From the moment we officially took ownership and were handed the keys to our beloved home this past spring, Robert and I have been eagerly anticipating the chance to share our grand vision with you all. If our journey were a classic sitcom episode, it would undoubtedly be titled “The One with the Grand Brick Plans.” Just like those straightforward show titles, our plan for this house is clear, exciting, and full of transformational potential.

I distinctly recall the first time we ascended those charming steps to our home’s quaint stoop. Even then, before fully stepping inside, my mind was already set on limewashing this entire brick exterior. Robert later confessed that he harbored the exact same thought. It seems great minds truly do think alike, or perhaps, it’s simply the synchronicity developed after years of shared dreams and married life.

Our charming colonial, with its inherent character and timeless appeal, already possesses a captivating allure. However, we envision her reaching an even greater level of elegance, draped in the soft, ethereal beauty of a limewashed white finish. This transformation isn’t just about changing a color; it’s about embracing a classic European aesthetic that promises to elevate her curb appeal significantly.

Our preference for natural textures means we’re not seeking a completely opaque, painted surface. Instead, we desire a finish that allows a subtle hint of the underlying brick’s raw character to peek through. This is precisely where limewash shines as the perfect solution. Unlike traditional paint, limewash breathes with the brick, creating a soft, chalky, and slightly distressed appearance that evolves beautifully over time, offering depth and an authentic vintage feel that paint simply cannot replicate.

You might recall our previous fireplace makeover, where we tackled the very same orange-toned brick that dominates our home’s exterior. For that project, I confidently used Romabio Classico Limewash, and the results were nothing short of enchanting. The transformation was instantaneous, and I fell utterly in love with the soft, aged look it imparted. This personal success story fueled my conviction that Romabio was the ideal choice for our much larger exterior project.

Romabio Classico Limewash distinguishes itself as a premium product, crafted from authentic slaked-lime imported directly from Italy. This unique composition allows it to be applied in a single coat, making the process significantly simpler and more efficient than traditional methods like German Smear or mortar wash, which often require multiple steps and a more labor-intensive application. Crucially, Romabio Classico Limewash is specifically engineered for exterior use, guaranteeing exceptional durability. It resists flaking and peeling, ensuring that the beautiful, authentic European aesthetic it creates endures for years, maintaining its charm and character through various weather conditions. Its mineral-based nature also allows the brick to breathe, preventing moisture buildup and contributing to the longevity of your masonry.

My positive experience with Romabio’s limewash was so profound that I decided to reach out to them directly. I inquired if they might be interested in collaborating on a house exterior makeover, and to my delight, they enthusiastically agreed! We are thrilled to announce that their team will be visiting us in November to help bring this exciting transformation to life. This partnership is a dream come true, allowing us to achieve the timeless look we’ve envisioned with the highest quality materials.

In just a few short weeks, our traditional brick colonial will shed its current facade and emerge with a stunning new appearance, much like the inspiring before-and-after transformations you often see. We are beyond excited to witness this incredible change firsthand, and we can’t wait to share every step of this journey with you. Be sure to follow along on my Instagram Stories for real-time updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and all the progress as it unfolds.

Source: Romabio

Now, the most delightful dilemma: choosing the perfect limewash color. The right shade will define the entire aesthetic of our home, setting the tone for years to come. What limewash color would you select to achieve that coveted European elegance?

Choosing Your Limewash Color: A Guide to Timeless Hues

When embarking on a limewash project, selecting the ideal color is paramount. Romabio offers a carefully curated palette, each shade designed to enhance the natural beauty of brick while creating a sophisticated, historic feel. Here are three of my top contenders, each with distinct characteristics that can dramatically alter a home’s appearance:

Source: Romabio

Bianco White: This is a classic, crisp white, utterly pure and devoid of any yellow undertones. Bianco White delivers a bright, clean, and refreshing look, ideal for achieving a sophisticated Mediterranean or modern farmhouse aesthetic. It creates a striking contrast with darker accents and reflects light beautifully, making your home feel expansive and airy. If you dream of a truly luminous white exterior, Bianco White is an impeccable choice that exudes timeless charm.

Source: Romabio

Riposo Beige: Offering a softer, more grounded appeal, Riposo Beige is a darker, inviting beige characterized by subtle yellow undertones. This color imparts a sense of warmth and history, perfect for creating a cozy, European cottage, or Tuscan-inspired feel. It’s less stark than pure white, providing a gentle glow that harmonizes beautifully with natural surroundings and warmer wood accents. Riposo Beige creates an approachable and enduring facade.

Source: Romabio

Avorio White: This versatile shade strikes a perfect balance, presenting as a neutral white that gracefully complements both cool and warm tones in trim, roofing, and landscaping elements. Avorio White has a creamy, slightly off-white quality that feels both traditional and fresh. It avoids the starkness of pure white while still maintaining a bright, clean appearance. This adaptability makes Avorio White an excellent choice for a wide range of architectural styles, offering a sophisticated canvas that adapts to your chosen accent colors. It provides a refined softness that is both inviting and elegant.

While these three are my personal favorites, Romabio actually offers four additional stunning colors in their Classico Limewash range. It’s always recommended to test samples on your actual brick exterior, as natural light and surrounding elements can significantly impact how a color appears. Seeing the limewash dry on a section of your home will give you the most accurate representation and confidence in your final choice.

Beyond the brick itself, our exterior makeover will encompass painting the trim and shutters. These elements are crucial for defining the architectural details of our home and complementing the limewashed brick. The interplay between the main facade and these accents is key to achieving a cohesive and truly polished look. With so many inspiring combinations available, the decision on accent colors is proving to be just as exciting, and challenging, as choosing the limewash itself.

Selecting the Perfect Shutter and Trim Colors: Enhancing Your Limewash Look

Once the limewash color is chosen, the next critical step in achieving a harmonious exterior is selecting the right shutter and trim colors. These accents frame your home, add depth, and introduce character. Here, we explore several popular options that pair beautifully with a limewashed brick exterior, along with specific Behr paint suggestions known for their excellent exterior performance.

Source: The Potted Boxwood

Black Shutters: There’s an undeniable elegance to the classic combination of white limewash and black shutters. This pairing offers a striking contrast that makes architectural details pop and creates a sense of timeless sophistication. Black shutters provide a strong, grounding effect, often evoking a stately, traditional, or even modern farmhouse appeal. The crisp lines and deep hue of black against a soft, textured white facade are simply breathtaking. For those considering this bold yet classic choice, here are some Behr paint colors renowned for their suitability on exteriors:

1. Behr Little Black Dress: A true, deep black that offers maximum impact and a sleek finish.

2. Behr Black Suede: A softer black with subtle warm undertones, providing a rich, velvety appearance.

3. Behr Cracked Pepper: A sophisticated, dark charcoal black that adds depth without being overly stark.

Source: Decor Pad

Cool Gray Shutters: For those seeking a more subdued and inviting aesthetic, cool gray shutters offer a beautiful alternative to black. The softer tones of a cool gray create a welcoming atmosphere, blending harmoniously with the limewashed brick without creating sharp contrasts. This choice lends itself well to contemporary, coastal, or even updated colonial styles, providing a sense of calm and understated sophistication. Cool grays often have blue or green undertones, which can vary depending on the light. Here are some excellent Behr cool gray options:

1. Behr Barnwood Gray: A deep, rustic gray with subtle cool undertones, reminiscent of weathered wood.

2. Behr Elephant Skin: A medium-dark gray, highly versatile, with a solid, grounding presence.

3. Behr Tin Foil: A lighter, crisp cool gray that offers a fresh and modern feel.

4. Behr Dark Pewter: A rich, deep gray with a hint of blue, adding a touch of elegance and depth.

Source: Claffisica 

Warm Gray Shutters: If you prefer a gray that feels more inviting and less stark, warm gray shutters are an excellent choice. These grays often carry subtle yellow or brown undertones, creating a soft, earthy connection that complements the natural texture of limewashed brick beautifully. A warm gray can imbue your home with a cozy, sophisticated, and slightly rustic charm, working well with traditional and transitional styles. They can also bridge the gap between warmer stone elements or wood features on your home. Consider these Behr warm gray tones:

1. Behr Smoked Tan: A sophisticated blend of gray and tan, offering a rich, earthy warmth.

2. Behr Cotton Grey: A lighter warm gray, soft and ethereal, perfect for a gentle transition.

3. Behr Arid Plains: A mid-tone warm gray with a distinct greige quality, versatile and grounding.

Source: Remodelaholic

Navy Blue Shutters: For a pop of color that still behaves like a sophisticated neutral, navy blue shutters are an exquisite choice. Navy offers a vibrant yet deep hue that pairs wonderfully with the soft texture of limewashed brick. It can evoke a coastal charm, a classic academic feel, or simply a refined elegance. Navy blue adds an unexpected layer of interest and personality, making your home stand out with tasteful distinction. It’s a color that’s both timeless and on-trend, providing a beautiful contrast without being overly jarring. Explore these Behr navy options:

1. Behr Starless Night: A deep, true navy, almost black in low light, offering profound depth.

2. Behr English Channel: A classic, vibrant navy with a strong blue presence, perfect for a nautical touch.

3. Behr Midnight Show: A rich, dark navy that leans slightly toward charcoal, offering a sophisticated edge.

Source: Luxe

French Blue Shutters: While perhaps not a traditional neutral, French blue offers an utterly gorgeous and sophisticated choice for shutters. This soft, dusty blue hue imparts an undeniable sense of charm, romance, and a touch of European flair. Coupled with a rustic wooden front door, French blue shutters on a limewashed home would create an undeniably chic and distinctive look, reminiscent of quaint European villages. This color choice speaks to individuality and an appreciation for delicate beauty. These Behr colors can capture that elusive French blue essence:

1. Behr Malaysian Mist: A very light, airy blue with a hint of gray, creating a delicate and serene atmosphere.

2. Behr Whipped Mint: A muted blue-green, soft and inviting, perfect for a subtle touch of color.

3. Behr French Toile: A classic medium blue with a slight gray undertone, capturing the essence of antique textiles.

4. Behr Rocky Mountain Sky: A slightly deeper, more saturated French blue, still soft but with more presence.

The possibilities truly feel endless, and each combination holds its own unique appeal. What would be your ultimate pick for our colonial home? Would you go for the crisp clarity of Bianco White limewash with classic black shutters? Or perhaps the welcoming warmth of Riposo Beige limewash complemented by sophisticated warm gray shutters? Maybe even the versatile Avorio White limewash paired with charming French blue shutters to truly embrace that European chic. There are so many beautiful choices, and we’d love to hear your thoughts as we navigate these exciting decisions!