A Stunning Historic Exterior Before & After

It’s truly amazing the variety of interesting projects we have the privilege of consulting on everyday in my eDesign department. Today I’m sharing a beautiful before and after of a painted lady with historic designation situated on a popular tourist route in Canada’s capital, Ottawa.

My dear eDesign clients had worked hard to restore the home to its original charm with careful attention to making historically appropriate selections. And finally, they wanted to give the exterior an update with a new cedar roof, fresh paint and new cobblestone pavers prior to selling.

They are long time followers of my blog and I was delighted to help them with this pretty home.

Here is the before

Updating a house with historic designation

Built in 1874, the exterior was originally white with dark green trim. The pale pastel blue was done in the 80s. My clients had determined in their research that pale blue was not a colour that was in use when the house was built. The era was better known for darker, more subdued colours.

They had decided they wanted a muted green that wasn’t too pastel. They also wanted to keep the exterior looking fresh, yet stately. The home is flanked by a brick home and an large apartment block in gold brick. It had deep blue green front door and window frames that they wanted to work with.

Considering the setting

To be clear, I am not a specialist in historically correct colour schemes for Victorian painted ladies. So I do appreciate that they  carefully researched what was appropriate both to the era of his house and their neighbourhood.

Here on the West Coast, there are some spectacular bold and intricate colour schemes on painted ladies. But this house is located on a well used tourist route to important Canadian landmarks. It needed to fit the stately look of the neighbourhood. And considering that the house was to be put on the market shortly, a muted green with creamy trim is a lovely option with broad appeal.

Sharing all the paint colours inside the community. Not a member? Join here.

Here is the new, pretty exterior!

Happily, for all my clients’ care and hard work, their home’s refresh was featured in a local publication. That’s when they shared these photos with us. My team and I just love receiving happy after shots!

You can see how pretty the green body, green beige trim and pale blue porch ceiling look with the deep blue green window and door accent below on the storm door.

Want the paint colours? Join the community!

It’s exterior season!

Here are two ways to get my help with your exterior projects this year.

If you’re giving your exterior a refresh, I have an eDesign package for body, trim and accent colour, The Essential Exterior Palette here.

And if you’re doing a new build or doing a complete renovation, you’ll need the All Inclusive Exterior Package that includes the body, trim, accent as well as important colour selections including colour for roofing, pavers, details like railings and lighting.

You can bundle this one with the consultation for all your interior finishes and colours for discounted price too!

If you’d like to learn how to make exterior colour selections yourself, you can find my Exterior Colour Selection Masterclass course here.  And it’s included free in the Colour Designer membership level in my new True Colour Insider Community.

Inside the community you will find ongoing resources and support for your project! And it’s a great way to take one of my courses because you’ll automatically be connected to others who can support you!

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