When I am doing an Exterior Paint Consultation, I take into account the roof, brick, stone, or other building materials that make up the house, as well as adjoining walkways, plantings, surrounding buildings, and style of home.
The Decorologist
And it’s not just about choosing the right colors – it’s also about where to put those colors. I visually take apart the architectural elements that make up the house and then determine what needs to be accentuated or de-accentuated. The upper portion of this stone house was previously all white. By using color to accent architectural elements, you actually notice the interesting parts. I actually suggested that they paint the staircase a nice gray that would make it fade into the stone facade (de-accentuating it), but they decided they didn’t want to repaint it just yet. I think eventually they will.
Side of Home After
In my experience, choosing the right exterior paint colors is more difficult than choosing the right interior paint colors. Unadulterated natural light does two things to paint colors: 1) it makes them appear lighter and 2) intensifies the undertones. There is no hiding from undertones in pure natural light! It’s important to choose a palette that is the right intensity of color with the right undertones . . .
Tudor Exterior After (all the trim was previously white)
– otherwise, you might end up with something that looks like a pastel confection or a outdated-undertone nightmare. I am not too proud to admit that I have ended up with both (one of each) many years ago before I became a True Colour Expert. At least I wasn’t paid for those suggestions. I guess that goes to show: free advice is worth about as much as it costs! Anywho, I’d say my latest Exterior Color Consultation speaks for itself:
Tudor Color Details
I must tell you: my client was initially concerned that the new color palette would be too dark and too strong. But as you can see, it looks just right. Like the way it was meant to be. If you need help with a new color palette for the inside or the outside of your home, schedule an appointment with The Decorologist today!
This looks fantastic! There are way too many houses with BORING white trim. I think so many times it looks like somebody forgot to color a section on their coloring page. The houses just don’t look finished.
I agree that the staircase will look better in grey next to the stone exterior.
thanks, natalie. i think that the main issue is that homeowner’s are fearful of choosing the wrong colors and making a costly and VISUALLY UNFORTUNATE mistake, so when it comes time to repaint, they play it safe and choose non-colors!
so well said kristie! i was consulting exterior colors this week and noticed those two factors about the light and the undertones but just didn’t know how to put it into words. i knew intuitively what looked best but had a hard time saying why! this was very helpful. and i really love dark trim around windows too! especially with a midtone all over color. i cant wait to repaint my own home someday. coral and aqua baby!! (jk)
i probably should add that my client will be replacing the roof within the year – she will be choosing architectural shingles with variations of dark brown.
Fantastic post! Totally agree on exterior colors being more difficult than interior colors. There are so many aspects to it and it’s so *public*. The stairs would look gorgeous in your suggested gray, btw.
Great post! Love the pic too! That house is too cute!
You are this sweet house’s fairy godmother. It’s beautiful.
Having such an artistic masterpiece in your living room can actually elevate the ambience of your home.
Use light paint colours for surfaces you want to make seem larger.
A touch of contrasting color is lively and refreshing.
What color is the door……… Love it………
Hello. Good post. This is a great idea. I would love to do the exterior painting to my existing house when all of the walls are already colored. Interesting stuffs ! just a question, do you paint the walls with the same way and you haven’t had any issues with flaking or cracking? I wonder some tips on these issues too! Thanks, have a blessed day. Kim
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