It doesn't really go with the rest of the house. Will the wood weather to gray?

I'd choose a gray wash rather than a white paint. Then he gets his 'less contrast' and you get your 'weathered look.'

I was also going to suggest a white wash. Minwax has a great selection of wood stains in some great colours. I'd hate to see such a beautiful wood structure painted. I think a subtle stain would really enhance the pergola. Best of luck!

http://www.minwax.com/wood-products/stains/minwax-water-based-wood-stain

What about painting the door a reddish brown instead? That will tie in the two woods and give your door more presence into the bargain.

After you stained it did you apply polyurethane coat as well? Or did your stain have the combined poly stain in one? If you want stain to last longer add multiple coats of poly. It adds gloss to the wood and a resistance to the elements. Its not permanent of coarse but it should last a lot longer than just stain its alone.

Even though you just painted the door (it does look pretty, however it definitely blends in), it is a heck of a lot easier to paint a door to match the pergola than painting the pergola to match the door.

And if the garage is going to contrast with the siding, shouldn't it at least match the front door?

Questions for yah Junee G. Are you planning on using the flower boxes on the edge of the pergola? If so, great! I would JUST Paint those white. As long as your keeping up with the care of the woods surface the pergola's and flower boxes should have 10 plus years of life. I'd say meet half way with the husband and paint the Flower boxes an Exterior White paint That is if you plan on keeping them. Below is a couple examples of what your pergola could look like.

If you don't want to keep them I would take out the flower boxes and be sure to not damage the pergola's support columns. Then add a molding to the Columns to give depth and appeal. The molding is very simple. Use a miter Saw to cut a perfect angle on the edges and screw the molding boards on the bottom with Exterior rust free screws. Be sure to use construction grade caulking around the top edges where the molding meets the columns to protect them from water get behind it. Once the flower boxes are gone it will open up the space and you wont get an overdone wooden look that seems to be the problem. lemme know if any of this helps. I've built a few pergolas and this spring have a few more to build for clients. I'm not offering my services because I only do this one the side part time but I'm simply offering some friendly advice.

The Secret Garden (Oakville, ON) · More Info

An Entertainers Kitchen · More Info

Oh, just found this picture online. Its a very close image to your Pergola and what it would look like white without the flower boxes. Just to put it in perspective.

Outdoor living spaces · More Info

Yes white!

Putting paint on exterior wood decks and covers is a bad idea. That's the reason you use Ipe. Otherwise ongoing maintenance with rot and the paint. Hopefully the pergola is treated wood. You could sand down and restain to go with the ipe once it ages.

I like that inspiration picture, but noticed they didn't paint the pergola the trim color, they used siding color there.