It can be
1. Research
If your home is historical; I suggest researching the original color choices from your homes era. There are great resources to go to online and staying true to the architectural date and style is always a good choice, especially when it comes to resale.
If your in a HOA, make sure you check with the association to make sure you work with their color pallet. Some are not very strict, and you can submit your colors for approval if you don’t find anything in their choices you like- but ask first before you spend time and money picking colors.
2. Consider your neighbors and surrounding colors
Simultaneous contrast is when two colors interact with each other and change our overall perception of that color. If done with out consideration – the color you paint may turn out to look another color or just plain blah next to your neighbors home. For example, the image below shows how the blue and yellow look as if they have the same green in the rectangle, but in fact, they are different. The green has been influenced by its surrounding color. (kind of looks like a mindcraft creature, right? I know you moms out there with young boys know what I mean!)
3. Stay away from trends
Trends can date your home quickly. Unless you really love the color and are not considering selling soon you should really keep with a classic color that will last, such as the home pictured below.
4. Play up color with accent and trim colors
Use an accent or trim color to highlight or hide details. If your main color is fixed or light, add some interest with a pop of color. Sometimes a simple change in the trim color can give your home the facelift you were looking for with out a huge hit to the budget.
5. Add more color
If your home is a monochromatic (all one color) scheme, consider adding a new or complementary color to your trim and of course – the front door. Don’t forget how powerful that punch of color is on the front door!
6. Consider the fixed elements
Does your home have stone, brick or colors you can’t or don’t want to change? Consider those elements when choosing your main color. Most of the time, your color should match the undertone of your fixed elements.
7. Sample your colors!
Please don’t paint your whole home with out sampling the color first. This could cost you! I recommend painting the color on a sample board and leaning it up to your home at different times of the day. You can also paint directly onto your home but remember – the current color of your home will trick your eye to see the color differently than if will be when it is all painted the same color.
Well, there you go, these should provide some help next time your considering exterior colors. There are many more tips I would like to share so follow my blog for more information on choosing paint colors!
When in doubt, hire a color consultant! I do online consults as well so please contact me for more information.
