Several years ago we purchased an older home that was a fixer. It was an old small cottage that definitely needed some help. We were turning it into a rental house and it was in desperate need of paint! Below is the picture of the BEFORE. Not a pretty site – hey? We all know the transformation that paint brings to anything! Scroll down to see the AFTER!
After months of contemplation and envisioning various possibilities, we finally decided to give this cottage the deserved makeover. The idea of transforming this living space has been brewing for quite some time. We embarked on this exciting journey by weighing options, exploring colors, and imagining the potential uplift to this home’s aesthetic and feel. It was a decision driven by the desire to refresh and rejuvenate the surroundings, turning our long-held vision into a vivid reality.
Navy Blue Home Exterior: Before And After
This is the side entry of the home.
The foundation and window trim had brown peeling paint. The yellow vinyl siding was in good condition but needed a fresh coat to look fabulous. The electrical box and wires stuck out like a sore thumb. It was an attention getter in a bad way.
I decided to go with a NAVY BLUE paint for our home exterior. I picked several different navy blues and had sample quarts – Color to Go made at Sherwin Willams. Even though the paint colors I chose were different brands, SW will make sample quarts. I’ve been using these sample paints for years. The Color to Go are inexpensive and give enough coverage to help you decide if you like the color or not! You can see exactly how the paint color works with lighting and your decor!
What color did I end up choosing? The home was painted NAVY BLUE with white trim work. It’s super cute.
For those looking to embark on their painting adventure, discovering the right hue is just the beginning. It’s about envisioning the transformation and seeing the potential in each color. If you’re curious about exploring various options for your home, exterior painting professionals can offer invaluable guidance and expertise. Their insights can help in visualizing the final look, ensuring the chosen shade would bring out the best in your home’s exterior.
The four paint color samples I painted on the garage sidewall:
Sherwin Williams Naval– classic Navy blue
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy – classic Navy blue that seemed to have a bit more gray to it.
Behr Very Navy – a little brighter Navy blue than the rest.
Dunn Edwards Nightfall – classic Navy blue
As you can see most of the samples are very close in color.
So which color did I end up using? Behr Very Navy. I wanted just a tad brighter Navy blue and this one delivered.
The trim color I used was Sherwin Williams Extra White.
The front of the cottage before painting…
Are you interested in seeing how it turned out? Here you go…
To further elevate the cottage’s curb appeal, we added new exterior lighting fixtures that illuminated the walkways and entrance and accentuated the home’s architectural features. Stylish yet functional, these lighting elements added a warm and welcoming ambiance. Upgrading the mailbox and house numbers to modern, sleek designs also helped create a cohesive and contemporary look.
Do you find the home exterior dramatic? Stunning? Charming? Do you like it? I love it!!
The second part of this post will give more details of what we did to create this look. Look for this post in the next few days.
Christy Sweet says
Hi, Ms.Toni
I read a lot of these blogs and have never before left a comment but I have spent the last 3 hours enthralled with your talent from the DIYs to your design taste is outstanding!!
I wish you was close to Co so I could use your design talent my husband and I are trying to remodel but can not decide on colors.. Grrr it is so frustrating!! I have a brain injury from a work place armed robbery so my husband bless his soul !!!! Is trying to make a lot of the decisions .. Anyway we went to a hardware store and got a paint book that gives you 3 colors that goes good together and that is how we are picking our colors for the inside of our house..
I read how you made your logs out of pool noodles.. that looked so great!! The country tree I liked best maybe because I’m from Co.
And I am definitely going to try your ribbon idea !!! Could you do a tutorial on how to hang the ribbon on the tree so you get the big hoops that don’t droop as soon as you walk off ??
Ok I will quit bothering you..
thanks
Christy Sweet
Toni - Design Dazzle says
Hi Christy!
I’m sorry to hear about your injury. I hope you are doing better. Yes, choosing colors can be very aggravating. My home is mostly Edgecomb Gray Benjamin Moore. Paint stores can mix the color for you. I love this color it is a warm greige. Always get paint samples to paint a large patch on your wall to see if the color works in your home environment/lighting.
Those pool noodles/Christmas logs are pretty fun!!
I do need to do a video on hanging the ribbon on the tree. The stiffness of the ribbon and the wider ribbon helps hold its shape. Make sure to be a subscriber to you can get our weekly emails and see all sorts of tips – especially Christmas tips coming up!
Good luck!
xoxo
Lesley baillie says
Hi Toni totally love the transformation of the house that now looks Absolutely Stunning your designs are outstanding I am going to share to all of my family and friends here in the UK keep up what you are made for your Fantastic designs and ideas. 💕💕💕. Lesley x
Toni - Design Dazzle says
Lesley, you are so kind! Thank you. Have a lovely day.
Anonymous says
I’m so happy to find out the paint color on this lovely cottage. I really love this and want to try in on my home. Thanks for the post.
Toni - Design Dazzle says
You are very welcome!
Liz says
Hi just curious if the siding is vinyl? I’m looking to do the same for my home but am worried about warping. Have you had any issues with that since painting it darker? Thanks!
Toni Roberts says
I don’t believe there are any warping issues. It’s been 7 years since it was painted. Although Sherwin Williams did warn about the possibility of warping with a vinyl siding. I believe it depends on where you live – heat and humidity and the quality of the siding you are painting. I will have to ask the people who live there to see if anything has changed in the last couple of years.