One of the most dramatic (& inexpensive!) renovation / remodeling projects you can do this Spring is choosing the right paint colors for your home.
The exterior paint colors of your home make an immediate impact, and either consciously or unconsciously, it will be the first thing noticed. Also, while you may do as you wish for the interiors of your home, exterior decisions should really be made with some key factors in mind.
Benefits
If you’re wondering whether repainting your home is worth the time, labor and investment…It most definitely is! The right paint colors will make your home look aesthetically cohesive, elevate its overall curb appeal, increase its resale value and appropriately protect it from natural elements.
Where to Start
The best approach to composing a color palette for your home is to consider its architectural style, its surroundings and what you would like to accentuate, or perhaps visually minimize.
First, identify the design style of your home, is it Traditional, Spanish Revival, Mid-Century Modern, American Craftsman, Contemporary…? Refer to online architectural guides, design style books or a historical society to help accurately determine your home’s features. Pinpoint two to four colors which honor your home’s design style. This will ensure your home’s architectural elements and lines look cohesive with its color palette.
Surroundings
Consider taking a walk (or drive) in your neighborhood to reassess your area and be inspired by your community. You may observe color choices that can be modified for your own home. Unless your neighborhood prides itself in entirely individualistic, striking properties, it’s best to be respectful of your surroundings.
It’s also important to evaluate your community’s landscaping and local geography. Stucco colors should vary based on the natural colors of the coast, lush perennials, mountainous regions, deserts…
A home located in Malibu, CA should not be painted the same stucco colors as a home in Joshua Tree, CA.
Color Palette
Next, to help determine the exact hue selections of the colors you pinpointed in terms of architectural style, consider if you prefer a palette of “warm” or “cool” colors. Also, decide if you will apply an entirely neutral palette or select one “accent” color. An accent color can be used to highlight one or more of your home’s design features, such as trim, doors and shutters.
Exterior paint should be “flat” for stucco. Stucco is uneven and porous, so paint with any sheen may cause the color to look uneven, with reflections and shadowing. Also, as stucco needs to breathe, it’s important to always select exterior intended paint that is not oil-based.
My (extensively abridged) Notes on Neutrals
One the most common mistakes I’ve observed homeowners make is assume that all whites, blacks, grays and beiges are interchangeable.
If you choose to work with a neutral palette, it’s important to think about balance. Exclusively black and white exteriors are usually hard to pull off. If this is your preferred design direction, consider introducing some materials or landscaping to add multi-dimensionality to your home. Alternatively, if you decide to work with various neutral colors, think about how their undertones complement each other.
While I can expand on the topic of neutrals at length, I will leave it at: selecting neutrals requires attentiveness.
Sample, Sample, Sample
When in doubt, choose multiple samples of colors to swatch. When swatching colors, do so on more than one wall. Choose the façade of your home and an additional side, keeping in mind that the natural light orientation will influence the colors selected. It’s also essential to observe paint swatches during various times of the day, as daylight will also transform them.
Neutral colors (white especially) will alter throughout the day, often revealing undertones you may have not noticed before.
One More Look
Consider the existing materials of your home, such as roofing or any siding, and how they complement your color palette. For example, natural stones, brick and wood, all have color undertones that should not be overlooked. It’s necessary to coordinate the undertones in these materials with your final paint color palette.
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