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Saturday, September 12, 2009

Exterior Colour Before & After; Blue to Brown

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After – Photos by Maria Killam

Years ago, when I first started colour consulting I snapped a picture of this house in Shaunessy because the blue gray on this house reminded me of the standard off-the-shelf colour one could find in a paint store.  Everytime I see a house that’s painted a cold battleship gray like this one I think to myself, ‘Yellow Trim, that is all we need here”.  It almost makes me want to run up and leave the homeowner a note.

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Before
Last week, I drove by the same house and here it is re-painted in the current browns of today! And in a colour that I have specified many times in the last 7 years that the brown trend has become so popular!

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The landscaping in the front has grown in quite a bit as you can tell.  The homeowner graciously allowed me to take some photos, so I could show you the transformation!

Exteriors 038 It was early afternoon so the sun was still behind the house, it would have been better if it was on the other side, you can see some rays on the photo highlighting this lovely home.

By the way the new colour is BM HC-86 Kingsport Gray and the trim is BM HC-84 Elmira White.
As always, email or call  me for exterior (or interior) colour consultation details.

Related posts:

Painting the trim black; Before & After Exterior
5 Steps to choosing the Right Exterior Colours
The Best Exterior Trim Colours—NOT Cloud White
Should the Interior Colours flow with the Exterior Colours of your House?

21 comments:

  1. Love the brown! I think the trim stands out more and I also like that they painted the railing on the second floor above the door black. How neat that the owner let you take some pictures.

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  2. The brown really is so beautiful!! Classic and gorgeous!

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  3. What a gorgeous entryway. What color is the front door now ?

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  4. nice. hey if your pictures are washed out by the sunlight, fire them to me... i’ll magically fix them for you (it really only takes a minute).

    btw, when you’re in shaughnessy you should call... we could have coffee... :)

    also when you’re in the neighborhood next time take a spin on mcrae avenue just off crescent circle (where 16th turns into 15th): there’s a huge house there (okay, that is a pleonasm) which will make your head spin. i’ll leave you to the surprise. and btw, maybe you should leave your business card to its owner. it needs it. (one hint, it’s the house with flags — now that i think of it, maybe it’s some kind of embassy... mmm...)

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  5. It is amazing to see the power of color. the house had no architectural identity until it was redefined with the right tones. i just finished a room for the Showtime Met Home Show house in New York and was incredibly upset and stressed as my rooms did not fell alive nor strong.....then after all workmen had left, I spent the week end in the show house and ....repainted an entire room in a specific Brown, results...instant gratification, the room was alive and sophisticated. the showhouse will be open to the public starting Sept.19th 2009.

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  6. The wrong color can so ruin the look of a house, this proof it nicely. The brown is very handsome with the creamy trim, classy and elegant. And the house has such lovely proprtions. Beautiful entrance too. I love the dental molding above the windows especially.
    Mature landscape is always so enhancing, right?

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  7. What a transformation! The new look is definitely an improvement.

    I know of many homes here who could use your input...
    Jane (Artfully Graced)

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  8. Hello, I just had to leave you a note because I've so enjoyed reading your posts today. You have the most gorgeously beautiful site - best wishes & thank you ..

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  9. The house has much more impact in brown and the landscaping stands out more beautifully.
    I believe colour is always the key to wrap any design.

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  10. So much better! The brown really does make it look more dignified.

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  11. Maria,
    This clearly defines the external appearance questions for many homeowners. Visual explanations do resolve the questions also.

    Color does wonderful things to make us all happy. You are ready to have your own show called: Colour Sence...turn drab into fab! HGTV are you reading this?

    Great post yet again, Thanks!
    Bette

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  12. You sound like a proud mama. Someone doing it right even when you haven't told them how to do it!(right)

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  13. Wow, what a difference the right colour makes...I pulled out my BM fan deck and was surprized how dark HC-86 is...just shows you how the colour changes outside...
    Have a great week, Carol Ann x

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  14. gorgeouse color- gorgeous house!!!!! BEAUTIFUL!! hope your weekend was great!!!
    xoxo

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  15. great before & afters! SUCH a pretty color- We love it! BTW- great blog! We think you have a great eye for details! chrissy from the Perfect Palette.

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  16. i just adore before and afters. nothing more satisfying than seeing something go from blah to brilliant. and how cool that you thought to hold onto that photo from years before!

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  17. Yaay! I have been looking for this particular post to send to my neighbor across the street. Hopefully she will follow your excellent advice & my view will greatly improve!
    Love ya!
    xo Lisa

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Yippeee! A comment from YOU!