Interior Motives
With Jessica Baucom
Q: We purchased a great 1970′s period home, complete with faded peach/pink/cream/white painted exterior. We’d like to paint it a cool blue-gray color but are having a hard time picking one that will look good. We don’t want it to be bright blue, but also don’t want it to look drab. Any advice? — Nanette
A: Nanette, you are on the right track. I’m so glad you’re leaning toward a cooler, blue/gray tone. Recently, I’ve had a lot of trouble convincing clients that cooler colors can be beautiful as well as relaxing. Many of us are inclined to think warm colors equal good, and cool colors equal bad. But we would be mistaken.
Depending on the other elements involved in the exterior of the house (stone, brick, etc.) you may need to tweak the color to play off of and compliment them. When brick is in the picture, I often use the color of the grout as a good starting point for corresponding finishes.
Also, don’t be afraid to choose a medium to dark shade of paint. Unlike the interior of a home where colors tend to come out one step darker, exteriors colors will look lighter than you think once you have them applied. Benjamin Moore makes beautiful, strong colors. These three range from a true dusty blue to a mellow bluish gray to a greenish-blue gray:
Water’s Edge: #1635
Silver Mink: #1685
Mount Saint Anne: #1565
Send questions for Jessica to ali@yourheartout.com with “Interior Motives” in the subject line.
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:09 am
WOW! I like both options. Thanks for making our decision even harder! :)
We appreciate your help!
October 23rd, 2008 at 9:05 pm
i like the darker brick a lot, and i’m the kind of guy who likes exposed brick.