Home Reno and Exterior Paint
Not everyone has the luxury of moving in with family or having a second home while renovating. In our case, adding 1,300 square feet made our home uninhabitable during the process. Our little family rented a small nearby apartment during this time. At first, it felt exciting and new, but it quickly became stressful as we tried to meet deadlines and stay on schedule. We gave ourselves 12 months to complete the renovations and worked tirelessly to stick to that timeline. My husband and I managed the project daily to ensure everything was done correctly the first time, avoiding setbacks as much as possible. I understand that not everyone has the same flexibility, but staying proactive can make a huge difference.
Choosing the Right Exterior Colors
When we bought our home, I knew I wanted to paint it a unique color. I’m so glad I didn’t go with white! I envisioned the interior in warm hues of creams, browns, and whites, and wanted the exterior to pop while feeling unique. I chose “Night Owl” by Sherwin Williams, a stunning grayish-green that pairs beautifully with copper and brass accents. Given that our home is 100 years old, this color brought a vintage yet modern feel—dark and moody without being entirely black. To modernize further, I removed the shutters and painted the windows and panes “Iron Ore” by Sherwin Williams
The Before
.The Impact of a Thoughtful Exterior
Creating the right exterior set the tone for our renovation. It gave us a glimpse of what the future home would look like and sparked our motivation to see the project through. Now, I’m thrilled with how it turned out. People frequently stop to take photos or admire the house, which makes me so happy. While not everyone may love it, it’s perfect for us—and that’s what truly matters.
Our landscape is much fuller now but this is a good process photo!
Final Tips
Choosing exterior paint colors is a big decision, so take your time! I did extensive research, tested samples, and even created mockups to visualize the final look. Today’s AI tools make this process even easier—try them out to see your ideas come to life. Remember to trust your instincts and make choices that feel right for you.
You can see we closed in the first arch and turned that into our entryway mudroom. We also added some crushed granite to the front of the home, large rocks and more of a desert landscape as its pretty low maintenance in our climate.
I hope our renovation journey inspires you to take bold steps in your own projects. Feel free to reach out with questions—I’d love to hear about your ideas and plans!
