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Exterior
House Love
HGTV ‘Design Star’ Winner Jennifer Bertrand knows all about thinking outside the box!
By Jennifer Bertrand
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porch, concrete steps, railings, shutters, house numbers, etc. There are so many elements that exist beyond the main body of the house. So, if you play it safe with the main color, take a risk and try something fun elsewhere! I have a designer friend who changes his front door color every six months—awesome, right? Well, that’s a simple change. Have you ever pinned something to Pinterest and chickened out right before you were going to pull it off? That is the difference between a DIY job and the at- mosphere a designer creates: We take risks that scare the average homeowner. If you’ve pinned the same concept in 20 different photographs and can’t pull the trigger, stop wavering and go for it! You obviously like it and just need me to high-five you into do- ing it! So go do it!
How often do you crave change? If you find that you like change, it’s all about creating a neutral backdrop. This gives you the flexibility to layer varying accents of color. Now, that does not have to mean beige or khaki. I just designed a space where my neu- tral was a dark forest green. Just ask yourself, How many different things can I do with this color ? For example, with the forest green, it can be paired with charcoal, turquoise, camel, another shade of green, and on and on. So as you pick a color, think, How many variations can I layer into this so I can evolve with the color over time? What is your favorite color? Envision how you could use your favorite shade as a punch of color in your exterior curb appeal. Fun ways to use your favorite color could include on the front door, the 2 3
re you scared to give your home an exterior facelift? By asking yourself the right questions and following this quick recipe for
gaining exterior confidence, you can pull off the look you really want with much less intimidation. Questions to ask yourself What do you want your exterior to say about you? Are you going for classy, calm, happy ... you get the idea. As you know, colors evoke feelings. Because my family has gone through so many medical issues, I needed our house to feel light and airy overall. However, I also love dark and dramatic. Later in life, I know my husband and I will have a charcoal and black home. But for now those colors are nowhere near our house! 1
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vintagekc spring 2015
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