The magic of a home transformation—there’s something so satisfying about taking a tired, worn-out exterior and turning it into something that feels fresh, inviting, and full of personality.
When this Mediterranean-inspired home came into view, it was clear that it had potential, but a few tweaks were in order to make it truly shine. The goal was simple: bring out the Mediterranean charm while ensuring the colors complemented the rustic stone, creating a cozy, stylish retreat.
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BEFORE & AFTER: The Mediterranean Magic (With a Twist)
Now, this home had some lovely Mediterranean elements, but it was missing a few key features. Let’s start with the roof. We all know the Mediterranean style is famous for its beautiful clay tile roofs, but this house had a light gray roof that didn’t quite fit the bill. It wasn’t the weathered wood look that’s often so popular in asphalt-style roofs, but since the roof wasn’t very visible anyway, I decided to just…let it be.
Instead, I focused on the real star of the show: the exterior of the house. The brown stone on the front was commanding all the attention (in a good way), but that meant the existing gray and bright white paint wasn’t doing it any favors. It was time for a little color makeover—one that would complement the earthy tones of the stone and give the whole house a bit of warmth and character.
While looking at home exterior colors I found one that was interesting – I like how they did the darker color as the trim.
We’ve all been there, right? Standing in front of a swatch of colors, trying to imagine what they’ll look like on a whole house. It can be overwhelming. But after trying a few shades (light, medium, and dark), I found the winning combo: a creamy base color for the house and a medium-dark trim to provide a bit of contrast.
Enter SW Drift of Mist for the body and SW Balanced Beige for the trim—classy, timeless, and totally Mediterranean (with a rustic twist, of course).
Want to get your hands on these colors? Check them out here:
Trust me, the result was worth all the swatch-staring. The house now exudes a welcoming vibe, with the creamy tones softly blending with the stacked stone’s natural warmth, while the trim offers just the right amount of definition. It’s like the house finally took a deep breath and relaxed.
Lighting: Let There Be (Classic) Light!
Now, let’s talk about the lights. You’ll notice the Before photo shows four barn-style sconces that feel more suited for a farmhouse than a Mediterranean home. And don’t even get me started on the modern orb light in the ceiling at the entrance. It was fine for a trendy city loft, but it did absolutely nothing for this Mediterranean beauty. So, out with the old and in with the new.
I went for sconces that were more aligned with the Mediterranean vibe: classic, timeless, and substantial enough to hold their own against the grand exterior. No tiny, dainty lights here—these needed to be bold enough to make a statement. After all, when you’re renovating a front exterior, everything should pack a punch. The new lighting not only complements the Mediterranean look but adds just the right amount of elegance and warmth.
Ready to give your lights a makeover? You can find the new sconces here:
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But of course, as with all home projects, things don’t always go according to plan. When I went to install the light next to the garage, I ran into a little hiccup: a downspout was in the way. Classic. But with a little ingenuity (and some pressure-treated wood), the guys managed to mount the light while still keeping everything looking neat and in line with the overall vision.
Symmetry is key, so I added the same wooden block behind the light on the other side of the garage for balance. Problem solved.
Next Up: The Front Door (Big Plans!)
While the front exterior is already looking fabulous, there’s still more to come. The front door is currently an eyesore—it’s got that fake leaded glass that screams ‘not my style.’ What would be ideal? A more classic style with sidelights that only have half-light glass. Why? Well, it would not only be gorgeous but also solve a very important problem: keeping the dogs from barking at every passerby. Trust me, that will be a game-changer. But for now, it’s on the back burner due to budget constraints. That’s a project for next year, and I’m already looking forward to it.
I’m also contemplating painting the front door to match the new colors. But here’s the kicker: I’m really feeling bold these days, so I’m tempted to match it to the laundry room color, which is definitely eye-catching. We’ll see!
For now, though, let’s just say the exterior has taken a giant leap in the right direction. A little bit of paint, some new lights, and a lot of love have turned this house into a Mediterranean masterpiece that’ll make anyone passing by stop and take a second look.
Mood Board Inspiration
To help bring this vision to life, I put together a mood board. It’s a collection of all the ideas and materials that came together to make this transformation possible. It’s a blend of Mediterranean colors, classic lighting, and rustic touches that fit perfectly together. Just wait until you see the full vision come to life!
So, whether you’re planning your own home makeover or just here for the eye candy, take a page from this project’s book: when in doubt, go for timeless, go for classic, and don’t be afraid to add your own personal touch. A little color, a little light, and a lot of love can truly make a home shine.
Ready to transform your home? Let’s bring your vision to life! Get in touch for a consultation, and let’s make your dream exterior a reality.
