Color Tips for Gaining a Warm Home Exterior
Neutral tones of beige, brown and gray are the "in" thing when it comes to color for the home exterior. But don't worry about selecting a color that's just trendy — these warm, traditional colors are timeless.
"Soft tones of gray, browns and beiges work well with so many different home style exteriors," says Kate Smith, color trends forecaster with Sensational Color. "Always begin by working from the 'top down' on your home. The roof has a huge visual impact and that's the place to start!"
Smith, who offers color guidance to homeowners choosing composite roofing from DaVinci Roofscapes, has compiled these five tips for people ready to take the plunge and warm up the colors of their home exterior:
Tip #1 – Use paint samples liberally. Take time to paint out a large enough sample area so you can really see the true color of a chosen paint. The full beauty of many colors, especially a neutral color, isn't always apparent when looking at a small sample. You might be surprised at just how beautiful the color you thought was "too dull" really is when you see the true hue on your home exterior.
Tip #2 – Don't dismiss gray. A great choice for a roof, colors like Smokey Gray can be used with warm or cool neutrals and a wide range of colors on the home exterior. For a house that has natural wood siding or is predominantly brown in color, going with the warmer tones that fall between gray and brown (such as a Mountain Blend) would also work well on a synthetic slate or shake roof.
Tip #3 – Surface texture matters. The lightness or darkness of a color, along with the texture of the surface it is applied to, will affect the amount of light reflected. If you are applying paint to stucco or another textured surface, the color will appear darker. If applying paint to a smooth surface, the color will appear lighter.
Tip #4 – Go outside with your samples. It's always best to view all color samples and materials (including your roofing options) in the natural light outside your home and at different times of the day. This allows you to see the way the light changes the colors throughout the day and allows you to envision what the product will most closely look like before placing your order.
Tip #5 – Accent neutral colors with deep, rich and slightly toned down colors. You can use neutrals, textures and accent colors to give your home personality and make it stand out. Stone, brick and roofing tiles all add texture and depth to a neutral palette. Then, choose a statement color on your front door to turn it into a focal point.
Need more color advice? See Please Help Narrow Down Color Selections… and To Determine The Best Color For Your Roof Start By Looking Down Not Up.