Since I live in an older neighborhood without a homeowners association or bylaws, there are no rules and regulations that dictate exterior paint colours. The majority of the time, that is a very good thing. Recently, however, our neighbors adorned their home a color of green that … well, let’s just say it has gotten a lot of stares, rather than the flattering kind.
Unlike inside colours, exterior colors can influence the whole road — and that puts a lot of pressure on homeowners in regards to choosing a palette. A number of factors come into play that you don’t have to manage on the inside of landscaping a home, hardscaping, roofing and much more.
Follow this advice to choose a colour scheme that works both for your own style and to your home’s surroundings.
Sicora Design/Build
Plan around the elements that are hardest to change. Unless you’re doing a full renovation, surfaces like roof tiles or shingles, stonework, pathways and drives will stay in place. As you select exterior colors, take these.
Search for undertones between them that might inform your own palette. Are they warm (beige, beige, brown and rust) or cool (gray, black and blue)? Consider paint colours that will tie these elements together in a way.
Conard Romano Architects
Consider your home’s architectural style and era. Whether you’ve got a Queen Anne Victorian, a Craftsman bungalow or a midcentury modern ranch, then your exterior paint strategy should feel suitable to the design. Imagine a classic federal-style home painted burnt orange, or a New England saltbox in pale mint green. Right?
Many paint manufacturers offer collections of historically accurate colours, which may be an superb springboard for the palette, and you might also consult with a professional that specializes in this region. You don’t have to stick strictly to guidelines unless codes for locality and your home specify differently, but for the effect, don’t stray too much from them.
Think about the visual impact you want. Mull over your home’s connection to the road along with the landscape. Does it sit back in the street or amid a bunch of towering trees? You may choose a brighter or slightly lighter color it stands outside. Additionally, a darker colour can make it appear to recede.
Christopher Templeton
Choose three or more different paint colors. Essentially, an exterior scheme contains three big components: area colour, which dominates; accent colour, which attracts doors, doors and other smaller areas to lifestyle; and trim colour, used for door and window casings, roof edging, railings and other trimwork.
Ideally, the trim color should contrast strongly with the area colour. If your primary hue is dark, contemplate classic white trim or a different pale shade. A light area color may look stunning with darker trim — such as eyeliner for your home, it produces a crisp, dramatic impact. Feel free to go bold with accent colours, but don’t go overboard. A door painted bright red or lemon yellow lends just the right reach of punch. Extending that same color to the shutters and gables … not too much.
Stuck for inspiration? Preselected color palettes that take the guesswork out of organizing an exterior scheme are offered by major paint manufacturers. An architect or a colour consultant also can help you think of a mix that is unusual but nevertheless attractive.
RW Anderson Homes
Never rely on paint chips. Exactly like interior colours, exterior colors may vary significantly in how they appear on the chip. And because painting an exterior is a bigger undertaking than painting a room, you’re going to want to get them right the first time.
Buy a quart of paint and examine it on an inconspicuous area of your property. Study it at different times of day and under different weather conditions. How does it change with the light? Road testing it’s the sole means to determine for sure if you’re going to be happy with it for a long time to come.
What colours did you pick for your exterior? Leave a comment and tell us about them!
More:
Paint Color Palettes On Your Inside Rooms
Invigorate Your Home’s Exterior With Color