Hi! I would research which colors are appropriate for that style house in your geographical location. However, I love the grays. Hope that helps.

I agree with the previous posterior, go with gray. A deep taupe might even be nice.

First, whatever color you choose I would make it consistent across all the sections of the house. I would definitely paint the front door a fun accent color and remove the awning. I would also consider making the windows on the first floor symetrical if at all possible. Also, I am always a fan of white trim...that could make a huge difference. I don't know that these suggestions necessarily go with this style of house - but I think they would point you in a positive direction. I think something muted like a grey, clay, or even sage color could work nicely. Good luck!

Getting it to be consistent. So the house all one color, the trim on the windows all one color etc. will do wonders. I'm feeling the gray/greige vibe with a bright door and removing the awning. Inside is so super cute - exactly the open plan we're looking for!

I would also consider doing something fun with the garage door- a bright color, exposed wood, or a glass front door that reveals a tidy garage. Updating the yard and walkway to be more up-kept and modern would do wonders. And exterior lighting. Show off the interesting features at night with some solar powered spot lights and accent lights.

Wow, those people really love blue don't they? Houses with this kind of architecture really like earth tones. Don't bother fighting it. Go with colors like golden bronze, stone and taupe.

I would switch the trim to a light color so there is less contrast between windows and trim, something like Temporal Spirit. I would paint the light wall section on the lower left a bold dark like Mississipi Mud. Use the same dark on the roof fascia. For the main body of the house use a warm neutral Davenport Tan. If you look at Benjamin Moore's website, you will see these colors paired together: http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/davenporttan

Take out the awning and put in a modern looking one. You could even consider building a modern wood pergola that goes across the front of the house at the top of the first story - from the left edge of the house across the windows and door, stopping where it meets the slope of the roof at right. Use straight and square boards (google modern wood pergola). It only needs to be about 3 feet wide - you don't want to block the light that comes in those windows. Good luck, it looks like a good house.

Paint the garage color the same as the house... experiment with a bright accent color for your door.

I couldn't find a direct link, but I pinned this because I loved the front door. Dark grey body, Light grey garage door, white trim and red door!

Red Door, Grey House

I vote medium to dark grey, cedar shake and a bright color for front door such as red or kelly green.Black trim. Lose the front door awning, and enlarge the porch. Good Luck!

Earthy taupes/greens for the exterior- definitely. The inside has so much potential- that fireplace is awesome! I hope that if you buy the home, you'll keep us all updated!

I personally love red and white. Not too many people do it. Maybe not your style but that just my favorite. Here are two photos of places my husband and I spent a lot of time in. Both made me love them when I saw the red and white. You have those sweet trees out front and it would look so inviting. It's such a cool house it deserves an eye catching color. Congrats on no more renting!! Yay!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/taramariee/3616036153/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/taramariee/4135600724/in/photostream

What about a medium gray for the main exterior with a bright orange door in honor of the Brady Bunch! Is that area that's currently white stone? If so, I'd still paint it to match the house, it stands out like a sore thumb from the painted area and makes the house look odd.

I'd snap that house up in a New York minute if I could! The asymmetrical roof will look great once you paint the siding a neutral color--I would go with something that works with the brick color but just a little darker. Not dark, though. I'd stick with warmer neutrals.

White trim is good on traditional houses but this style needs slightly darker to dark, plus that window sash color can go darker if possible.

The front entry needs work. Ditch the awning immediately. Build out the front stoop thing into a spacious deck-type entry. It'd be nice to have some sort of roof over the front door but you might want to consult an architect about this. My goal would be to have an entry that draws people to it and that is practical (space to put down packages while unlocking door, a bench to take off muddy boots or wait for someone who's picking you up, and a roof to keep you dry in rain while doing the above).

I agree with the previous poster - ditch the awning ASAP! Landscaping will do wonders; adding some medium sized bushes under the horizontal window will soften the look and make it appear more purposeful. A wider, more substantial stair and railing up the front steps will also make things more welcoming.

the windows are different sizes at different levels. if you can replace them and create a more homogeneous look, that would help. Along with the paint.

Marsha, Marsha, Marsha (sorry I really couldn't resist it)

Hello Michal,
The above comments sound great...but I would ask...

What feeling would you like to house to send?? Dramatic, Elegant, Natural, Warm, Welcoming, Bold...

This would drive my answer.

Can you blow up that window on the left? and maybe rip out the plain jane concrete steps and create a deck/ patio that stretches the left length of the house ( a little bistro table set would look cute and be uber relaxing in the mornings w/ coffee.) And the awning has to go. I don't care what you put in it's place or not put in its place it's heinous. Hah. Oh and Why are people so boring w/ exterior color!? Taupe? Brown? Go w/ a sage or lime green w/ dark gray accents and trim. :)

HAH!

Instead of doing minor changes like painting (which might not yield the great result you're looking for, since this house is clearly dated), I'd maybe check in with an exterior remodeling contractor. There might be some nice design elements you could do to bring the house up to date. Landscaping is key here, too.

You are bang on noticing the front is ugly. The interior requires a lot of work as well and I imagine you will do a good job. The exterior requires a refacing. No matter how much you repaint and recolour the front it will not look good. I would go with a modern exterior here - completely reface it with a solid darker gray colour and use big windows surrounded by a a bold dark frame to give it the appearance of an expensive home. New front door, slightly bigger than what is there and new garage door. If this is done properly it will look great, just don't skimp out on it.

It's ugly because it's a discolored amalgam of different decades. Take off the awning and cut down the tree in the middle of the yard. Do some landscaping. The asymmetrical roof is a feature, not something to be covered up. Paint the fascia a contrasting color to accentuate it. Embrace its style and era, don't try to style it like a McMansion. It is a beautiful house already, it just needs some help.

Poke around Retro Renevation and look at the appropriate period accents, doors, colors, etc. It doesn't have to be a "time capsule house"; you can go for updated versions of all of these.

I would definitely get rid of the awning, and maybe even build a covered porch. You can also do it yourself by building a deck and getting a new larger (modern) awning.

Keep the color consistent all over (I also love grey/ grey-blue for the overall house, and maybe a white or bold color for the window frames and door). Add some vines that can creep up the house.

One comment about the interior: if you haven't thought about this yet, I would get rid of the closet under the stair and add a nice steel pipe for structure. the cube totally takes away from the floating stair. (Might have to hire someone for that)

Grey with a red or orange or lime green door would look great! Just paint everything else the same, or paint the trim a slightly darker or lighter shade than the body. If you need the front door awning in your area due to weather, paint it the body color, too. Eventually replace it with a different cover -- match the roof or uses corrugated metal.

Love the idea of replacing the small stoop with a larger deck that extends under that narrow window. Build that deck, and put a large pot of bamboo on it! This is such a cute house, and the exterior is not ugly, just painted funny. BTW, even though brown is very period appropriate for this Brady Bunch look, I'd stay away from it -- but then, I prefer the "updated Mid-Century" to the "time-capsule" look.

Pick colors in the same family as the stone in the lower left corner of the front of the house. Good luck!

it's amazing what some paint and landscaping will do. Def. paint the entire exterior the same color to make it more uniform. I think landscaping could really update and liven this place up beyond measure!

I agree with the earth tone comments. I would paint the entire exterior one color, in the tan-ish family (think: http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/fresholive) and then I'd do the garage door and front door in the same dark wood. You can incororate color with landscaping. Good luck!

I painting it brown with an orange or avocado green garage door would be great.

the awning needs to go

Our house is the exact same style, and we love it! Our exterior is off-white, so I painted the front door a bright peacock blue. It makes me happy every time I come home.

photo: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/swingchickie/P1010006-10.jpg

Get rid of the awning and the blue paint, and you'll be good as new!

Hi! I also recommend neutral colors and remodeling the awning (see third link). The slanted roof is definitely not a problem, just another architectural element. Here are some inspirational pictures:

http://www.houzz.com/photos/19513/Whole-House-Green-contemporary-exterior-san-francisco

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4384324/list/My-Houzz--A-New-Dallas-Build-Handles-Family-Life-Beautifully

http://www.houzz.com/photos/1068747/House-at-dusk-modern-exterior-dc-metro

http://www.houzz.com/photos/375796/Mid-Century-Modern-Atlanta-modern-exterior-atlanta

http://www.houzz.com/photos/452262/5606-Jeff-Davis-Street-modern-exterior-austin

This house looks a lot like the home my husband and I purchased five years ago!! We also call it the "Brady House"! Ours has light yellow siding and had a similar front stair, but no awning (I am with the ditch the awning commenters here). We jackhammered away our front stair and built a low profile front deck/stairs in mahogany. We have been renovating the home bit by bit and are doing all the work ourselves (a daunting task for first time home owners, but totally worth it)! I would try an earthy grey paint outside, some nice landscaping that you could do yourself and ditch the overhang awning. Oh, and if you are feeling adventerous, a low profile deck/stair in front will really update the look while creatng additional outdoor space! We took our "Brady Home" in the direction of earthy, architectual modern vs. the retro, kitshy modern to help with resale value if we ever want to put it on the market. Kitsh can be a detractor for most buyers so keep that in mind! Please post after pics if you take the plunge on this unique home!

I agree with everyone else: get rid of the awning! It's terrible and needs to die in a fire. I'd also get rid of the tree right in front of the house. If you feel badly, plant another tree to replace it - just not right in front of the house. As for colors, I would also go gray or a dark taupe. Think safari taupe, not khaki. You want the house to stand out. The door should be a bold color, like red. And paint all of the house siding the same color, and the trip a different color (an off white, probably). It'll help achieve a uniformity.

As for the interior, I love the potential in it and I love the high ceilings. Good luck!

Paint everything on the outside a darker grey and get a new wooden door.

Paint the whole exterior a darker gray and get a new wooden door and get rid of the awning. If you have money to spend I could see this house covered in cedar shingles.

Well I love it. Lots of potential . I think a lot of the outside is preference. Now I am not a fan of that awning. And it doesn't fit the house. The house is very angular and the awing is not. I am guessing though it serves a purpose. So I would look at an alliterative for that. The other thing I seen in the pic of the inside, is the front door. It might be the picture it might be the door. If the door is all warped on any edge its going to let in the cold come winter. For a quick fix I would find some of that door sealer tape and watch a vid on youtube. Then just seal up the door. I think it might need to be replaced though. They have lots of pretty doors now. So even if you just replaced the front door with something pretty it would spruce up the outside too. Remember go slow and do your research and do what you love not what is fashionable. And congrats on the new ho

I had a similar vintage house, complete with the mixed media facade. We painted the whole house a light mocha color with dark green trim. The garage door also faced the street and was the same color as the house.

The big difference in your house will come with landscaping. It really needs something to soften the large brick wall and balance out that small strip of windows. Maybe a decorative ledge underneath the windows.

I keep moving and have had houses built in 1870, 1920, 1959 and now 2006. I think I may be most fond of my mid-century! Best of luck!

Buy this house today! I love the interior and I love the asymmetrical roof - yes, the house needs some work (a lot actually), but it has SO MUCH potential.
I would probably live with the ugly siding for a while to get a better idea of what feels "right" for the house - besides it'll make it easy for your friends to find your new house :-)
If I had to make a decision today and had a big budget, I would redo the siding in red cedar shingles and either leave them as is or stain them in an earthy color. Then I would play with accent colors for the door. I like pumpkin orange, it's cheerful, different, and a play on the 70s heritage of the house.

I never thought I'd like that style house but looking this all I see is potential for greatness! Too bad the area we are looking to buy in "grew up" in the 80s... Not a fantastic time for home design, lol.

My suggestions:
- Loose the awning (you know, in case you hadn't seen the 30 or so posts before mine that said the same thing, lol.
- Cut down the tree in the middle of the yard. Its hiding the house. Embrace the roofline, its fun!
- Plant some large flowering bushes under the long window on the left. That empty space is distracting, but some landscaping under it will make it look intentional that the window is so high.

For color, I like the suggestions of grays, but go with a warmer gray with some brown to it. The garage I'd paint one or two shades lighter then the color you pick. Front door needs a bold, bright, fun color. Teal or peacock blue or orange would be awesome, but I'd replace the door that's there with one with fun windows and a 70s vibe.

Congrats on your new home!!

I'm with the "anti-awning" folks. Remove that. Most 70's houses don't have that. If you did add a little something you could possibly put a straight over hang that just down and out.

As for painting I would do one color neutral brick and siding and another neutral for the trim. The door should defintely be a bright color. Plant some big boxwood hedges in front of the little window and brick and remove the tree in the middle of the yard. It really takes away from the home.

I would go dark on the exterior. Either a dark brown or earthy charcoal grey. I'd also keep the windows dark, but would add a warm color on the door - orange or citrine. On the left side of the house, to the front door, I can see a pergola coming out to break up the very flat facade of that portion of the house. Very cool place.

Some of these suggestions are awfully ambitious. Since you are doing so much inside, you probably don't have a huge budget for outside. Unify the color all the way across the house, do a contrasting window frame and fascia board color, replace the awning with a shed roof or similar, paint the door a kicky color. Then put your energy and money into front- yard landscaping. I see loads of possibility there.

Your home is not "ugly". It simply has a funny paint scheme. I believe home colors should play well with the look of the neighborhood. It appears you neighbors' homes are white or very pale gray...conservative. How about a deep teal, like the Ralph Lauren interior color featured on AT's "Teal" post today? Do a creamy white for the trim and fascia. Paint the door a saffron orange-yellow. Put in some plants with variegated foliage and bright berries or blooms. I don't know your setback restrictions, but you might look into doing a small enclosed courtyard in front of the left (as viewed from outside) side of your home. But that's another question...

Could someone explain why my posts are disappearing?

I have been reviewing this section of Apt.Therapy on a regular basis.. .....You have definitely got so many great comments in a short .time...we are feeling your delimia ,so take in a deep breath and go apply to CURB APPEAL,the HGTV show. Audience ..don't you think they would be great candidates , Michal and hubby, for the support needed. There is a lot of labor involved..my suggestion, call on family and friends for a big yard party.Please,keep us informed.

Do NOT cut down the tree. Mature trees are valuable and beautiful. It offers privacy to the house. You do not need to replace windows - paint alone will do wonders.

I often recommend neutral stone/taupe colors because most houses look best when they harmonize with the landscape - grass, trees, hills. Painting a home is expensive and should last a long time. That means choose classic colors, not trends. For a couch, you by a neutral couch and get trendy colored throw pillows. For a house, your door, porch or potted plants are your bright/trendy pieces. The house itself should look good long after the current passion for charcoal gray is gone.

What a fabulous house. My gut tells me to paint the blue over with a dark browny grey, leave the white brick, and paint the garage door bright red.

Make the window in the beige section match the size of the window in the blue section. And make a large front proch that is covered from the beige side to the edge of the front door. Paint it all one color with an accent trim.

The trees in the front yard are lovely. To enchance the organic look the trees create, I would go with an earthy neutral for the paint color, such as clay or sand. Paint the front door a pop of color to set it off. Get some color chip cards when you have selected your paint color. Often, you can find a paint card with a pre-selected, harmonious color palette for exteriors, and photos showing trim and door colors will be included.

I'd plant some colorful perennials up near the front of the house, nothing too tall because you already have height with the trees.

It's lovely. Enjoy your home.

Don't cut down the tree -- instead, just step 15 feet to your right and take another picture from that angle.

The asymmetrical roof is fabulous, and you couldn't possibly get rid of it or disguise it anyway. Don't apologize for it.

This house will thrive if you ditch the blue and let it settle into its natural surroundings with a palette of browns, taupes, creamy yellows, maybe a pumpkiny front door. I love the dark eyeliner-like trim around the windows! Keep that! Don't paint the garage door a contrasting color. And lose the awning.

There is an awesome blog you should scour for ideas and inspiration! I immediately thought of this when I saw you call it a "Brady Bunch" house. :)

http://bradybunchremodel.com/tag/brady-bunch-remodel/

They have the same style house and they have done an amazing job with the exterior!

Good luck!

Hannah McCoy
hannahmccoydesigns.blogspot.com

Get rid of that awning over the front door, ASAP!!
Then paint it a deep tan with brown trim.
I know you have to do something about the steps, but im not sure what.
I'm sure the others have GREAT ideas.
Would loooooove to help do the INSIDE, tho ;)

All one color (a deep warm gray) except for the garage door and front door. Garage door I'd keep close in value (or darker) but different in color tone. I'd punch the front door up with a true (but still nature inspired) color.

Enlist a designer to rework the front railing/awning situation. Too flimsy for the volume of the house.