Downsizing Baby-Boomers Need Help

8 years ago

1959 Ranch Rebuild
Problem: Add on room is covered in white vinyl, so it stands out like an “add-on room”.

We are trying to choose a paint color for the siding that will make the add on blend much better. A new porch is being added, so the color choice will also be added to the porch gable and two large gables on each end of the house. We're also considering new shutters to be painted in the same paint color as the siding, so as to bring the color throughout the front of the house, but black board and batten shutters are also a consideration.

We are planning to paint the porch posts white, along with the railings and porch gable trim to tie in to the windows and door trim.

Please help with suggestions! This little ranch is a rebuild...from chopped up rooms with plaster walls and no insulation, to an open plan with new lighting, heating, etc. etc...a process not for wimps we discovered! (We only wished Joanna and Chip had been here!) But now we're weary of decisions and need some advice here. We didn't have a clue as to what we were facing a year ago, but this project is finally nearing completion and could use a hand from you! Thank you!

Featured Answer

gracie01 zone5 SW of Chicago

8 years ago

If you can't use brick, then paint it to match a color in your existing brick.

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Comments (8)

PRO
Verona Home Design
8 years ago
Are you only open to painting the siding? Could you possibly find a brick to match your home? That side of the house really sticks out as an add on, I think it would look best with some brick. Or worse case maybe plant some landscaping in front of it to cover some of it up?
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Denita
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Agree, paint the siding the color of the brick to blend. Use your accent colors for your trim and front door. The gable portico area you can choose to accent or blend since you will have a contrasting trim color. Landscaping and a walkway will be a big improvement to your new home. Done right, no one will notice that there is an addition with a different siding because their attention will be drawn to your front door and landscaping. :)

Speak to a good landscape designer in your area, have large landscape beds and a wide walkway at least 42 to 48 inches wide going to your new front entry. Something like this would look very nice IMO:

^Make sure the width of the walkway is equal to the size of the front steps, even if you don't have the consistent size all the way as this photo shows. It looks particularly welcoming to have the landscaping along the walkway for at least part of the entrance if not the entire walkway.
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pungogirl67
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you for your response! We have tried matching up the brick, but found out these are handmade and difficult to match. The front steps and porch is all right because there will be landscaping around, even though not a great match, but we think the difference in brick would show too much on the addition. The predominant color in the brick is a deep red, but it also has grays, taupe, tan, and beige. After looking at tons of photos, it looks like a warm gray, or something like SWVS 308 Distinct Taupe might be an option...or a medium or possible dark gray. The roof is a medium gray with hints of brown tones intermingled.
pungogirl67
Original Author
8 years ago
Oh...absolutely on the walkway and landscaping! We have already met with a landscaper and marked out beds, etc. I love the brick walkway! We are thinking of going with a stamped and deep red stained concrete. The steps are 6ft. Wide so I’ve explained I want a large landing at the base of the steps before turning toward the driveway, which is at the right (facing the house). We’re also planning a detached carport, which will repeat the paint color on the house.
Denita
8 years ago
How exciting! Would love to see your pics here when you finish :)
pungogirl67 thanked Denita
pungogirl67
Original Author
8 years ago
Would love to post photos of before and after of the inside too. It’s amazing and exciting. We totally chose this little house for its location. We are downsizing from a large coastal waterfront home to our 1500 sq. Ft. rebuilt cottage.
Is carrying the paint color to shutters the right direction?
Regarding landscaping...would a trellis with flowering vine ( something like Carolina Jasmine) and a fountain or birdbath draw more attention to the painted area on the side, or “mask” it?
Denita
8 years ago
I wouldn't do shutters on your windows. They aren't the right size for shutters. Here is a brief article (or two) to show you how shutters should be sized right and functional looking, even if they aren't functional. Your windows are wide and beautiful, not suited for shutters.

Right Size Shutters

More detail about exterior shutters
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