Before & After: A New Paint Job Made This Home Ready for a Summer of Outdoor Entertaining

Rebecca and her fiancé, Zac, postponed their nuptials to buy their dream home: a stately Craftsman colonial in Binghamton, New York, with a picturesque outdoor space, a detached studio building, and even a sauna. With such an amazing property, the alfresco entertaining potential was endless. But they also inherited a slapdash exterior paint job in a dull gray-green that put a damper on their outdoor enthusiasm.

With a snowy New York winter behind them, the couple set out to create a confident, colorful outdoor space where they could host dinner parties, have cocktails, and lounge late into the warm summer evenings. They also learned some great lessons on how to make their gatherings even more memorable.

First on Rebecca and Zac’s list was an exterior paint overhaul. It’s a big job, but one that comes with big rewards: a home that reflects their aesthetic inside and out, plus a gorgeous setting for all the outdoor fun they can squeeze out of Binghamton’s precious summer months. And, because they used Behr Ultra^® Exterior Paint, their hard work will pay off for years to come. Behr Ultra Paint delivers a rich, durable finish that protects against stains, mildew, and damage from sunlight and moisture — aka anything the four seasons can throw at it.

For the siding, Rebecca and Zac chose Nocturne Blue HDC-CL-28 by Behr^® Paint, a sophisticated blue that fits their home’s style like a bespoke suit. “This refined color reflects the modern trend of using a deep hue but not going so dark that it erases the look of the traditional architecture,” says designer and visual artist Sara Weissler.

Coating the trim in a crisp white, Polar Bear 75 by Behr Paint, kept their Craftsman colonial looking classic. Finally, the front door got an artful upgrade with Kalahari Sunset MQ1-25, an expressive red that adds warmth plus a fun pop of color.

Color has a huge effect on our moods, and this trio of shades set a whole new tone for Rebecca and Zac’s space — one that’s bold, welcoming, and comfortable. Whether or not you’re taking on such a big makeover, you can still use color to create the feelings you want. The Behr Color Trends 2021 Palette can help, with paint selections curated to evoke an array of vibes. Reimagine how you use color in your outdoor space, from calm blues and greens to energetic oranges and purples, and you’ll add instant atmosphere. Then channel your hues into furniture, tableware, and even your menu. Purple potato salad, anyone?

Even if you’re a pro at hosting dinner parties inside your house, an outdoor dinner party is new territory — literally. Think of it like party Tetris: When you set up your space for the season, take a minute to map out the flow. For Rebecca and Zac, that meant positioning the grill right off the path from the house, then adding a large high table beside it for effortless food prep. They set the dining table close but not too close to the grill, to encourage conversation without crowding the chef. (Outdoor entertaining rule #1: Just like inside, everyone will congregate around the cooking.) Add a big tub of drinks to avoid a refrigerator traffic jam, then enjoy your summer soiree.

Since Rebecca and Zac have such a spacious garden, they created a designated dining area, which is an easy way to make outdoor meals feel more intimate. An artfully weathered rug anchors and elevates the space — plus it hides a stone patio that needs some future DIY love. To make their summertime suppers feel more special, Rebecca and Zac set their table in the same eclectic, old-meets-new style of the rest of their home, with mismatched seating and effortlessly elegant table linens. With a few finishing touches — fresh flowers from their garden, string lights and candle sticks for a glamorous glow — their dreamy outdoor dining room was complete. By making your outdoor dining space stand out, just like you would inside, you’ll set the stage for summer soirees to remember.

When you’re reimagining your outdoor space, Behr Paint can help with high-quality paints and vivid colors that create myriad moods. Visit the Behr Website to find the look for your next project.