Choosing Exterior Colors - Part II

Exterior colors should suit and flatter the architecture and details of your house, address “environmental” issues, coordinate with your landscaping and create the desired overall impression.

Exterior paint colors should meet the needs of house, as well as its setting. Your color plan must suit the architecture, address major design issues, work well in your surroundings and be something you can live with-at least temporarily! Part One outlined how color can be used to enhance the attractive features of your house, and hide the others. Colors should also address “environmental” issues, including the features of your property and neighboring ones. 

After you’ve considered the architectural style and design details of your house, stand across the street and ask these questions:

•    What is the proportion of the house to the lot? Darker colors will make a large house on a small or narrow lot seem less cramped. Lighter colors will make a smaller house on a large lot seem more impressive.
•     What is the distance from the house to the curb? Correct a shallow front yard with a cool, dark "receding" color. If the front yard is deep, consider a warm, light or bright "advancing" one.
•    What colors dominate the permanent landscaping? Do the evergreens have a blue-green, yellow-green, burgundy or grayish cast? What are the colors of flowering shrubs and perennials? Use colors that will flatter the landscaping, or at the very least, won’t clash!
•    What colors have the neighbors used? If they're close by, their dominant colors could enhance or detract from your color plan.
•    Does your subdivision or neighborhood association have strict rules about color? Find out how much latitude you have, if any.
•    What are your color preferences? What impression do you want to create? Do you want drama, elegance and sophistication, or do you want a rustic or cottage look? Significant contrast between the main wall and the accent color(s) produces a dramatic effect that can look harsh. Low contrast colors are more sophisticated. Earth tones and neutrals look natural and elegant in this area and blend best with landscaping and natural surroundings.
•    What color is your front door? Pay special attention to the surrounding area and to the door itself. Correct any cosmetic defects and paint it an accent color that adds impact but doesn’t clash with your surroundings, especially the colors of flowering plants.

Smart Selling Tip:
Exterior colors should suit and flatter the architecture and details of your house, address “environmental” issues, coordinate with your landscaping and create the desired overall impression.