Is your front door really working with the rest of your home's exterior? What about the shrubs? Sometimes getting the details of a color scheme just right can seem as daunting as starting from scratch. CertaPro color expert Shannon Kaye lends her advice for this couple's newly bought home that needs a simple update.

Dear Shannon Kaye,

Our newly purchased home is in need of color updating; it seems so drab and bland. We are going to be adding a tree, an upgraded wood "carriage-type" garage door (probably painted and not natural or wood-stained) and a new roof. Roof preference is probably something along the lines of a charcoal color as opposed to a brown or wood tone. I believe the ones we are looking at are called Celotex Presidential and Elk Prestique. We are thinking along the lines of taupe, and we would covet your suggestions on taupe colors and others. Would love help with the main color, the trim, garage door and the shutters. We think we would like the trim ("tudor" planks) darker than the body of the house. We thank you much.



Sincerely,

Kdubber

Stucco: 6156 Ramie

Trim: 7546 Prairie Grass or 6158 Sawdust

Shutters: 7734 Olive Grove or 7729 Edamame

Front door: 7607 Santorini Blue 

(launch Sherwin Williams' color visualizer to see these colors!)

This combination is fresh and cheerful while keeping a traditional feel.

Next, I'd replace the hedges with more of those divine monk irises and look for large planters with dwarf lemon or orange trees to place on each side of the front window. I'd like to see you find a carriage door in a nice medium to dark stain, but if you're set on a painted door, then paint it to match the trim.

What colors would you choose for this home?

[main image: Kdubber  | CertaPro Forums]