Adding color to a homes exterior

Q. We have ordered a new garage door that comes primed but not painted. Our 40-year-old house has natural cedar siding and some brown trim, somewhat Arts and Crafts style. The garage takes up approximately 50 percent of the front facade. Do you have any color suggestions? Think fun. We are in our 70s, and want fun/tasteful/ pretty. Many thanks. Sue

A. Color is an individual choice, but it also needs to work with the color of your homes exterior cladding. What could look fabulous on your garage door is a smoky gray/green-blue color. Think turquoise that is softened with gray. Any shade of blue goes well with wood shades, and this choice has lots of life to it. Although front doors and trim look good in a high-gloss finish, because the garage door is so large, use a satin finish.

There are other additions to your exterior that will build on the style and appeal of the facade. Fypon manufactures thousands of decorative millwork elements in a variety of architectural styles.

Each piece is crafted from tough, weather-resistant, high-performance materials that are resistant to decay, insect infestation and water damage. For Arts and Crafts homes, Fypon recommends woodgrain/timber products such as lightweight beams under a porch ceiling, brackets, corbels and two- and three-plank panel shutters.

Shown here over a double garage in a row of townhouses is a trellis system kit in woodgrain. It also comes in smooth style. Also shown is a cheerful window flanked by three-panel shutters with a beam window sill. The violet stain is a vibrant color that would also suit your home. Planters and gardens add color and joy to the front of your home as well.

When you are not sure of a color selection, experiment with different shades on a large piece of Bristol board, tape up the new color against the existing exterior color, stand back and see how it makes you feel.

Fypon has declared August National Curb Appeal Month. We all benefit from the care our neighbors take in their home and surrounding property. Enjoy your new venture, and never lose your wonderful spirit.

Q. I have a wooden angel that I painted white and want to apply highlights to in a shade of brown. Ive seen you do this on a white headboard. What is the mixture you applied? Thanks for all your great ideas. Macelinda

A. There are many recipes for creating the aged or antique look that you are looking for. I generally use one part latex paint mixed with three parts glazing liquid. The color comes from the paint; choose a burnt umber or medium-brown shade. Apply a thin coat of the colored glaze over the dry white painted surface. Let dry. Apply more coats until you have the color that you want. The glaze makes the mixture translucent so that you will see the white shining through. The more glaze in the mixture, the more translucent it will be and the longer it will take to dry. More paint in the mixture will make it more opaque. Experiment on a spare piece of painted wood until you have the shading that suits.

Please email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.

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Adding color to a homes exterior