A new homeowner laments her generations relentless need to paint old things white.

A couple years ago, I moved into a 1950s brick ranch on a pine-shaded street in Birmingham.

Giving ourexteriora fresh coat of paint landed at the very top.

What they Did Outside

Source GuideBrick paint:Fauna (456); .Trim paint:French White (2005);ICI Paints.Shutter and front door paint:.Credit: Photo by: Laurey W. Glenn

At the closing table, visions of Sherwin-Williams' Dover danced in my head.

I don’t fault them for making the switch.

Even so, there’s a drawback to this design decision.

Shutters

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Individuality is on full display in the charming porch additions and lovingly maintained container gardens and flower beds.

), our character-filled street is at risk of suffering the worst curb-appeal offensesameness.