Exterior Color Opinions Needed

I need some exterior color opinions.  We have color restrictions in our neighborhood and white is not on the list.  Don't think too hard about that one, it will just stress you out.  If we didn't have a restriction, I would have gone for white siding with black accents.  But that was not to be.

On a happy note,  I found two color combinations that I think I like. Which one should I go with? I have a favorite but I want to know what you think.  

Option 1 

option 2 - 

Keep in mind this is my stone

And I am planning on using this door system (which I can get in a multitude of colors - I originally wanted black when white was the siding color)

 

Finally, I would like to have shutters on my home (black or some shade darker than my siding).  

Thank you:)  Maria

 

Comments

[Ali]

Both color combos are beautiful! I think of you as an artist building a masterpiece for your family! Enjoy the process! I'm excited for you!

~ Ali

[Katie]

I think both of those options are pretty. I really like the top one, but who knows the way computer colorings vary. :o) The door is a showstopper. Beautiful!

[Barb]

For what it's worth, I like option 1 due to the contrast. I prefer contrast colors to be darker than the siding, but I don't know if that is an option. I would suggest a color from the stone or the shutters. If you feel that dark trim looks weird, a lighter but complimentary color of the shutters could be nice. You always make the right choices and you do plenty of research into options, so I'm sure you will select something amazing.

Additionally, how exciting that you have a basement! Anyone who has gone through a remodeling or building project knows about cutting the budget. You DO have great taste, but you can make anything look great and have experience doing it.

Hope you all have a wonderful time decorating your tree and getting ready for Christmas! Miss you!

[Jamie Heiserman]

Hi Maria! 1st of all, BOO no white siding :)!! Both combos are lovely and have curb appeal. My husband is a general contractor and I am a part time designer and we always recommend to stick with traditional colors on home exteriors. Choice #1 is more traditional. Choice #2, while lovely is more trendy. It's been used a lot the last 5-10 years and will tend to "date" your house in years to come. If you are planning to change your siding frequently by all means choose whichever makes you happiest, but if you plan to stick with your exterior until age degradation necessitates a change I would go with #1. And a hearty yes to a shiny black door and shutters! Black accents are an impeccable mix of traditional and trendy! (I just love when the two combine!). Best wishes for your building adventures! Jamie Heiserman

[Rachelle]

I completely agree that Choice #2 will look dated more quickly than will Choice #1. I think it #2 will complement the stone better as well.

That door is a beauty. It makes perfect sense for you, given your admiration of transom windows in past posts.

Thank you so much for sharing your building progress - it's such fun to live vicariously through you!

[jessica]

I think that option 1 is best. I also LOVE that door!

[Jeannine]

My monitor is not cooperating in showing me a distinct difference between selection one and two, but I wanted to comment that the door is perfection! A black door and shutters would look lovely with either choice. Now I'll be trying to get the puzzled look off of my face: no white? Huh? What could be more tasteful? You are right...I need to stop thinking about it. The house will be beautiful regardless.

[Mariam Freame]

Oohh. Both palettes look good. But if I had to choose one, I would go for Option # 1. Those are some pretty shutters, and they would look even more awesome with a matching black door. :o)