New Build Exterior Color!
I shared on instagram last week that we decided not to go with black for the exterior color of the new build! I opted not to share what color we ended up reselecting; instead, planning to share a big reveal when the siding installation was completed. Well, I had no idea the hype that would ensue after sharing the big news! Not sure I’ve ever gotten so many messages asking to know. The drama! The suspense!
So, out of sheer inability to keep this a secret for one more day, I’m sharing the color here today! Siding installation will take up to three weeks and I simply cannot wait any longer!
We are very excited, and a little nervous, to be going outside of our comfort zone by selecting a DARK GREEN!!!!
If you read this post, you learned that we were originally choosing between black and dark green. Being nestled in the woods, we want something that feels like a natural fit in the forest. Our vision is to have the house to sit back and the beautiful nature to be the focus. While I originally loved the idea of green, it didn’t take long for me to chicken out. Black felt like a safer choice. Plus, to achieve the perfect dark forest green, I had thought we would have had to go with wood siding and select a paint color. We didn’t want to deal with the upkeep of painted wood siding!
As we continued to design the interior of the home, it became apparent that the design was evolving from modern to traditional. Pine doors, marble counters, warm oak floors, beadboard, unlaquered brass, an old dining table, etc…the Danish, all black exterior was beginning to feel too cold in contrast to the warmth of the interior finishes.
Enter, Quality Edge, who we are so thrilled to be working with on the exterior of our home! When QE asked what color we were planning for the home, we said something dark, ideally black. They threw out a suggestion…you guessed it….a dark forest green! They sent us a swatch of their color “Spruce,” having no idea that my heart had already been flirting with the concept of a green house! We took the swatch over to the house and held it up against the roof and windows. With an emphatic “YES!” we placed our order. Spruce is the perfect dark forest green, almost a “greenblack.” The siding has a unique visual and feel with a variegated texture that resembles woodgrain.
I searched Pinterest high and low for green exterior inspiration. I had a very difficult time finding houses outfitted in dark green. There were a plethora of light/medium green exteriors, but dark forest green was few and far between. I did find two houses on instagram that tugged on my heart. Ironically, both homes are in the great state of Michigan!
It was impossible not to fall for this beauty from KLH. The black windows, garage door, and front door are reminiscent of our build. The high pitched roofline is also similar to our home!
Next, a friend of mine sent me this home by Michigan blogger, Nadine Stay. How cozy and inviting! She did a wonderful job mixing wood, black, and a perfect shade of green. I love how beautiful this palette would work for summer, fall, and winter porch decorating! I took mental note to find some similar planters for next to our front door.
Quality Edge’s TruCedar steel siding is beautiful, durable, sustainable, and does not require any maintenance! Building close to the Michigan lakeshore, you better believe this house will endure all kinds of weather. Speaking of…can you imagine a dark green house outfitted in Christmas garland and wreaths surrounded by white snow trimmed woods this coming December? I can hardly contain my excitement!
With a textured woodgrain finish, this steel siding provides the look of wood without the maintenance. The TruCedar line is available in variety of shapes- Dutch lap, board and batten, and more. We had a difficult time choosing between 6” and 10” board and batten. We had white vinyl 6” siding on the Holland cottage, which looked adorable! Ultimately, I felt like the 10” would be more proportional to the scale of the house.
I love how Nadine Stay added warmth to exterior with a wood door. You may remember that we considered a wood front door as well. Ultimately, we decided to go with black. We are doing solid pine interior doors. In the front entry, there will be several interior doors (to the powder bath and laundry). We didn’t want to have an oak front door that clashed with the wood doors on the inside, so we went with a black front door. We'll warm up the front porch with some wood chairs, possibly these or these.
Soon, these black sconces will be delivered! I ordered them months ago and was pretty nervous they would not arrive in time due to a backorder. Thankfully, they should make it in the knick of time! I love the modern shape and the brass backing. Our garage, front door, and back door sconces linked below.
Siding install will be taking place next week. I’ll be sure to share some updates once we return home from Montana! Once the siding install is complete, I will share a full post all about the Vesta siding!
Han