From 1972 Stone to Modern Curb Appeal- Easy on the Budget Too

When our customer moved into this 1972-built home, they saw the potential right away—but also the challenge. The original brown stone exterior had character, but the heavy grey mortar joints and dated color palette were holding the home back.

They wanted a modern look… without losing the charm of the stone.

The Challenge: Update Without Replacing

Our customer got a quote to replace the stone—but at a cost of over $20,000, that wasn’t the right fit.

Instead, we offered a smarter solution: Transform the existing stone with specialty coatings—for about 10% of the cost!

Free Color Consulting

Working alongside our color consultant, we helped the homeowner reimagine the entire exterior.

Their main goal:

✔️ Soften and de-emphasize the bold grey mortar

✔️ Brighten the home and get rid of the 50 year old brown stone

✔️ Highlight the shutters and doors with a cool accent color

Here’s what we landed on:

• Stone: A fog light gray with subtle green-yellow undertones

→ This gave the home a soft, luminous warmth while toning down the harsh mortar contrast

• Trim: Classic white

→ Clean, crisp, and timeless—instantly brightened the entire exterior

• Front Door, Garage & Shutters: Glossy green with a gray base

→ A perfect accent that ties into the stone’s undertones while staying within the family of colors

Confidence Before We Even Started

One of the biggest advantages we offer: Free digital renderings

Our customer was able to see exactly how the home would look with each color combination before we ever picked up a brush. That confidence made all the difference in finalizing their choices.

Even more interesting—about five years ago, we completed a similar project in the same neighborhood. Our customer actually drove by that home to see how a 50+ year old property could be transformed with modern paint colors.

The Transformation

In just a few days, we:

• Washed the entire home

• Prepped all surfaces properly

• Applied two full coats of premium specialty stone coating

The result?

✨ A completely refreshed, modern exterior

✨ A home that feels brand new—without losing its original character

✨ Neighbors stopping to take notice

The Cost Comparison

• Stone replacement: $20,000+

• Full transformation (labor + materials): just a couple thousand dollars

That’s roughly 10% of the cost for a dramatic upgrade.

Built to Last

Projects like this aren’t just about looks—they’re built for durability.

✔️ Expected lifespan: around 10 years before repainting is needed

✔️ Designed to resist weather, fading, and wear

The Result

The neighbors were blown away. The homeowners were ecstatic.

And the best part? This once-dated 1970s home now looks like it belongs in today’s market—without the massive renovation cost.

About the Author: Joseph Steele

Hi, I’m Joseph Steele, with Sharper Impressions Painting. We proudly offer high-quality interior and exterior painting services for homes and businesses in Atlanta, Columbus, Orlando, Indianapolis, Kansas City, and Nashville. From cabinet painting to deck and fence staining, we’re here to enhance your space. Learn more about us here.