what are we even talking about?

gonna need some pics hear sport.

Have update posted with some very quick pics of the issue. The second imagine does NOT properly show the distressed slate wood look I am considering. However, it really comes down to contrast and pop IMO. The grays are less aggressive IMO. Opinions welcome

Slate!

If you decide to use wood doors, I found this product that can instantly age the appearance of the wood.

https://www.weatherwoodstains.com/

Here is another option to consider for your building

not quite sure what a slate door is, but I like these darker ones w/your building

CloPlay Canyon Ridge

here are some similar looking farm house garage doors. maybe they can give you some visuals?

Gotta love a black barn!! maybe do a portion of it w/the black

Thanks Beth, as black is my favorite color, but I have to chase energy efficiency with this project. Probably why I am trying to get the best bang from some contrasting elements. That dark gray wood look just seems to pull me in. Consider the stamped shaker look by CHI doors in carbon oak. I will try to upload a pic.

oh wow. I really like that one. I could use that for my own garage door!!

Add some cool iron carriage hardware, maybe some copper color gutters/downspout or how about some lights. would look cool

then bring in some nice but low maintenance landscaping beds around the building

Yes ma'am, I am headed towards the black iron hardware theme here. Sounds like you and others like those gray tones against the white rather than the lighter browns for the doors? I had planned to use a very light gray roof. I know it is not ideal but the building is very tall and will be climate controlled so energy is a big factor here.

The black looks sharp. I think wood could also be nice, but I'm not sold on the specific wood in your inspiration pic.

I was travelling in Eastern Oregon last week and admired a barn that had a teal roof. It was really striking. It doesn't sound like you are inclined to choose something vibrant, but I want to throw that out there.

That is an idea! Thanks! I think I am really trying to keep the barn metal in "timeless" tones because repainting after a "trend" would not be an option. I could certain change trims though. I need to keep that roof a light tone for energy reasons, though I have certainly received ideas for a black barn! I think they look sharp, but my energy bill would be HIGH....lol I am just really torn on the brown wood tones vs weathered gray. I hate making decisions.....lol

Here is another but with a little darker tone. I simply cannot find a barn with the darker gray wood tones that I was considering.

https://patrickahearn.com/project/dover-barn/

Here is another close example of what I was thinking. Darker doors at least. Gray galvanized look on the roof??? on a metal building, I have to install corner trims but I am torn if I should accent them with color or keep white? I plan to build shudders for every window I install. I did that on another white house and really made it pop.

I like the darker roof color. why not be a trendsetter and do what you like?

Ha, I usually do, but it takes a lot to get my mind homed in on a theme and color combo. Beth, you and I seem to meet on this, how dark are you thinking on the roof? Because energy costs will climb quickly with that. As an engineer, I realize many "ratings" pop out there, but the reality is sheen and "new" wear off, so we have to look at down the road.

Beth, throw me what you 'you' think would look ideal......

I posted pics of some that I really like. I love a good black and white farmhouse. I like reclaimed wood to warm it up a bit. I like charcoals and grays. heck, I love a entire black farmhouse

and I love how they did this mortar wash stone w/the black board/batten, black windows, charcoal metal roof.

I really like the two-tone combos on these

you'll notice on all of these , they are all dark roofs.

oh, two tone w/the black stone! Can you sneak in some black stone or brick somewhere?? lol

black roof, all white.

I believe they have a 'cool roof' underlayment. I had it done on my roof. I did a dark charcoal cement tile but the underlayment is supposed to cut the heat. it seems to work

I do like this one, but I think I'd like a darker roof better. and black gooseneck lights.

and I'd prob opt for copper color down spouts/gutters.

I also like the reclaimed 'look' charcoal garage doors, as well as the black

Wow... live_wire_oak ... you seem nice.

I really love the pics posted by Beth. Count me in on the dark garage doors (charcoal/black distressed. Yep, love the look 🤩). Your place is going to be awesome! Really cool.

What's the purpose of your building, and what's your climate?

Kimber and Becky, just to be clear, you are not fans of the lighter wood tone doors on the white barn? It certainly sounds like most really want that darker roof so I will certainly work hard here to get the best compromise in energy efficiency and appearance. I think I can find a medium in here.

Yes, I agree, I think Beth has some great ideas and I want to throw several in but I should add that this is technically a multi use commercial type building in the country and we really have to keep the initial budget in mind while also planning for add-ons. The attached pic might get Beth excited to see what "phase 2" will looking like, which is a complete extension of the roof line, over a 2nd story covered deck, and 1st story sitting area. All the exposed columns would get that weather gray tone, but IMO, that is a LOT to add to the deck as well?

This building will have some living quarters, offices, and industrial space at the far end. I am really trying to design this for expansion. I specialize in landscaping so this part is already being planned. Beth mentioned the stone and you bet I would LOVE to add that around the whole building, and hoping later we can do a mod to add a wainscoting of stone, but at the very least, the entrance will be covered with 2 dry stack stone accent pillars.

I definitely like the dark doors over the lighter color (just my personal taste). I think a galvanized Gray roof would look awesome.
Also, if budget will allow, I think maybe double columns, meaning do two columns together, with small space between, would look very cool. It would beef up the columns, and add interest.

I was also thinking if you went gray galvanized roof, that black or charcoal gutters (similar to doors) would look good and add contrast. This pic to just show a contrast to roof and gutter.