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Need help with trim and door color

13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
The trim color that I painted for the around the windows & inside the front porch area seem too orange-y. What other options do I have? Also, the door seems so stark but it goes with the splotches of white on the brick. I'm stuck! Help please.

Comments (54)

  • 13 years ago
    I think you were on the right track, but the color should be a bit darker and richer, like this:
  • 13 years ago
    I think what libradesigneye proposed is great! Love the blue for the door.
  • 13 years ago
    I think your colors look great for the color of the brick and if you don't want to invest in painting the brick, I think a great solution is making that door pop with a sunny yellow. If that scares the socks off of you, "cream" that door down with a pretty vanilla color (the color is your brick looks more creamy in color than white to me) and take that rocking chair and refinish it in a bright yellow or a blue gray color with a fun printed seat cushion. Check out Rice Grain (Sherwin Williams) for your door. If you reworked your landscaping (not sure your location) with some zebra grasses, maybe knock out yellow roses or miniature crepe myrtles, and some hostas (there are tons of colors now) or bright salvia, that will tie it all together. Perhaps you can spread some brown toned river stones around the outer edge of your flower beds o keep that "natural" color theme and tie into the brown of the house, roof, etc.

    Ideally, I'd love to see your brick kept natural and the boxes under your door in the creamy color I suggested for your door with bright white trim. The wood around your door would look great painted in that same cream with white trim around the door. The door would look lovely in a blue/gray, a coral, or even a strong purple (but I like a HUGE statement on the front door). Also - have you considered switching out your lights? I think you need something larger and stick with the era the house was built in. If it was built in the 80s, check out a transitional piece in a brushed brass.
  • 13 years ago
    @Creative Garden Spaces-Thank you. I like the idea of the porch & I think the bed width is great too. Gotta look for some plants for that layering you're talking about.
  • 13 years ago
    @houssaon-that's what color it was when we first moved in. I was hoping to brighten it up but I guess I shouldn't have messed with a good thing. Thanks for taking the time to do the picture.
  • 13 years ago
    @libradesigneye-Thanks for replying. Overall, I think I am going to keep the brick the way it is. I feel I can do something with it, even if it will look 80's. We actually have some of the those "autumn flame stone" boulder things for around the beds now. I'll have to post an updated picture. I've read a couple of suggestions for the blue door but can't seem to get past how odd it would look. Maybe I can do a photoshop to get a vision. They fascia board is a very dark brown, "Black Tea" is the name. I think I will def. change it to what you suggested. I see that the antique brass on lighting would look good too. Thanks for all your wonderful suggestions. You've given me a lot to think about.
  • 13 years ago
    @cookiepuss-I was looking into a pop of color for the door. I've seen the yellow door & I do have plans on planting some yellow roses so maybe that could tie in like you said. I love all your planting choices. Thank you. I know what looks good but when it comes to my own house, I'm clueless. I was searching some corals as you suggested and think that might be another good choice for the door. Maybe one day we can get some bigger lights too. Thanks for everything.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I don't know what area you live in so I can't specify plants but, maybe can help with the layering part...Start at the back of the bed, along the house. You want a foundation planting with plants that will only reach the bottom of the windows (so you are not having to prune them all the time and creating more work for yourself). They should be evergreens and arranged offset, not in a straight row. You could use a taller plant to the far left side of the window. Maybe a small flowering tree. Then in front of the foundation plants, choose one or two types of plants, to combine, that are about a foot lower than the foundation plants. These could be deciduous and have flowers or interesting foliage. Then choose something for a ground cover or very low shrub say, about 10-12" tall to complete the layering.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I would try green, or a natural color. The best way is to get a sample trim piece, painted. Then you can hold it up and see how it works and move it from place to place. Door, window etc. A natural color, like green, sage green would look nice!
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    Take a pen and paper and work left to right, top to bottom, diagonal both angles x criss cross; what you will document is each colour currently on this exterior. Now that you have the list - my count is 19! Ask yourself "What do I want to eliminate?" and start crossing out all you dislike; now that you have a list of likes, cross out everything you do not LOVE. My guess - you are stuck with roof colors? Therefore: Paint everything in the colour you LOVE - maximum exterior colours should be 3 plus roof if - assuming you do not LOVE the shingle color but are stuck with it. If it was my problem - stuck with the shingles and on a budget - I would fix it as follows: paint every paintable surface a Caribbean off-white sand to match the light brick. See it? All sand plus 'terracotta' accent bricks. Create a bold inviting BLACK lacquered door! I would elimimate the jigsaw puzzle you have presented here - gone with mustard, golds, pinks, clays, orange/beige/brown/wood tones, greys, blues, gun metal trims and steps, etc. and lastly the sad and sorry white door. Snap that door into your focal point as there is nothing to showcase but an as yet unevolved smartly stated entrance. Think of an old woman's sun damaged face: You want to conceal everything but the eyes.
    *P.S. That fence? Paint it SAME sand white or black.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Hi, I do not know what material is next to the door, but to me there are too many colors, pick one color from the Brick. I would go with sand as said above and one for extra. That's it. You now have 2 colors, paint the large areas all the same as the brick color and the accent on the door andthe windows. I would pick chocolate, but you pick.
    And, my door, I would get a new one with some glass.
    Then build as suggested above a porch a swing a garden and you will have a beautiful sweet home.
    A
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Hi, When I said a new door with glass, I was thinking simple clear or frosted, but not a design. or high up with a mahogany wood door. This looks like flowers you could change the glass to ribbed.
    go 50's-
  • 13 years ago
    Sorry if someone has already asked this, but who does one hire to get bricks stained?
  • 13 years ago
    Limestone or white stucco on the brick, keep the wood (only stain/clearcoat).
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Go opposite the brick color, IE, Complimentary Color such as teal blue or blue gray or blue green. . For re-sale, do not paint your brick. If someone wants to change it they will have to sand-blast it. Brick is brick-celebrate it.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    Just did a blog post on this matter! I work with a lot of homes in this style- it is difficult to just call out colors/etc. without seeing the end result. I have found it so helpful to homeowners to have your photos recolored/restyled by a designer first. Not even a huge expense and takes the risk out! Lots of potential, good luck.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    hire an architect/designer
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    Thank you Color Zen, I looked at the blog post and you're right. It's gonna take a lot more than name colors. I like the photoshop afters that you did. It'll be easier for me to chose doing it like that.
  • 13 years ago
    @Creative Garden Spaces-we live in the Texas Gulf Coast; a few minutes from the water. Our climate can tolerate many different types of plants, but it does get very hot in the summer. I'd like to keep it mainly perennials so that they will come back each year.
  • 13 years ago
    @Donna Giguere, APLD Landscape Design-I agree. I'm not looking to change the brick. Just bring it out & as you stated, "celebrate it" I'm liking the teal blue suggestion. Thanks.
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    @rinqreation-thanks for the suggestion. Not really into changing out the material, just working with what I have.
  • 13 years ago
    @angela428-thank you for your suggestions. The material next to the door is hardy plank. I like the idea of the light sand color however, my neighbor has that same color with a different brick. I don't really want to copy his paint color. I was wanting to keep the door a light/different color since it was really dark before we got this one. It's new so we won't be changing that. I would love a porch, swing & garden. That would be awesome. It is now in the plans. :)
  • 13 years ago
    @Arlene Warda, Architecture+Interior Design-I like the idea of sage green. I think that would look nice. Plus no one else has it in the neighborhood. Thanks for commenting.
  • 13 years ago
    @ilonamarika-not sure about that but there are plenty of diy videos out there.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I think your biggest issue is your front door, not the area you just painted. You need a cooler front door. Like maybe a three panel or something more modern. Without any dated leaded glass.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    What state do you live in?

    If it were my house I'd take advantage of the niche where the front door is and make that the focal point-more on this in a moment. I like the brick; and with the roof tile there is enough busyness going on that I'd paint the inserts at the windows one of the light colors in the brick.

    I'd then build a deck-the width of the niche-and extend it out past the front of the house about 6 feet; and it's only a step-up height...this will create an entry to the home; and also provide a comfortable sitting area. I'd then paint the niche area-including the door- a yellow-green color, such as Benjamin Moore Perennial #405 or a orange-red color, such as Sherwin Williams Habenero Chile SW7589. Change your lighting fixutes, add some potted plants and fix yourself some lemonade!!
  • 13 years ago
    I would flip the colours around and paint the trim white and the door orange. But go for an orange with more red and less yellow to match the tones in the brick. I like the tonal brick and wouldn't stain or paint it.
  • 13 years ago
    Hello, if you are thinking of painting the brick, check into Lime Washing them... Lime Washing can be anything from opaque to a nature washed transparant... the benefit to Lime Washing is it doesn't have to be redone for 40yrs. do an internet search to see all the possibilities...
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    @CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc-We actually just got the door about a year ago because it has the Texas star design. Regardless weather the lead looks dated, we won't be changing that but thank you for your suggestion.
  • 13 years ago
    @J & D Interiors-We live in Texas. I've gotten a lot of suggestions about making the entry more of a focal point so that seems to be the direction I'll be heading. The 2 paint colors you suggested are on opposite sides but both seem like a good fit. I'm on the lookout for some new lighting. Thank you for taking the time.
  • 13 years ago
    @wagewood-I was actually wanting to keep the door and trim white to brighten it up a bit but adding some color to the front door seems more exciting. No one seems to like a white door. I have decided not to alter the brick in any way. Thank you for the suggestions.
  • 13 years ago
    @safbham-I looked it up and some of the pictures have been very appealing. I'm definitely not opposed to this option. thank you for the info.
  • 13 years ago
    be sure to post after pics! i'd love to see! we went really bold with our colors
  • 13 years ago
    hi living mperfect.. to see it in reality .. it can be stunning.. and the best as I said is you don't have the headache of painting ...
  • 13 years ago
    the way i figure it is its only paint. try if, if you don't like it, you can always paint over it! everybody thought i was nuts when i kept talking about red, but i think it works. nearly every house in the neighborhood is some for of beige. it took a couple of weeks for the neighbors to adjust because it had been brown for 50 years, but now they love it.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Texas has so much strong sunlight that I wouldn't be afraid of using an intense color to draw attention to the front door area...have fun with our project!
  • 13 years ago
    @safbham-I'm going to try this on an unconspicuous area we have in the back first. I am very curious to see if it can look as nice as others I've seen. I'll post the afters.
  • 13 years ago
    @digidana-ha. That's what I keep telling myself, I'll just have to have the neighbors think I'm nuts. It could be worse. I love your new color. It really looks nice. I'll post any afters I do. I have so many options now thanks to this discussion. Thank you for the ideas.
  • 13 years ago
    @ J & D Interiors. Yes, the sun shines down here! :) I'm trying to get out of my comfort zone & try something bold for a change. I'll post the afters. Thanks again.
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    should you try lime washing that is not opaque, take note of how the weather naturally would wash (and make it bit more transparant) the brick... If I can I will take a pic of a home here in Atlanta that was done beautifully!
  • 13 years ago
    Go more taupe than camel on all wood Repaint lanterns a heritage blue same for door keep the rocker. Just fresh paint. Landscape with rocks or wood chips (dark not red ) use urns and planters
  • 13 years ago
    Before you do anything drastic, like painting the brick (which will be something you will need to maintain ... very time consuming), try the simple fixes first. Paint you front door in a rust/orange shade as you suggested. Remove the molding from the panel under the window and refresh the stain on the wood sections. Paint your rocking chair black and add a large modern black planter on the other side of the porch. Spruce up the landscaping ... then step back and see if that doesn't make things a whole lot better.
  • 13 years ago
    You will regret panting the brick! I just did design work on a similar house...we updated the panel & wood trim with hardy or cement board & painted the door carriage door from Sherwin Williams
  • 13 years ago
    Absolutely love. It.
  • 13 years ago
    thank you for your suggestions @karenslikes.
  • 13 years ago
    @mugsy1703: I wasn't looking forward to altering the brick so I probably won't go that route. Painting seems to be a more cost effective and easier way of updating this look. I love the suggestions, thank you.
  • 13 years ago
    @Erica Knapp Hubler:the house looks great. I wish the brick wasn't so terracotta & more taupe like the house you posted. I'm not sure about how that would look with my orangy-brownish bricks. thanks for taking the time.
  • 13 years ago
    playing around with someones suggestion about a blue door. Not bad.
  • 13 years ago
    What would it look like if you used the trim color Erica's picture showed and the blue door?
  • 13 years ago
    The darker taupe.