When it comes to picking paint colors for rooms, we look for inspiration in many places: existing furniture, accessories, artwork, colors from our travels or our favorite seasons.
Color Palette generated from photo at Pic2Color.com
So where does one gather inspiration for their home’s exterior paint colors? We start by locating colors that are deemed suitable to the style or period of the house, or by trying to replicate someone else’s excellent house paint colors.
These methods work, but why not attempt to make a more personal statement just like you do on the inside? If the answer is “fear of making a mistake”, it is time to conquer your fear! You can do it. And the great news is that, with the right color choices, the exterior and interior of your house will become cohesive and represent your personality and design tastes.
Raspberry Truffle, Lemon Chiffon, Bella Blue**
One of my clients LOVED her deep red dining room, painted Ben Moore’s Raspberry Truffle. When she moved into her small, newly renovated Greek revival she decided to paint the outside her favorite interior color. Wow, what a stunner! The trim is Lemon Chiffon and the doors are Bella Blue. This is one of the happiest looking, most elegant homes I’ve ever seen!
So, be careful to test your colors, but don’t be sheepish. Adventurously chosen exterior colors can transform a so-so home to a thing of beauty.
**Please note: Due to individual computer monitor limitations, colors seen here may not accurately reflect Benjamin Moore paint colors.
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Homeowners with historic-style homes are often in a quandary as to whether or not to paint the house using a historic palette. If you choose to select colors based on the homes’ architecture, you have lots to work with.
Sherwin-Williams is the first place I turn when looking for historic colors because they have already done all the research into historically appropriate colors. Other manufacturers have historic or preservation palettes which are also very helpful.
Classical / Colonial historic color schemes from Sherwin-Williams
My favorite exterior colors are from the California Paints Historic line. They include incredibly rich greens and blues as well as interesting neutrals in shades of tobacco and caramel. I like all of their reds. The paint colors were developed along with the Society of Preservation for National Antiquities.
Stephen J. Albro House, Newport, RI painted with California Paint Historic Colors
Those of you who don’t live in a historic home can still enjoy using historic colors in pleasing combinations. When I select exterior colors for my clients, I almost always start with the historic paint palettes whether the house is historic or not.
When selected appropriately, they can reliably add elegance to any homes exterior. Most all dwellings can be improved with an eye-catching historic exterior paint scheme.
For more information:
California Paints Historic Colors of America…
Sherwin-Williams Historic Colors…
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Congratulations! You are expecting a baby.
You have alerted your relatives and friends. Now you can just kick back and wait, right? Wrong!
You have several things to do prior to baby’s arrival, one of which is to “Feather The Nest” (design the nursery).
This room was designed for the NSO Showhouse by Bixler Studios
Tips:
- Yellow is a color that encourages communication which in turn may mean your baby will cry more in a yellow room; calming colors in greens, blues and browns may allow both you and your baby to get a better night’s sleep.
- Keep the bed away from the window; drapery controls are dangerous.
- If using antique cribs make sure the distance between the spindles do not exceed 3”.
Most importantly, the room should stimulate your baby’s senses while providing a soothing, nurturing environment in which they can grow.
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