The exterior of our California bungalow (in Oklahoma City) has a strange kind of rock & mortar coating on the upper half and cedar on the bottom skirting. What would be a good color for the bottom cedar skirting, trim & "lookouts" on overhangs & the trim & sashes for the windows? I would like a three color paint scheme and would prefer colors that would make the angled skirting stand out more. I am terrible at decorating w/color. Need help!!!!!

I believe the "strange rock and mortar" finish is called "pebble dash" stucco. My grandfather's house had the same stucco finish. As far as the colors, one good reference is "Bungalow Colors Exteriors" by Robert Schweitzer. You can also see some color examples on his website http://www.historichousecolors.com/

Also most of the big paint companies have historical pallets (Sherwin Williams, etc.) that give some period appropriate colors and some example 3 color paint schemes. I used some historical colors from Sherwin Williams.

Diane

Thank You, Diane. That's very helpful information. I'll check out the website.