Need advice on door color - and thoughts on shutters!

10 years ago

We just recently lime washed our 1960 red brick ranch (I know many folks out there discourage painting brick, but I REALLY wanted to lighten up,the facade!) and are in the process of re-landscaping the front. We replaced the old shutters with board & batten shutters painted BM Williamsburg Wythe Blue.
My questions are:
1) With all that dark roof - does the lime washing work? Do we need to go ahead and paint it another color?
2) Is the shutter color "okay"?
3) leaving the house as it is now - the lime washed brick and blue-gray shutters - what color for the door? It is a stained door with an oval leaded, beveled glass insert (original to the house).
4) Any suggestions are appreciated - from additional landscaping, colors, etc.

Thank you for your input!

Featured Answer

Debbie Smith
Original Author

10 years ago

Thank you for your replies! I totally agree that the recessed entry is dark - I'm wondering if we should wash that area one more time and make it a bit more white. And you are so right about the roof! We have pine & magnolia trees so it's a constant battle to keep it cleaned.

The landscaping is an issue - new plants look rather "dinky" - but I can't really do much about that. Budget doesn't allow for many more shrubs. Will be putting pansies & dusty miller in sections soon. Since Christmas is around the corner & will be will putting evergreen & lights wait about front pots.
Any suggestions for added curb appeal are appreciated!!

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Comments (11)

Debbie Smith
Original Author
10 years ago
Oh - obviously I attached before & after pictures. One of the "before" pics shows the front door & its color. Wondering if I should leave it, stain it darker, or paint it? If paint - the same as the shutters or different? Thanks!
emmarene9
10 years ago
Don't change your door. It looks good.
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Debbie Smith
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks so much! I will be repainting the white trim around the door and side panels tomorrow ... hopefully that will help bring some light & focus on the door.
I'm thinking about adding our address numbers to the left of the door (as you face the house) on a wood plaque -vertically- painted the color of the shutters to help balance the color. Is that too match-y??
januarisun
10 years ago
I looooove the white wash! It's gorgeous with just the right amount of brick showing through! And the blue is perfect! I do think the entrance could use brightening up. With a recessed door, I think bright colors work best. I would paint it candy apple red to contrast w/ your shutters.

Besides finishing the second chimney, I would get the roof cleaned. Visually, it takes up half of your curb appeal.
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June Lau
10 years ago
It looks fine, but it depends your taste. If your interior design is very modern, then you want to consider to match it outside too.
Debbie Smith
Original Author
10 years ago
Would a deeper blue work on the door?
libradesigneye
10 years ago
debbie - i think the lime wash and williamsburg wythe shutters are a great look. Because your door is recessed, a lighter tone is sort of the classic solution. However, the classic victorian oval is your door profile and we need to keep it looking traditional, so our options narrow somewhat. a painted victorian door starts to look mod, which won't help this look. . let me ponder - think you want to keep a wood finish
januarisun
10 years ago
I wouldn't go darker anything, on the door, but.... being recessed, and dark, I think a white door might look great. It'll be brighter, than your white wash, and stand out similar to your window trim. I think it would also work with the oval.
libradesigneye
10 years ago
Have you considered sanding and pickling the door finish instead of washing it? That would work with the french country vibe you have going with board and battens and washed brick and still work with the victorian oval. .. that might be your best case - and you could wash it a tad gray - use a gray off white to wash so you don't get pink out of it.
Debbie Smith
Original Author
10 years ago
I like the idea of pickling the door!
I appreciate all the help!