Color My World

Dear Homework,
I recently purchased this 1950s ranch and really need some help. I am updating the interior, and I want to freshen the exterior. I am putting new windows in so my budget is dwindling. I still have funds for a new front door and garage door but am struggling with finding a color that will tie into the blond brick, black gutters and brown roof. Help me move this house forward!

Sincerely,
—Color My World

Dear Color My World,
I find that slate green is a nice complement to most warm brick colors. It is also a color that helps connect the house to the landscape’s shades. Here I show painting the gutters, new garage door, windows and siding this color. I also show a terra cotta tone on the entry door and flower urns to give some punch. I would leave the columns the same color as the brick.

The landscape is kept very simple. A low burning bush hedge and dogwood tree finish off the bedroom wing with red fall color. Liriope grass softens the porch area and is finished off by a larger clump of ornamental grass.

The whole effect is simple, elegant and should be easy to maintain … leaving you plenty of time to rake all those leaves.

Hope that helps,
Homework

Homework is penned by Paul Doerner, founding partner of The Lawrence Group. If you would like your home critiqued, contact us at homework@townandstyle.com.