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I'm in the process of selecting paint colors for my house and I'd love to know what proper paint etiquette is. If my neighbor has a gray house should I avoid painting mine gray as well?

The color way I'm thinking is to do a pure gray as the base (no undertones), white trim, and yellow entry doors. I've seen this on a few houses and think it's so charming. My neighbors (renters) have a gray house with just white trim that was done many years ago and is in need of an update. Since the home is a rental, I don't think the owner will invest in repainting if he doesn't need to. We will also have a new fence we were going to paint white that separates our places. Thanks in advance for your tips!

Here's my little bungalow. In this photo you can see that my other neighbors have a pale yellow house with light green trim.
home sweet home · More Info

Comments (9)

  • PRO
    14 years ago
    You mean something like this? And, I don't think your neighbour would mind at all that you are improving your home, and making it look loved...no one would.
    PS. There is no such thing as a pure gray. It needs to have an undertone of either blue or brown to make it cooler or warmer. In your case, I'd go warmer with brown undertones.
  • 14 years ago
    Don't worry about the neighbor's house. Maybe the landlord will be inspired to upgrade. Your house will show him how to do it right! Hebson's photo is stunning! THe only thing I'd recommend is removing the awning -- very dated and it cuts out so much natural light that can be controlled indoors. What a buy! Congrats!
  • 14 years ago
    you will need to live with the exterior colors you choose for a decade or so so I say paint your house the way you envision it! i think your idea for gray with white trim with a pop of bright yellow (or even a soft yellow) sounds LOVELY! I say go for it!
  • PRO
    14 years ago
    Oh, thank you all for your responses!

    @C_Marie Hebson - you are amazing! That is exactly what I'm thinking! You are 100% right, I am definitely drawn to the grays with more brown undertones as opposed to blue.

    Thank you all for your great words of encouragement! I'm going for it. Talking with the painter this weekend and will finalize the colors. I'll post an after shot when it's all freshened up!
  • 14 years ago
    I too love Marie Hebson's mock up. It looks cute as a button! And I have no problem with leaving the shutter - it adds interest to a plain front. Good Luck :)
  • 14 years ago
    And it's so nice that you also care about "paint etiquette" .......as well as your neighbours. Makes for a friendly neighbourhood, and we need more of those these days!
  • PRO
    14 years ago
    Hello to all! I wanted to send an update and let you know that we went for it and painted the house! I'm really pleased with it and wanted to share the updated photo of the Darling Dwelling. I personally think that my white chairs could go yellow now too...taking all suggestions. Landscaping is clearly next, look for my next design dilemma soon :)
  • PRO
    14 years ago
    Sternl2001 - great idea - it definitely needs some flowers and love now :)