Last week I was in Victoria and had dinner with my friend Kim (who I have not seen for 7 years, she was in Miami but she’s back) at the Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa. So stunning! The whole hotel was varying shades of natural cedar accented with black.
Photos by Maria Killam Colour & Design
Now until this point; anytime I have seen an exterior with stained cedar siding or shingles and people have used black on the fascia, windows, on the stucco, etc. I look at it and think—that is so wrong. Just to be clear I'm talking about an all cedar house with black trim.
A natural ‘whistler cabin’ look like that with a modern accent black, in my world the combination does not work! Until I saw it so tastefully done in this hotel and I figured out why it works so well. . .
A side view of the patio:
Here’s my mojito; I really took this picture to show you the patio chairs, so comfortable!
Notice how the fascia is not black, and the balcony looks like it was left the cement colour. If the balcony and fascia were black, it would be too heavy and (in my opinion) would kill the natural, organic feeling of this setting. Using black strictly as an accent instead of in a heavy handed way, keeps the look sophisticated, exclusive and serene! On any other exterior, it would be weird not to repeat the black on the fascia, but with an all cedar exterior, it's very well done just the way it is.
Above photo obviously not taken by me
This brings me to my point; the ONLY time it works to use a tool like a Personal Colour Viewer with Benjamin Moore is if you are trying out dramatic combinations using black trim (for example) otherwise, there is no way that a computer generated paint sample on an exterior photo of your home, will give you an accurate impression of what the colour will look like, when the light hits it during varying times of the day.
If you need exterior colour advice for ANY other reason, hire a professional.
Related posts:
5 Steps to choosing the Right Exterior Colours
The Best Exterior Trim Colours—NOT Cloud White
Advice to Do it Yourself Homeowners on Choosing Exterior Colour
