Okay, y’all. First of all, before we get started–you might need refreshments for this post.

And a comfy chair.

There’s a lot of paint discussion and a lot of photos and a lot of before and after.

Why?

Because we painted the house.

This is what the house looked like when we bought it back from the people that my mother sold it to after we all grew up and moved away. That’s right. If this is your first visit to the blog, this is the house I grew up in. This is the color that my mother painted the house when I was studying the Pythagorean Theroum in high school trying to meet my future husband by his locker. I forget what color it was before this, but I vaguely remember a shade of white with green shutters.

This picture was taken about five years ago almost to the day.

There have been a LOT of changes in those five years. We painted the brick steps and porch. We lost those amazing bushes in the front to the snowstorm of 2021. We added shutters. We got a new roof. We added black gutters. But most importantly?

We painted the exterior of the house.

And now?

It looks like this.

Can YOU EVEN BELIEVE IT?

I hope you can because I couldn’t.

Those five years have been full of a lot of work that I forgot all about.

Here’s another picture from a different angle.

(Total aside: please only look at the house, not at the lawn. Texas is in the middle of a giant drought right now with water restrictions. The lawn and the landscaping will look SO MUCH cuter next year.)

Here’s what the house looked like from the front when we bought it.

And five years later?

It looks like this.

Ahhh.

For the love of everything that is right in this world will you scroll back up and look at those before and afters again?

The difference makes me so happy.

And the white paint that we picked is absolute perfection.

Here’s how we chose the paint and some of the BEST white exterior paint colors.

The entire painting process started here with these peel & stick samples from Sherwin-Williams. Peel & stick samples are available in select colors and can be ordered online at swsamples.com. You can take the guesswork out of color selection with easy-to-use samples that are available in 275 top-selling Sherwin-Williams colors and Emerald® Designer Edition™ colors.

And the best part?

All you have to do is peel and stick.

Here are my go-to white paint colors, all of which I considered for my home’s exterior.

You can use peel & stick samples to try out colors and see how they look at different times of the day. The samples are removable and repositionable to easily move from room to room or wall to wall. 

Here they are on the outside of our home when I was trying to decide which one to choose.

I loved it because they were so easy to move around from one side of the house to the other.

If you have ever chosen an exterior paint color before, you know how important it is to look at the paint on all sides of the house.

These samples were absolute perfection because they were so easy to move.

I was able to choose my exterior white paint color with confidence.

Are you curious about what I picked?

Drum roll, please…….

…… Extra White SW 7006

I was THIS close to going with Pure White SW 7005, but in the end, my favorite pure, clean, wonderful white paint color Extra White SW 7006 took the blue ribbon home.

You actually can’t go wrong with any of these exterior paint colors. They are all tried and true depending on the location and amount of shade that your home gets.

Here are some factors to consider when you are choosing an exterior paint color:

  1. Take into consideration your foundation or existing brick color. One of the most important factors to take into account is the existing undertones. This can be a great starting point for choosing paint colors because it helps to create a cohesive look for your home. If you’re not sure what direction to go in, you can always ask for advice from the experts at your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams paint store or you can book a free Virtual Color Consultation with a Sherwin-Williams color expert.  
  2. Lighter colors tend to make a house look larger, while darker colors can give the illusion of a smaller space. So if you’re looking to add a bit of visual extra square footage (without actually having to build an addition), lighter paint is a great option.
  3. One of the most important things to consider is the sheen of the paint. A glossy finish tends to show every imperfection. A matte finish is more forgiving, but it can also look dull and flat. In my opinion, the best choice is a satin sheen, which strikes a perfect balance between gloss and matte. 
  4. You also want to consider the amount of sun exposure your home receives. If your home is in a sunny location, you’ll want to avoid dark colors that will absorb heat, making your home uncomfortably warm. Instead, opt for lighter colors that will reflect the sunlight and help keep your home cool. We live in Texas, so a lighter color was a no-brainer for us.

After we chose the color, the prep work started. There was so much rotted wood and a lot of boards that needed to be replaced. The house was built in 1908 and some of the boards have been around since Theodore Roosevelt was president.

Then the entire house was power washed to remove loose paint and then any remaining loose paint was scraped off.

The entire house was painted with two (and some areas even three) coats of paint because we were going from a gray paint color to a white paint color. Sherwin-Williams Emerald® Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint has amazing coverage and helped smooth out all the areas of the house where the paint was scraped off.

And when we were finished?

The house looked like this.

It’s one of my favorite transformations ever.

From before to after and all the years and changes and transformations and paint changes in between.

It still holds true.

There’s no place like home. 🙂

disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams.

All opinions are my own.

Please see my disclosure page for more information.

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Posted On: August 31, 2022

Written By: KariAnne Wood

Comments

  2. Image for Betsy Betsy

    Stunning! It looks classic too. We are Sherwin Williams Emerald paint. It’s on both the outside and the inside of our home.

    Reply
  7. Image for Lyn Lyn

    Our previous home was a colonial blue, and we loved it. When my husband was transferred years ago we were going to build a new home, but after being told how long it would take we decided to purchase their model home. It's white, and at that time the builder had put on grey shutters and front door. Fast forward it now has black shutters and a French blue front door. I had never considered white as an exterior color until we purchased this home. We are now planning to downsize a bit, and the only thing I really want is a white exterior! It's so classic and fresh looking. Beautiful job on you home.

    Reply
  8. Image for Carrie Carrie

    OH! OH! Oh so beautiful!!! An amazing transformation. Another well done, over the top perfect, project! BRAVO I think the black gutters may be my favorite!

    Reply
  9. Image for Judy Judy

    I LOVE your home's transformation! I am partial to white colonials. You are going to be so happy you went to white. Your landscaping looks so fresh also. Our home is very similar to yours, with the exception of our porch is only under our portico and not all the way across the front. When we built some years ago, I knew I wanted a white house. Composite siding material was fairly new but offered a very nice white colonial siding. Thank goodness we went that route, so we've never had to paint...just a power washing ever other year. We are the first house on the block and the only white house in the neighborhood. Our neighbors refer to us as the "flag-ship" of the neighborhood. We just met brand new neighbors and she said when the realtor was bringing them to our street, as they turned the corner she saw our house and said to her husband, she hoped ours was the one for sale!

    Reply
  10. Image for Louann Louann

    KW As befitting you, the house is beautiful! I think your mom is amazed and so proud of your accomplishment! Question please? What color of SW paint is on your living room walls? Preparing to totally refresh the inside of our OKC historic home built in 1937! Want to keep the snow white crown molding, blinds and millwork BUT….want the walls a lovely clear cream. After 25 total years with some red in our home ( 15 here), a change is needed. Going with cream, white, soft blue ( like you) and pops of orange. If you could/would tell me a few of your fav cream colors, I would like to order peel and stick samples. Your input and suggestions would surely be appreciated! Thanx so much and enjoy your day! We are driving south of Dallas for the holiday…..wish I could see your house from I-35/lol 🌺🌺🌺

    Reply
    1. Image for KariAnne Wood KariAnne Wood

      I actually painted that room SW Extra White as well! As far as creams go--have you looked at Dover White from Sherwin? It's such a pretty color! Happy day! KariAnne

      Reply
  12. Image for Diane Greiner Diane Greiner

    I luv luv luv your home!!! as I write, my carpenter is tearing down part of a wall to retrofit an antique European door..I get it! I’ve always wanted to remodel an older home but, that has not happened! Making do here in North Carolina! I really enjoy your writings too!

    Reply
  13. Image for Mary Mary

    The house looks gorgeous and the setting and house compliment each other. One question, do you have plans in the future to change out the metal railings for a wood or pvc product? So enjoy your stories about family and latest projects. I ‘be learn a lot from your dyi tutorials.

    Reply
    1. Image for KariAnne Wood KariAnne Wood

      Mary, I can't decide. There's so much history with it. I might try and have it repaired. I was thinking white---but now with the new color scheme, I like the black railings! Happy day! KariAnne

      Reply
  14. Image for Beth Beth

    Your house is shimmering! So pretty! Don't worry about the lawn everyone else's lawn is the same color I would not have even noticed it if you hadn't mentioned it.😉

    Reply
  18. Image for Patti Patti

    What a beautiful job but just a question; in the last couple of photos the wrought iron railing is above the front door in one and not in another. I love it without the railing as there doesn’t appear to be a walkout from upstairs so it seems unnecessary and frilly. Just MHO! Such a beautiful, special home!

    Reply
    1. Image for KariAnne Wood KariAnne Wood

      It's there---I think the photo you are looking at is the back of the house that doesn't have the railing! Does that make sense?

      Reply
    1. Image for KariAnne Wood KariAnne Wood

      It was the saddest day ever. My dad planted those bushes---we are going to replant once we get past all this heat in the summer!

      Reply
  20. Image for Sharon Sharon

    This is lovely and classic! I also loved the grayish color that you’d previously used. What was the name of that one?

    Reply
  23. Image for Sharon Sharon

    I would have bought this house no matter what it looked like! It is a dream house. But what you done with it, it’s totally amazing and stunning. I get why you say “good morning” to the house everyday! You are so blessed and talented!

    Reply
  27. Image for Michele M. Michele M.

    It looks fabulous, KA! Great info too - thank you! Sorry about your drought. Wish I could send some of our water to you. We are very green and lush - been the nicest weather we've ever had for a spring and summer here. Seriously- best of my lifetime and that is a VERY long time, haha.

    Reply
  32. Image for Kris Kris

    It's good to periodically revisit the updates you have made to your home. You have honored your home's history well. As for the lawn .... ours was the same color for much of the summer. We recently have had rain and have greened up again. Your grass will come back!

    Reply
  33. Image for Colleen Colleen

    KariAnne…the house looks beautiful! I bet it really stands out nicely in your neighbourhood! Did you have to do any improvements to the foundation? Looks like the people who had it before you let the wood on the house start to rot. Such a shame. Glad you could salvage it. I'm curious as to what year the house was built?

    Reply
  34. Image for Cheryl Cheryl

    I was very surprised to read that you had painted the house again. It looks great! I remember when you asked for paint suggestions before you had the house painted the gray color. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago. I know time flies by quickly. What made you decide to paint again? Were you just not happy with the previous choice or were there other issues? Just curious.....

    Reply
      1. Image for KariAnne Wood KariAnne Wood

        When you live in a house with wood siding like this, the elements are not kind. A wood siding house typically has to be painted every five to six years! If you look at the in-between photos---you'll see why we had to paint again! I truly loved the other color. I just was looking for something a little different this time. Happy day! KariAnne

        Reply
  35. Image for Va in NC Va in NC

    Just another beautiful project. Love all you do, Such a classic look for a wonderful home. Do keep it in the family. Question please: What type paint can I use to paint a ceramic lamp? Thank you for all the wonderful ideas you so kindly share. Blessings

    Reply
  36. Image for Andrea Dobbs Andrea Dobbs

    Why can't we be besties? I think we would be a great pair together. EVERYTHING you do, create, find, repurpose, wear, and dumpster dive for (aka free) makes me so happy! I wish you made house calls to folks with "designer envy." Funny story...I bought those huge flower shaped beaded earrings that you showcased on a Wednesday. Thought I'd wear them(I got the red-multicolored) to church with a new white dress. So I looked spiffy and off I went. Was walking into church carrying my grandson in his car seat, got off balance (you would have loved my shoes!) and fell. Baby was ok but foot and ankle sprained. The bright side...dress did not fly up and show my panties AND my earrings were durable and looked just as beautiful as when I put them on. Keep on spreading joy and your vision so others can believe in their crafting and decorating abilities! I absolutely love to read your blog and watch those videos!

    Reply
  38. Image for Debbie in SC Debbie in SC

    Look at this transformation! I love that you purchased the home that you grew up in...such wonderful memories for you!! You poured so much love back into your family home. That is so wonderful. Your transformation is beautiful outside and inside! You and I are blue and white ladies. ❣️

    Reply
  42. Image for Donna Donna

    How exciting and wonderful you were able to get ownership back for this gorgeous home! If only the house could talk, what memories it must have. And now, you're making memories with your children. So sweet!!!

    Reply
  43. Image for Karen B. Karen B.

    Karianne, The house looks so pretty. It must be so satisfying to be able to live in the house you grew up in. Thanks for sharing. Karen B.

    Reply
  44. Image for MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!)

    KariAnne, your home looks absolutely beautiful -- inside and out! You have definitely made the perfect color choice! The black shutters and roof just add so much to the white paint you picked. You will enjoy the outside for many years. It's just "perfect" now. You are so blessed to be in your childhood home with all the old memories and the new ones that you are making -- just so precious! Bless you all!

    Reply
  48. Image for Pam Pam

    It's amazing!! I love all the black trim against the white and those black gutters !!! I love them! I'm going to have to rethink my old white gutters now... hmmmm! Also, the black iron railings are just perfect. I love it all!

    Reply
  49. Image for Joanne Joanne

    You certainly made the right decision ! It’s so very perfect! It’s like it’s always wanted to be these colours since it was built and now you’ve made everything right. 🥰👍 I absolutely LOVE it! So “Father of the Bride” one of my favourite houses! So impressed! Congratulations on a job well WELL done. 👏👏👏

    Reply
  51. Image for Lynn Mosher Lynn Mosher

    AWE-SOME!!! Great job, as always! House looks wonderful! Job well done! Glad to see you're so pleased with it. 😍

    Reply
  52. Image for Linda Scott Linda Scott

    Classic white house with black shutters, my colors too!! Just love them and your home looks so stately and rich! Now I want to change my door color this year so I'm having fun with that! Mustard yellow, maybe?

    Reply
  56. Image for Kathy Kathy

    Sweet Kari, I have deliberated, hesitated and will probably always regret making a comment on your wonderful house. I always think that people should keep negative comments to themselves, but I'm breaking out of that shell. I love your beautiful house, I think all those double windows are the most beautiful assets a house can have! However......when I saw all the black shutters and trim on your beautiful white house it made me think of the "angry" cartoon faces of the villains with the heavy full black eyebrows that wiggle up and down. I'm sorry to make a mean comment but I keep going back to this post to try and change my mind and just can't relax when I see it. I can only look forward to the next update in 5 years to calm down those mischievous windows and shave their eyebrows. Love the white and sorry to be critical. I guess it is good we don't agree on everything. To the other readers, I hear you saying that I should have kept quiet🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨

    Reply

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