fresh white - pve






for 3 years i have spent countless hours wondering what this cottage would look like painted white.  and when i say countless, i mean countless.  the debate in my head has driven me to countless headaches too.  i wrote a post about it here where tara dillard gave me excellent advice.
i love red, the cottage has been red for at least 45-50 years.  so everyone knows this house as the little red cottage in the park.  redlands thrives on history and does not like change.  but from the moment i laid eyes on this house, i wanted to paint it white. 
well they better prepare themselves because i won this gorgeous sketch from
and my mind is made up.  to see her vision of my cottage is a dream come true.

I LOVE IT

i love everything about it, the color, the zippy awning, the way the landscape stands out.
patricia sent me the sketch yesterday morning and i immediately made it my screensaver.  sorry jack.  i stared at it all day long.  it's funny because now i know exactly what colors to use inside.  it has such a great  ralph lauren look to it.  while larry is glad that jack is off my screen, he's worried about just who is going to do the painting, as in him.   

thank you so much patricia for helping bring a dream come true.







what do you think?

xo
janet

85 comments

  1. I agree, I think the white would look lovely, and it would complement your garden too.

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  2. Hello Janet:
    Although we have only very recently 'followed' you, and therefore hesitate to venture an opinion, we really think the red of your house is perfect - original, distinctive and so, so chic!

    Patricia's sketch is lovely, and the awning very dramatic, but, stick with the red.

    For over 25 years we lived in a 'black and white' cottage in Herefordshire which, much to the consternation of our neighbours, we painted an ox-blood red. The result was wonderful and it was not very long before others followed suit. Later we discovered that this was the original colour, it being a Victorian fashion to use white.

    We are so pleased to have discovered your very varied and most interesting blog.

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  3. White, absolutely. I couldn't agree with you more. I think the landscaping will really, truly POP when the house is white. It'll be beautiful! And then you'll have to find something new to take up your thoughts... :-) I can't wait to see the change!

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  4. White! I enjoy the way you use red accents in your house garden and wardrobe, but I think the white sets off the garden beautifully. We once lived in a gardener's cottage on an city estate in RI very much like yours, but since we only leased it, we could never paint it white. I love the crisp awnings, like stripes with florals as a background.

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  5. Sorry(said in a whiny voice) I love the red its so darn cute!

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  6. I love white and have always wanted to live in a white house - ours is blonde sandstone. What would the upkeep be like if it was white? I have to paint our garden sheds every year!

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  7. I had a feeling Patricia's beautiful painting would put you right over the edge!! It is so YOU! I think you should follow your heart, however you decide!

    Tell Larry not to worry, that I'm sure JACK WILL BE BACK!!! Hey, you should see if Jack might help Larry paint the house;)!!

    xxjoan

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  8. It always helps me to see how something is going to look before I take the plunge. That sketch is gorgeous...go for it Janet.

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  9. decisions decisions...how to make your cottage even more charming!

    White would absolutely be charming especially with the awnings and all deep colors in the landscaping but....

    I LOVE the red. :)

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  10. white.

    Me of all people knows Redlands, and knows that people will be a little shocked to see it painted all of a sudden.

    I'm just not a fan of brick red houses, no matter how charming your house is (and IT IS!). White will make everything stand out - the gardening, the interiors, highlight its quaintness .... I think it's much more you, much more the cottage, it will be amazing. Don't look back!

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  11. I love the red! :-) But white would be even more enchanting.... what a gorgeous place! Love the gardens...

    Have a blessed week!

    xo


    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

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  12. What's the worst that could happen? If you don't love it white, you can always paint it red again, or for that matter any other color under the rainbow. Change is good....

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  13. It's such a great house. It would look great either way.

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  14. i know there are going to be people that love the red, i totally understand. but i truly love the white with the awning.

    joan - larry and jack painting my house, hmmm. stop it!

    julie - you know what i'm talking about. i'm gonna catch hell for doing this.

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  15. I love it! Just this past weekend I was driving through Amish country and noticed several of them are starting to paint their homes that very charming deep red. I don't care for red that has an orange tint to it.The crisp white curtains popped. It kind of has a classic look that I never grow tired of.
    Kathy

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  16. Go for the white painting, I think the cottage will look beautiful in these beautiful surroundings whitepainted. Gorgeous sketch!

    Have a beautiful day:)

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  17. janet-
    funny, asking people if they like the red or the white...it is like a new haircut. everyone will have an opinion!
    thrilled that you love the little work of art.
    pve

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  18. I vote white. It suits you. Just be sure to use a really good primer to prep...pink would be bad!

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  19. You will do what you want and we will all love it.

    Have we heard from Steve yet? There's a man who know from change....

    xo Jane

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  20. It looks lovely white. I live in a white house and am desperate to change it to either a pale grey or lichen green. It seems we are never happy! I think that which ever colour you settle on, your house will never lose that quaint charm. It's beautiful. Oh, and after your rose advice, I finally plumped for a Colette climber. Smells divine. I'll let you know how it fairs! Lx

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  21. Hmmmmm. Not bad, better than the dark red. I think it would look best in RL's pale yellow or something creamier--and then all the window and house trim in brightest white. This will give the house an almost trelliswork effect--perfect as a garden backdrop, and avoids the harshness that all-white can have in certain seasons and light. It will also look cleaner longer. Red will still work well as an accent, too.

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  22. Love the white. Your home is so cute ANY color would work.
    I one had a cottage painted gray with white trim and black shutters....it was adorable!
    Betty

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  23. janet,

    I lived with a brown house exterior for years and when it came to repainting we changed it to green...I have never looked back.

    I think your love of white will not disappoint.

    Happy Painting!

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  24. Janet, I live in the house that was the red "barn" here in town for 50 years. A beekeeper lived here and sold his honey on the front porch with an honor system for payment ... quite charming, split rail fence and all.

    But like you, I longed to have it white. We asked friends and people who stopped by during renovation their opinions. Many voted red. But we painted it white and added beige-and-white striped awnings. And I must say I really love it. The hardest part was choosing which white for outdoors.

    Do it I say!

    Shelley Rose, South Pasadena, CA

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  25. I say go for it!!! Love the awning too...

    The outside of our house needs painting, we started doing the smaller areas ourselves but we only have so much time. We will probably end up hiring someone to do the siding. The house is a cottage style as well and a bluish color, but I want grey-blue next time.

    Linda

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  26. Well you know I'm going to say go with the white. You are one lucky lady to receive that piece from PVE, it's fabulous!! Go for it.
    Hugs~
    T

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  27. It is my firm belief that there is very little that can't be improved with a coat of white paint...

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  28. What a great job she did capturing every detail of your cottage. I think it looks as pure and as sweet as the angel that lives inside. It's pure heaven!

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  29. Wow it's gorgeous, I love it too! It truly will set off your beautiful garden to maximum effect. And the awning, well that's just perfect.
    Today I've been... painting. I rather like it once I get going. Tell Larry it won't be so bad!

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  30. The white is going to look amazing...there's nothing like a charming white house surrounded by a lush gardens...(especially one designed by pve!)you can't go wrong! Red, white, and shingled houses have always been my absolute favorite...if you go for it, you'll have had two out of three...lucky girl!
    xo J~

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  31. I would give it a try. I wanted to paint our house white, but our neighbor's have a white house and it would look weird have two next to each other.

    The awning really adds something special to the facade.

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  32. I just saw an upclose image of your home's exterior...it's shingled! So even though your shingles are painted...you will have had all three of my faves if you go for white, super lucky girl!!

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  33. Yes, yes! Go for the white but only if you add the awning. That put me over the edge...fabulous!

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  34. Just delightful my dear, don´t hesitate and do it!!!!
    hugs

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  35. Personally, I think there is nothing better than a white house. It pains me to see houses that have always been white painted some terrible tan or green color. I am thinking of two in my neighborhood. And one that is a colonial that they painted the trim and posts green. Some houses are just suppose to be white. Your house is cute in red....but the red doesn't really flow with the landscaping...does it? It stands out from nature instead of blending with it. I bet this house was not red to begin with. Have you thought about that? What color it was when it was built?

    I think if you are wanting white then go for white. Tell the neighbors that you wanted to take the house back to its original roots. It's your house...by the way...you can do what you want with it.

    Can't wait to see it in white!

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  36. nita, we are not sure of its original color. we know that at one time it was pink and another time a light green. everyone is just gonna have to get used to it.

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  37. Yes, yes, yes!
    Jo in London

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  38. It looks so very lovely in red with the white treams... a fairytale cottage!

    Cielo

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  39. You can't go wrong with a white cottage! The red is so charming, but if you're ready for a fresh change, go for it!

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  40. White is a classic. If my house had any character, I would use it too! Sherwin Williams has a great online colour visualizer tool - you can upload your own photo and try different paint colours. I have been using it for my house to try different colours (dear Boston Steve is helping me vet colours!).

    You need some minimal graphic skills like clicking and colouring in your different fields you want different colors. It is easy - try it! Then you can try your house in any Sherwin Wm colour. No charge. And of course you can buy your paint anywhere, not restricted to them.

    xo Terri

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  41. Janet, the white will be lovely.
    I love the awning too. I do wonder how
    much light the awning will block from coming
    in the home?
    I love tons of natural light.

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  42. Hi Janet,
    You must do what makes you happy. But if you are asking for an opinion; the red is warm, welcoming, and unique (like you). I had the white cottage and I was sooooo bored with it.
    But, forst and foremost, you should always follow your heart.
    Fondly,
    Miranda, SF Bay Area

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  43. No brainer. You will be permanently blissed out by its RalphLaurenness!!

    The red has looked lovely for a long time, but houses evolve. Its not like you are planning to paint it lime green afterall. xx

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  44. Well, Janet, it is darling as it is but I think white with that awning would be so cottage chic. If I lived in a cottage like yours, I would want it either white or pale yellow. DO IT! You already know you are going to love it. xxBliss

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  45. white would be lovely and, having moved from a gray house to a red brick house...white is so much easier than red and gives you so many options to plant and landscape around.

    i'm all about the garden.

    nanne in indiana by way of alabama

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  46. You've been wanting to do it. You just confirmation that it looks great. It's a no brainer.

    My brother was yelling at me as I took my pink and green house to black and white and I've never had a second thought about it. I love it, you will too.

    my only concern is that while I love the awning, will you miss the sunlight inside?...

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  47. I love your house in both colours, so I am a bit of a fence-sitter...
    The best thing is, if you change a house colour and don't like it, can always change it back!
    I've been thinking about getting the front of my home skecthed for quite some time, will have to do some reasearch! x

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  48. Hello Janet,

    I love it! The white that is with the black striped awning. It looks beyond perfection and don't get me wrong...I was in love with the red until I saw this sketch. I think it's meant to be and like Patricia said, it's with passion and much consideration that you make this decision. On a side note, I have always had a white house with black shutters (until now) and have always loved how the window boxes and all of the landscape stands out against white. It's like the perfect canvas. And many times, even with a white and black house I chose all white geraniums for my front porch pots and a mix of coleus in my window boxes. It always made me happy. I can't wait to see the transformation of your beautiful cottage.

    xo annie

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  49. What a beautiful sketch! I, too, love it! And now the big question--You said "funny how you now know exactly what colors to use inside the house" And sooooooooooo....they are...?????????
    Inquiring minds want to know. :-)
    -Suzanne in Illinois

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  50. Sounds lovely Janet, and so complimentary to the interior.

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  51. suzanne - i'm thinking with the exterior white i want to add more ralph lauren florals and plaids. i have quite a few from our old house. i'll keep you posted.

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  52. Oh this has got me all excited Janet. DO IT I say. Life is too short to procrastinate and keep wondering 'what if' all the time.
    I know I'm biased because I'm a lover of white. Yes it's a big job (we are painting our house inside and out ourselves but saving a small fortune). The neighborhood might be spooked at first but the residents will get used to the facelift.

    You know you want to :)
    xx

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  53. Had to come write- go white! love your blog, glad to find it.

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  54. pve's sketch is utterly charming and the awning is the icing on the cake. Would you paint the trim a contrasting color or stick with white?
    ~skye

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  55. Dear Janet, Oh yes!!!! oxo, Joyce

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  56. I really love the white, I say go for it! Love the awning too!

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  57. I know you are all about the black and white contrast, and I'm pretty darn sure you can put up with any and all backlash. When will the painting commence, for we are all on pins and needles!
    Camille

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  58. Maybe all the whites inside the house will have to leave as soon as the outer turns white?

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  59. Definitely white,I feel you have already made up your mind....go gal go. Ida

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  60. The awning coordinates so well with the kitchen and bath floors - inside and out will flow. Believe you'll feel it is complete once you've put your mark on the outside as well. "Less is more" applies. The red is charming but pulls from the garden focus. Think your garden will pop with the white.

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  61. do it!! it's just paint.... that awning is smashing....

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  62. YOUR home........YOUR choice.
    I love your sweet cottage any color.

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  63. oh...........and DO add the awning!

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  64. white! I think white looks cool and serene. Your garden will shine with white as a backdrop.

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  65. Aaaah! Two of my favorite people together! This is fantastic.

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  66. Janet...You always look lovely dressed in white and black. The house will too...how about adding a red door too accessorize?! (I can't believe no one has suggested this yet!). If you're inspired, then you know it's right.

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  67. Go for it Janet ... people will soon get used to seeing the 'little white house' in Redlands! It looks adorable. XXX

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  68. it'll be just lovely - i love white houses with lush gardens around them.

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  69. I really like the beautiful sketch - the white coupled with the wonderful awning is really great. I say go for it, Janet!

    xo
    Claudia

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  70. I say be true to your white ethos and go go for it Janet xxxx

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  71. I wasn't so sure about the white when first I read of your plans. I married in a litte red church, owned a little red store and now have a little red house next door. I have a deep affection for little red buidings! However, now that I've seen the sketch I'm putting my vote in for the white... Gorgeousness! And that awning just makes it for me! Oh how I love stripe-y awnings!

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  72. Go ahead and do it! You can alway repaint it red if you want. Use a gray primer before you paint it white. It will save you a lot of headaches and coats of paint.

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  73. Ok Sis, I give in I have always loved your RED HOUSE. So go ahead after seeing the what it would look like in White you have my blessing. HA HA

    Love you,
    Teri

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  74. Love it! You love black & white together (Judging by your interiors & for that matter, who doesn't?!)
    Perhaps a black front door as well, or/and the little fan shaped vent above the the awning?
    Remember, the awning will cut down considerably on your sunlight, and you will be able to see it from inside, so angle accordingly!
    Good Luck with your decision!

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  75. It's going to be even more beautiful than it already is! I'd love to paint ours White but the front faces north and moss is a problem, but I'm pretty happy with the butter yellow. Have fun painting!
    Ps. I changed my name from pink rose cottage to hawthorn beach cottage but the jury's still out on that too.
    Michelle

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  76. I love the white...I think it is because your lovely little home reminds me of my Nanna and Papa's home. Simple, white and full of lovely memories. I can't wait to see it.

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  77. Dear Janet,

    Go for it! It will look lovely!!!!

    Lieve groet & good luck with the painting :-),

    Madelief x

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  78. Janet,
    I'm a big believer in white houses. When we bought our house someone had painted it yellow. The style of my house must and can only be white. I never could imagine it as anything else. Don't give your choice a second thought. White would be perfect!
    Randy

    www.ajbarnesonline.blogspot.com

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  79. Janet,
    I keep coming back to read all the comments and I for one am waiting to see what you do....to The Gardener's cottage every day!
    pve

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  80. enchanting! fresh white will look wonderful even in the winter. how about a cheery red welcome door as an homage to the red? white cottage, black and white awning, red door... tres'chic!

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  81. whoops! sorry... am used to it posting as soon as commented on other blogs, so thought it didn't take. maybe i was meant to vote twice ;)

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  82. Go the white! A black and white striped awning makes it.

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  83. I would paint it white in a heartbeat! It looks so cozy and sweet, and that awning would be adorable.

    I vote PAINT IT WHITE!

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  84. Your cottage home is lovely. The red paint is nice but I love how your home looks painted white in Patricia's painting. Go with your instincts... I think white would look fabulous!

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kindness is never out of style.

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