Need to de-blah this exterior!

6 years ago

We have a 1970s colonial with red brick exterior and new grey vinyl siding. I think the previous owners wanted something neutral for potential buyers, but I find the white door and shutters BOR-ING. I thought a warm green might be a lovely option, but the husband doesn't want green because he feels it would blend in with all our trees. We're not afraid of some color and there's no HOA, but with such a traditional exterior, I can't decide if it would be better to go a little outside the box or if we should keep it in line with the style.

What do you think?

Featured Answer

Denita

6 years ago

You have a beautiful classic brick so you have a wide variety of colors that you can use for the front door. Some people just go with black because it too is classic. But you have the option to choose almost any color. There are many greens that wouldn't blend into the landscaping too. Experiment by painting a large poster board (do several) so you two can see what would work for your specific home. Have fun with this!

front door color in red brick home - Google Search · More Info

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Comments (12)

Denita
6 years ago
The two areas that need to be changed are: 1) Landscaping and 2) the front door color.

Right now the front door area just looks like another window at first glance. Paint it an accent color to draw the attention to the front door and not to the garage door.

As to landscaping: Post your home in the landscaping section of houzz so the awesome posters there can help you come up with a master landscape plan. Right now the landscaping looks old (to me) and needs a complete refresh including a better, wider walkway to the front door.
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decoenthusiaste
6 years ago
Load your photo onto some of the major paint company sites where there are apps for "trying on" colors to help you decide. I think a black door is classic. You can do the sidelights too, or just leave them white. How about a charcoal gray for the shutters to tie in with the roof color? It is the landscaping that will do the most for your home, so I'd clear out the old now while fall rains will help soften the ground for getting them out. Then hire a pro to make a plan you can install next spring before deciding about all the other issues.
kristaj
6 years ago
I subscribe to this design firm’s blog and the owners painted their brick exterior. I think it makes a beautiful difference. Something to consider.

https://www.leclairdecor.com/leclair-decor/project-reveal-the-exterior-of-our-home-white-brick
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
6 years ago
I like the white trim, just not the light gray siding.
kariyava
6 years ago
I think navy would look lovely with the red, gray, and white on your exterior.
User
6 years ago
Black door and shutters.
calidesign
6 years ago
I would just paint the shutters black or very dark gray for a classic look. The main place you can get some interest is with new landscaping.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
6 years ago
The siding just does not work with the brick it should have been a nice sage or gray/ green to go with the brick and then the shutters could have been black and also a black front door for a nice classic look. You really need to address that landscaping too
Veronica Stanwyck
Original Author
6 years ago
The siding isn't going to change, but we definitely have our work cut out for us in the landscaping. We have lots of beautiful trees but since of them were lopped off by the previous owners so now it's like a sad Dr. Seuss forest.
Denita
6 years ago
Ask the landscape forum. Truly there are some knowledgeable posters there.
chloebud
6 years ago
I think a black door and shutters and white trim would look nice with the brick and siding. Your roof appears brown on my screen...? If so, think about a medium gray for the next time you need a roof. Gray roofs tend to be more neutral, look good with most brick, and would tie in with your gray siding.