EXTERIOR SIMPLICITY WITH A BOLDER STATEMENT

In neighborhoods where most stucco homes are off-white with off-white trim and red or brown doors, it's always good to "push the envelope" just a little. These folks allowed me to choose a coffee-like color for the body, a trim that is akin to a pepper-blue, and an interior trim color (window sashes) that is a green-yellow.



                                                      They kept the idea of a red door, but it's a softer red than the bright, safety red color they used to have. The neighbors couldn't be happier, but they are all seeing the risk of this newer look: it has caused two of them to want color changes the next time their houses are going to be painted.

WHEN BAD COLORS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE

Of course there is no such thing as a 'bad' color. Just bad color combinations. And this poor client had a real challenge: this structure is a business - not a home - which presents certain restrictions. You can't just paint any color that you want - if you want to be noticed.

If you own a business and there are certain colors 'in place' (more permanent), it's best to try and include that as part of your overall look so it speaks to potential customers & clients. You just can't fight some structures 'away' by adding other colors surrounding it that are disparate.

Also, depending on the TYPE of business you have, there are certain colors that speak to the thing that you do/provide for people. There's a reason McDonald's chose those bright, bold red & yellows years ago. It screamed out, "COME GET ME NOW AND CONSUME QUICKLY AND BUY MORE!"

This client provides comfort and ease of pain on the body- a chiropractor. She was stuck with an awning that was too bright for her liking and not the softer blue that she'd wanted in the first place. The stucco is very dark and ominous - doesn't scream out "COME INSIDE AND BE HEALED", but feels a bit more like a funeral home. The overall effect is like this due to a lot of other dark elements all mixed together: a dark burgandy entry door- large; dark green steps and porch; dark trim and body colors.

My assignment: come up with some splashes of other color ideas to help not only 'lift' the spirits of the structure, but see if I could help tie the color of that awning in somehow to work with the signage out front as well.

The job won't be done for a while now - and I'll post pics when it is - but I'm going with changing the window frames to match the awning as a number one priority.

Next: the facia will match some warmer & darker horizontal portions of the stucco at the entrance, and wrap that same color on a couple bands that go around the posts at the entrance. The entry door color will change as well as the steps & porch.

TO BE CONTINUED>>>>>

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