Painting a house black

[TravisT1]

I was reading an article in Dwell that was talking about black houses, and it mentioned that in the old days in Japan people would char the building wood to a black finish because it hardened it and was good for keeping insects out. I thought it looked really cool also.

[Tracyanita]

I live in a black house. It's a small ranch with white trim. It's not boring or depressing, wouldn't a grey house be boring and depressing, too? I think a "depressing" house is one that is not kept in good shape, not what color it is. Green shrubs and colorful flowers REALLY contrast against the house and look very nice in the summer months. The white trim looks crisp. I think like anything, black just became an unpopular color for homes, it was very popular back in the colonial times. I have wood shingles, it would probably look funny if it were sided. Also, the black hasn't faded, nor does it look dingy. I don't know, maybe someday it will, but all houses that are painted (as opposed to being sided) require TLC at some point. That's my 2 cents as the owner of a black house!

[RayinAK]

Something to think about black color paint: black color paint sort of absorbs more heat than light colors. It means that if it gets hot where you live and want to paint your house black, you better have a good air-conditioning system to compensate for the increase of heat in the house from the sun

[hueyeats]

Nope... I can't do black.

My best bet for best camo option for my house will have to be some sort of green... to blend into its wooded atmosphere.