Your home is one of the biggest financial investments you’ll ever make, which means painting the exterior is a crucial maintenance aspect to home ownership. Taking on such a project can be daunting and even confusing at times, which is why it helps to do a little prep work. Follow these tips to make choosing your perfect paint colours easy!
Incorporate existing elements
When deciding on the right colours for your home, keep in mind there are some things you cannot change. Permanent components such as brick siding, a driveway, roofing and pathways are difficult to change unless you are doing a full renovation. Instead, draw inspiration and undertones from these components that will complement the colours you choose.
Going retro with colour
The style of your home can be a great starting point for selecting paint. Begin by researching the home’s historical palette – those colours were often chosen to highlight its features. Original shades can help show off the details of your home in a classic way. Also, take a look around your neighbourhood to get a feel for the overall design of your street, as the last thing you want to do is clash with your neighbours.
- MORE: Explore exterior colours
Landscape features
Consider the environment around your home. If trees and shrubbery surround it, you might want to select a lighter palette to make your home pop. If your home is fairly open to the street, a darker colour will trick the eye to make it seem like it is farther back than it actually is.
Test your colours
Just like the interior of your home, it is a good idea to paint a small test patch. Paint two spots on your home, one on each the north and south side. Then take the time to look at the tests at different times of the day and in varying weather conditions, as this will give you a more accurate picture of what the colours will look like.
Variety is the spice of life
When choosing your exterior colours, you will want to select at least three that complement one another. The first colour (and possibly the easiest) is the base colour – this will cover the majority of the exterior so make sure you love it. Your next decision will be for the trim, which includes windows, doorframes and roof racks. Lastly, pick the accent colour that will appear on doors, shutters and other small areas. Don’t be afraid to be bold with your accent colour, because it is meant to pop. Choosing three colours can feel daunting, but don’t fret! Many paint companies create colour palettes that are meant to pair well together.
Your home is important, so take the time to choose the perfect colours for you. Once you start the project make sure to get quality products that will last for many years.
