How to paint tiny Florida cottage?

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

So we are returning to Sarasota after 8 years away, and downsizing in the process. This 1920s cottage was built by an Italian stonecutter who came to Sarasota with John Ringling to carve the fountains for the Ringling estate and the city too. The property includes magical gardens and huge oak, mango and jackfruit trees, but the tiny house is pretty nondescript. How can you imagine painting or otherwise addressing the exterior to make the most of it? Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Featured Answer

Jilly

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

It’s a sweet cottage! What a cool history.

If I had a house like that, I’d do a fun coral color. This is SW Begonia, and I love the black accents.

There are lots of regulars here who are really good with exterior color schemes, hopefully they see this! I know you’ll get good suggestions … mine might be bolder than you’re wanting.

Good luck, hope you show updates! Would love to see ’afters’. :)

ETA: Can you edit to add another tag — the Exteriors board: https://www.houzz.com/discussions/exterior)

ETA2: Left here, went to IG, saw this. Loving the pale green:

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Comments (6)

ShadyWillowFarm
4 years ago
What’s your budget? If you can’t turn the front back into a porch, then do new windows. So it doesn’t have central air? Looks to have tons of potential, and I love the history!🤡🐯🦁🐴🦓🐆🐘
A P thanked ShadyWillowFarm
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Amber Webb
4 years ago
Paint is an instant transformer. Jinx posted some really nice ideas. New windows would be on my list and sprucing up the front porch.
A P thanked Amber Webb
elcieg
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
First, you have to fix the windows, either by replacing them or painting them to look as similar as possible. Normally I like black trim, but the windows are so disparate I fear that making them obvious will ruin the exterior.

I love Jinx' inspiration photo.

I'm going to throw out green, as an option to go with the gardens.
A P thanked elcieg
A P
Original Author
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Thanks everyone! It is a tiny house...under 900 sq ft...so we are going to keep the front porch closed in so we can use it as livable space. We are also going to keep the jalousie windows in the front for now, to minimize costs, although we agree with you all that when we are able, new windows should be a top priority! It does now have central A/C and we'll be taking out the window units soon. So... ideas for whatever we can do paint-wise and with landscaping, to work with current layout and windows, will be so appreciated. We've been thinking to either paint it all white with light blue eaves and a bright color door, OR to paint it more natural colors to synchronize with the surroundings (like the greens suggested above), OR to paint it bright and bold colors, like the coral that Jinx suggested. So many options! We'd also like to figure out how to create a more substantial front and back stoop. We are open to the full range of options, and to quirky solutions - thanks for all the ideas you are sharing!
ShadyWillowFarm
4 years ago
You’ll need to get pictures from further back if you want landscaping ideas, and for a front and back porch recommendation. And an idea of your budget. Looks like you have lots of big trees, too. Seeing the whole picture would help.