Entry #216, July 18, 2010
When choosing colors for your home we tend to put more emphasis on the interior than the exterior. I think the rationale is that you spend the majority of your time inside, and that’s where you really ‘live’. While this is true, the flip side is that the curb appeal and how well your home presents itself reflects on you and the neighbors, am I right? Here’s some tips to consider when choosing exterior paint color for your home.
1.) Surrounding homes:
Depending on your neighborhood and the home owner’s association (if yours has one) – the exterior of your home should follow a color palette that compliments the surrounding homes. This doesn’t mean that it has to be a cookie cutter replica of the other 10 houses on the street. Walk, or drive down your street and observe your neighborhood.
Walk through your neighborhood and take cues from the neighbors
Ask yourself these questions, and take down notes:
- Is my neighborhood historic or traditional? Does it have to follow guidelines and color schemes of a particular period in time?
- What are the age of these homes and are the older homes repainting with new colors?
- Do the majority of houses follow a common color theme? Do they show individuality by painting their front door, garage door, or accent trim of their house different colors to set them apart?
2.) Roof Material:
Unless you plan on re-roofing your home – the color you choose on your house needs to compliment the roof color. This doesn’t mean if you have orange terracotta tiles, that you have to have a yellow exterior house color. What it should mean is when you are choosing colors, the orange terracotta needs to have a color that won’t compete with the strong roof color. Opting for white, beige, or even pale peach may be your options.
Choose color that compliments the roof color
3.) Consider Geography:
Depending on where you live in the world, geographic location should play into your exterior house color decision. Homes that are located in the tropics tend to have more playful bright colors than up north, where color cues from nature are chosen. Visit your local home improvement or paint store to see if they have paint combinations already chosen for exteriors. While you don’t have to go with these combinations, they are strong suggestions on how to pick trim, main color and secondary colors. You may be surprised on how easy the selection process becomes, when you are armed with options!
Take into consideration the geographic location of where you live
The most important tip about choosing exterior paint color is to be mindful of the conditions that you can’t change. Conditions such as neighbors, location, and traditional styles have already been set for you. There is a plethora array of color choices for you and your home. Observe your neighborhood, and head off to the paint store!
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Nice post, Ronique! We know that many people get paralyzed with fear when having to choose a colour for their home – even a brand new one! We are thankful for people like you that can help to ease the pain!
Thank you Vivian, so nice of you to say! 🙂 I think all parts of decision making when it come to your home can be scary! I always say – ‘There’s an easier and more logical way to go about it, and explaining it!” Thank you again, and come back often!
Every house will need painting some day and someone will have to choose what type of paint to use. There isn’t a simple answer, “use this brand and it will last forever”. The type of finish you choose depends on many factors.