SFGate

decoenthusiaste First I would see what the black stuff growing on the retaining wall is. If it is mold or mildew, use a product to kill it. The plants in the bed don't seem to be growing as rampantly a I would expect in a tropical region. Perhaps the soil is depleted, so I would remove all of the plants and soil and redo the bed. I would whitewash the entire house and paint the trim, windows and doors with some typical favorite colors from this particular location's culture.

Arlene Warda, Architecture+Interior Design Where are you located? I'd love to hear more about this, with climate and area conditions of this tropical house!...

marcelasares Arlene Warda, thank you for your interest in my project. This house is in Barbosa, Colombia, South America. It is an ugly house that we want to improve because it is a beautiful place with the most wonderful weather in the planet!!! Any comments are welcome!!

The Color People It is hard to tell from the photos but I think a soft clean very light yellow would look wonderful amidst the greenery. Do the wall, columns, windows and ceiling is a bright but warm white. It will feel fresh, clean and very convivial. Oh yes and like mentioned above do kill off the mold- Hear, Hear!

The more I think about it you probably need me to come down there and work on it in person. Just joking, but Columbia is supposed to be just lovely.