how to choose exterior paint colours
Simple Steps to Choosing the Perfect Exterior Colour Scheme
If your home’s exterior is looking a bit worn or outdated and you’re ready for a change, selecting the right colour scheme can feel like a daunting task. Where do you start? Here’s a professional guide to help you choose the ideal exterior colours that complement your home’s architecture and align with your personal style.
1. Define Your Style and Vision
Understanding your style and vision is the foundation of any design process. Without a clear sense of what you love and the aesthetic you’re trying to achieve, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the endless colour options. Take the time to really hone in on your vision:
What elements of the exterior are you updating, and which will remain the same?
What kind of mood or impact do you want your home’s exterior to convey?
Which architectural styles resonate with you?
What colours are you naturally drawn to?
Creating a mood board or writing a short description of your vision will help you clarify these points. Having a clear direction will save time, money, and energy, while ensuring the colours you choose provide long-term satisfaction.
2. Assess Your Materials
The materials on your home’s exterior will have a significant influence on the colours that will work best. Whether you’re working with brick, wood, stone, or other materials, it’s important to understand their colours and undertones. Materials with warm or cool tones will guide your colour selections, ensuring harmony between your exterior finishes and the overall palette.
3. Consider Your Surroundings
Take a moment to evaluate the environment your home is situated in. Is it surrounded by natural greenery, urban streets, or coastal views? Understanding how your home relates to its surroundings will inform your colour choices. You’ll also want to check if there are any local regulations or safety requirements related to exterior colours. The goal is to create a cohesive look that feels integrated with the landscape and environment.
4. Evaluate the Lighting
Lighting can dramatically alter how colours appear, so it’s essential to understand how natural light interacts with your home. Observe your exterior at different times of the day to see how the sunlight affects your space. Natural light can shift the appearance of colours, and though artificial lighting is less impactful for exteriors, it should still be considered when choosing accent or feature colours.
5. Choose Your Colours
Now it’s time to select the colours for your exterior. Think about the number of colours you want to incorporate, and how they will work together. It’s essential to consider both the primary colour and any accent or trim colours. Pay attention to the undertones of each shade and how they’ll harmonize with the materials and surroundings.
6. Pull It All Together
Once you’ve identified your main colour and complementary shades, it’s time to test your choices in various lighting conditions. Paint a large sample area on your home and check it throughout the day to see how it shifts in different lights. Make sure the colour works with the materials and fits your vision for the exterior. Once satisfied with the main shade, you can start incorporating accent colours.
Selecting the right exterior colour scheme requires thoughtful consideration of your style, materials, surroundings, and lighting. By following these steps, you can create a cohesive, visually appealing colour palette that enhances the beauty of your home and stands the test of time. Take your time, trust your instincts, and enjoy the process of transforming your home’s exterior into a reflection of your personal style.
If your still feeling overwhelmed take a look at my Exterior Masterclass eBook - where I go into more detail in selecting exterior colours, or book a 1hr zoom session to run through your paint colours.
