If you own an Eichler home, and it needs an exterior lift, you may be wondering what paint color to choose.
So many paint choices, so little time.
Most paints have instructions about applying them between certain temperature ranges, and dry weather is best. In Marin, our unusual weather patterns and foggy days are getting harder to predict, so choosing a color now can help ensure your home gets painted during the best weather window.
If you are a non-traditionalist, the color palette you have to choose from is endless. If you plan to stay true to the mid-century modern vibe, you will still find variety, but the exterior colors lean toward more neutral, earthy hues. Shades of gray, brown and ochre were very popular.
You don’t have to stop there.
One popular pairing was a neutral shade of brown with trim and accents, like the beams and garage door, in teal or green. Contrasting trim can offset the earth tones with a range of complementary shades.
One of the overriding design qualities of Joseph Eichler’s concepts was to make nature feel very close at hand. The high ceilings, large windows and glass doors brought the outdoors inside. If you are thinking about painting the interior, too, that is something to consider.
The interior wall colors of mid-century homes were often muted, but in much lighter colors than the exterior. Today, there’s Super White, Decorator White, Dove White, Eggshell, Cream, Off-White, White on White, Vellum – the list goes on, but you get the idea.
If your home also gives pride of place to some of the wonderful mid-century modern wooden furniture, you may want a color that provides a backdrop to show it off. Sage greens, golds and very light shades of brown are a good choice.
Accessorize
This leaves the accessories a wide range of options, like a bright orange couch, or a framed print in vibrant primary colors. Throw pillows with bright woven patterns and vases with geometric shapes were very popular.
When shopping for mid-century modern paints, these suppliers offer quite a variety: Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, BEHR, Ecolab, Glidden, PPG Paints, RPM International and Valspar.
If you still can’t make up your mind about exterior or interior paint colors, you can always go on the hunt for wood stains. You may be able to find some of the original stains from Cabot Stains, or try something new with WoodFinish, Varathane or MinWax.
If you are looking for more ideas, or would like help sourcing products, we can help.