Reader’s color dilemma:

I’m going to turn this into a bistro. Would love some suggestions.  The theme is Mediterranean ( mostly Italian). Inside decor will be darker (mostly reds and browns) Any suggestions would be appreciated.– janemuir

Kate suggests:

I think this home will make a cute bistro.  While the darker colors you mention could work on the interior I would start with something a bit lighter on the exterior.  It will not only make the place look a bit bigger but will give you a canvas to add some details that can carry your theme to the exterior.

I’d start by painting the main part of the house with a color like Valspar 3004-8A Oatlands Gold Bluff or the slightly lighter 3004-6B Oatlands Yellow.  Use a creamy white for the trim that has the same undertone.

I would go with a toned gray for the shutters.  Something with a bit of color in the gray but not too much.  5001-4C Slate Court could work nicely but before putting it on slap on a coat of reddish brown first and let it dry.  You don’t have to do this to carefully because it is an undercoat.  Just avoid sloppy paint spills or drips.  Once dry give the shutters a nice coat of Slate Court.  When completely dry…and I mean completely…hit some of the high points with sandpaper to allow some of the undercoat color to come through and give you an aged look.

You can do the same thing with the door.  You could use the same undercoat color as long as it looks different enough from the door color or you could go with a shade of blue or even use the leftover paint from the shutters.  Again give the door a nice coat of a color like Valspar 1008-5A Belle Grove Flamestitch Red and then give it an aged look with a bit of sandpaper.

You can try out the look on a piece of scrap wood to make sure you like the way the undercoat looks when it comes through.  You should also test out the main exterior, trim, door and shutter color on test boards so that you can confirm that the colors work perfectly before you begin painting.

You don’t mention if you are going to keep the awnings but if you could match them to the main house color, the trim color or do something a bit creative.

Giving the aged finish to the door and shutters will begin connecting your guest with the theme before they even get inside.  A bit of landscaping to anchor the house and a few planters that look like they came directly from the Italian countryside and I think your place will say “Italian Bistro– Come on in!”   

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