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mcfraley

EXTERIOR HELP ON RANCH RENO

8 years ago

We have painted our 1960s brick ranch white and added black soffit and new black roof. We are now adding wood elements....shutters, cedar post (not installed yet/front corner) on porch, trim and paint (tbd) around front porch, existing new front door is walnut stain. Struggling with design elements of color for shutters, trim on porch, and cedar beam. Original thought was to leave the shutters and cedar post a natural color and paint the porch all white. Another thought is to do an ebony stain on all the wood and paint white in between the trim on the porch which will make the front door stand out. Any ideas suggestions would be gladly accepted and appreciated!






Comments (13)

  • 8 years ago

    I would skip the shutters. They are too small for the windows. I don't think I would use wood elements. Paint the entire porch the same color as the house. Paint the front door a bright color. If you want wood elements, extend the porch with a cedar patio and pergola along the front three windows.

  • 8 years ago

    I agree the windows and house aren't suited for shutters. One thing to note is each shutter should be half the window's width meaning the shutters you have now are too small. I agree with phuninthesun...keep the front door area light to pull it out from the shadows. Paint any downspouts to blend with the siding. The roof is dark and the roofline is low. I would keep everything below light.

  • 8 years ago

    I appreciate all comments. The shutters are new and are staying as is the front door/color. Only looking for input on stain/paint color for shutters, trim and cedar post. Thanks so much!

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    This is the reason everyone is mentioning the shutters: https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/residential-architecture-101-shutters/

    They are too small and are the exact wrong type for your house.

    edit to add: the two trees that are right on top of your house at the entry need to be moved so they don't damage the house. Once that area gets opened up, it will be a little bit easier to see which colors would work with your style.


  • 8 years ago

    Hmmm...if the shutters are staying I think the best option is black. I would keep the area around the door light. Paint the post black, too. The natural wood isn't a good fit in this case. Since the roof is dark and low, I'm just wondering if a little more black for the shutters might help with some balance. I'm not a pro, so let's see their thoughts on color.

    Paint the downspout to match the siding.

  • 8 years ago
    I am the first one to criticize shutters that you cannot 'visually close'. That is why we only put shutters BACK up on a few windows leaving them off the bay window as well. Adding the new cedar shutters has added charm/character we were looking for and even though sizing is slightly off we are VERY happy with them.
  • 8 years ago
    New picture with post added
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I would agree that shutters are not the best fit for your home, but, hey, your house, your shuttters. Painting them a light color, less contrasted with your siding, would look best. Keep the entry white and paint the door a bright color. Add landscaping that is more natural and less sculptured. Good luck with your project. Post pics when done.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    I would go with the ebony stain to compliment the roof. Best of luck!

  • 8 years ago
    I love the house shutters look great they don't go with the house colors I'd leave them bare wood and paint the walls a darker grey finish the door way and go for a red mid century modern door really simple but would change the whole look and will look more modern
  • 8 years ago

    mcfraley, it all boils down to what looks good to YOU. Opinions will be all over the place here. I think it's great you're happy with the shutters.

  • 8 years ago
    Can you post updates pics :-) ?