Painting

According to our Architectural Guidelines, when houses are to be painted, "appropriate colors are normally subdued and earth-toned colors." Further, "natural materials and light warm earth tones are encouraged."

Additionally, "warm earth tones" are suggested for driveways.

QUESTION: Do these guidelines sound specific enough. People have told us (BOD) that pink is an earth tone and blue is also - because they are found in nature.

What sort of 'guidelines' do you have? Are they specific to a series of colors, a paint chart, or vague and general?

Peter,

My Association doesn't specify any specific color within it's guidelines. We do require Architectural approval before any color is approved and the board specifies to the ACC that the community is of a colonial style. I know that this can have issues but so far, it has worked for us.

I also did some research and discovered artsparx.com which defines earth tone colors as:

Earth Tones – Browns, Umbers, Sienna’s and terracotta’s

Earth tones are just that, colors we see in nature like browns, umbers, terracotta and brick tones. These colors tend to be harmonious, rich in color and depth and impart a feeling of solidity and permanence. Used well, earth tones complement most other color tonalities (except perhaps the vibrant, pure primary colors of Red, Blue and Yellow – suited more for open, uncluttered contemporary spaces). We see earth tones all around us, wood flooring, natural stone and tile surfaces, fabrics and wovens such a sisal and Hessian grass cloths. Integrating earth tones into your environment allow the viewer a sense of approachability and connection. These tones are part of our everyday existence, they are familiar and comforting. In addition, incorporating earth tones into your environment by using materials other than paint (like stone, plasters, natural fabrics, etc) not only introduces new color schemes, but integrates alternate elements into your living or working space. Diversity, however harmonious, adds interest and uniqueness to any environment. From the most minimalist contemporary interior to a sumptuous, over stuffed and darken Victorian setting, blending of materials from wood, fabric, stone, metal and glass, results in a myriad of solutions that create unique, impressionable interior spaces.

I've discovered that if you can provide an external source for clarification of any issue it usually helps to resolve the issue.

I hope this one helps you:

http://www.artsparx.com/colorsforinteriors.asp#earth

Tim

Peter,

The Architectural guidelines from your association are outdated and need to be reviewed. The new Statutes are more specific and your guidelines need to spell out what colors are allowed.

720.3035 Architectural control covenants; parcel owner improvements; rights and privileges.--

(1) The authority of an association or any architectural, construction improvement, or other such similar committee of an association to review and approve plans and specifications for the location, size, type, or appearance of any structure or other improvement on a parcel, or to enforce standards for the external appearance of any structure or improvement located on a parcel, shall be permitted only to the extent that the authority is specifically stated or reasonably inferred as to such location, size, type, or appearance in the declaration of covenants or other published guidelines and standards authorized by the declaration of covenants.

first, "earth tones" does not equal "anything found in nature".

can someone provide an example of a color not found in nature?

given that the sun emits all "colors" in the huge band of radiation it gives us, what color isn't contained in white light?

Great answer Donna.

Now, can you convince the ARB that we must make changes?

Not too far off topic ---

I have not found anything in our governing documents that authorizes changes in our ARB Guidelines. We are uncertain who is the approving authority of any rule changes. Common sense (if it prevailed) would indicate that the Board has the 'authority' over the ARB. Agree?

Peter,

Your governing documents will probably give the Board authority over the ARC as it is a committee of the Board. Guidelines as well as rules are something that a Board writes and votes on. Of course in your case, IF the "earth tones" is in the covenants, then the membership needs to amend that by a vote.

But you stated that "according to our ARC guidelines" therefore I assume that only the Board needs to rewrite those guidelines.

Where have you been SkuddleM, we missed you.

SkuddleM,
I copied our umbrella POA on your suggestion about the paint strips. Their ARC thought it was a great idea. Any royalties received by you should be forwarded to me.......