cream than the the trim. Hope this helps

No shutters, since you can't do them on all the windows. How about a nice olive green for your front door?

Bev

Your front door color projects a message!

Since you're friendly, helpful, independent, a dark shade of yellow with brown undertones will project your friendliness and openness to new people in your life!

And 'don't ask for help, ask for an assistant' because that's really who you want! It's your home, your taste, your ideas and you require an assistant to make "IT" all come together for YOU!!

Landscaping can camouflage the less attractive aspects and/ or highlight the best style. Search a landscape architect student who wants to practise on your property. Always think ahead regarding maintenance. It can be overwhelming. Keep it simple because simple is usually cost-effective too!

You don't want to emphasize the ramp - it's not there for décor but for utility -- and you don't want it to look dirty: Consider Flood CWF to preserve the wood ramp or go with a stock brown porch paint designed for heavy use.

Shutters would crowd the window closet to the door.

Garage door looks fine as is.

Front door: A deep bold burgundy or wine red would look good for the door or, If YOU like green, consider a dark bold emerald green; if YOU like blue, consider dark bold cobalt blue.

At some point, you might consider adding a small front porch or covered stoop for the front entrance, or, better yet, perhaps a six or eight foot deep porch extending all the way across the front to connect the front door with the driveway/garage on the one side, likely covering your ramp as well, and a with a place for some porch furniture on the other side.

I suggest that you use your colors on the focal points, or what you want to have people notice first. Perhaps the front door or shutters to frame your windows rather than the ramp or garage door. Play up the features that you really like about the house and let the rest fade from view with colors that don't stand out. I change the color of my front door every few years and plant annuals in containers to compliment. A quart of good paint will do a door and then some and container gardening is cost efficient and softens the look that makes your home reflect your style. The best part is neither project is overwhelming or will break the budget and if you hate it ....try again!

still think the front door,entry must warmly welcome,invite. keep garage doors and ramp neutral eg same as house so it blends but yes use color that pops on door blue,yellow etc and do really good pots or urns maybe bench or chair and low table by door if it fits.Welcomes.

also consider bold brass or good hose number to right of door and abbé small bench even with warm outdoor pillow.Again emphasis on the door,flagstone or garden stones entry path nice too.Also with entry path mums Lillies flowers line and draw you in.Wispy DIY path no expensive walkway needed

Sorry brass house numbers above bench....iPad misprint..

I have been traveling around my neighborhood looking at brown houses. I saw mostly brown with dark brown trim, but the one I liked the best was brown with black trim and black shutters. It looks like you have room for only one set of shutters. With that I think you could use just about any color for the front door. I would choose a winter teal, or red, anyway not a spring color shade. Good luck

Try the phone app Behr which helps one to match colours and pick the right tone.
One can also take a pic of the existing colours and find the right match following the pre-existing suggestion of the app.

I do like he suggestion of a blue and my first instinct was to say an aqua. But I think I love the idea of black. I agree to staining the ramp.

teal blue door or fire engine red white trim

If you paint the garage door same as the front door, they will compete. Keep garage door the same color as the trim. Paint the front door and storm door whatever makes you happy, green, blue etc. Look at Farrow and Ball paint (online) for the door color. They're expensive but Home Depot can duplicate it at a lower price range.

The ramp should face sideways toward the garage. Have your carpenter or a stair company do decorative railings. Then landscape like hell.

Seems to me you need the white to balance out the darker color of the house. I'd leave the door and window trim white and paint the garage door to match them.

Screen door and garage door the light beige.

do you have a home depot in your area? i used there paint machine I dont know what its called but you find a house pic thats close to your desgin and you can paint the door,outside trim and walls the colors you choose to see how they look before you paint.I used it and have a bright yellow house white trim and a hot orange door.I think it is also availablr online to use

I think that a fairly narrow set of shutters at your front window would be welcoming & give your house a more 'finished' look. If you really don't like the look of shutters, maybe you could have an ornamental tree or shrub planted at the wider wall beside the window, to add a little visual interest there. I've also seen beautiful homes with ivy or pyracantha with it's attractive red berries growing straight up exterior walls. Gorgeous!

Do you live in a cold climate?

Please show us a picture of whatever you decide to do :)

I do subscribe to those that agree the garage door is NOT the entry of the house, the garage door is nice blending in the house body. The ramp as well will look nice blending in, is not something you want to be seen first thing... The main focal point should be the entry door and I would put there your wildest favorite... it is you and it is the point the energy comes into your house, it should attract you first thing you see the house...

If you have the time, take a look here as well...

http://fengshui.about.com/od/Feng-Shui-Color-Tips/ss/Choose-Your-Best-Feng-Shui-Front-Door-Color.htm

I found that useful when I didn't know what to do with my main door... Good luck, God bless!

Yes to shutters (if there is space to fit them in next to the front door). On a very plain house like this one they will make all the difference. OR, if not window shutters, add long shutters to flank the front door, and make it look wider and more of a focal point. Paint front door and shutters a rich terra cotta color to warm it all up (make sure it is a deeper saturation than the brown, for contrast) while staying relatively traditional looking. Or if you like it brighter, go with a deep pumpkin orange. If possible, as another writer said, dispense with the screen door which obscures the bolder look of the front door, or else get a more up to date screen door which is either unobtrusive or makes its own statement (also painted terra cotta). Garage door should be either neutral brown or terra cotta, to bring that color into this side of the house, and brown stain for the ramp. Add a few nice details, like black iron craftsman inspired door hardware - doorknob/door pull, locks, knocker, hinges, outdoor/over the door light fixture, house numbers, any garage door hardware, and mailbox, and use black for other small accents. See picture posted above with orange door and how they use accents Iike this. Details like this really make or break it. Good luck!

Brown and cream are neutral. I say go bold on the door. A couple of years ago, I painted my door a gorgeous peacock blue/green. My house is a brownish gray brick. I get compliments all the time.

I used Peacock Feather by Behr. Some others I liked are Martha Stewart Glidden in Plumage. This is no longer displayed, but Home Depot will mix it for you. Sherwin Williams Oceanside and Benjamin Moore Blue Danube. Good luck!

do like chatruse ,lime greens for door and urns,once read we all err by dull pots,urns do not be afraid of front door color

like teal too ,another quick fix Lanturn from depot,lowes do not know

but even copper,draw yes to door and front walkway lined in mums or lillies

I read brilliant Houzzz article said rule of thumb,shutters must have room to look functional,eg close over Windows,you could not shutter your windows,possibly door long bot think would like bigger light or lantern left of floor.Or bigger ones flanking door Window box. Left of door and pots all good.I agree love the feeling of self reliance,good house just details of color and focus.