Color Inspiration From The Top Down
Replacing a roof is often the first step in updating your home’s exterior. If so, then the roof will set the direction for many other design decisions. It is worth taking the time to select a style and color that both you and your home will love for a long time.
Know What You Like And What You Don’t Like
Look around at other homes to see what builders and homeowners have selected for houses similar to your own. Make note of the style, colors, and materials. Does the overall look of the home appeal to you? Do you love the shake roof with cream trim against dark siding? Perhaps a gray state above a traditional black and white exterior speaks to your sense classic design and timeless design.
The more you can see looks you like on homes that are similar to your own, the easier it becomes to imagine a new look for your own home. It is easy to snap pictures of the color schemes and materials you like and maybe even some you don’t to remind you to make sure you don’t make the same mistakes.
Start With Your Roof For A Fabulous Exterior Top To Bottom
Innovative roofing materials allow you to add the beauty and dimension of traditional slate or shake and the easy care, long-life and resilience of a beautifully engineered product. You can also find exactly the right color and know that it will stay that color for the life of the roof.
Gray continues to be a favorite for slate and why not. It goes with every scheme. With a variety of shades of gray available you are sure to find the perfect gray for your home. Check out our Best 50 Shades Of Gray Infographic.
For shake, Tahoe, Mountain and Autumn are all favorites. When you have a shake roof tones of warm brown are a natural choice.
Today’s architects, designers and even homeowners are posting images of their completed home exteriors online so in addition to scoping out houses in your local area you can find home from just about anywhere. Check out Houzz or This Old House or even our own gallery.
Please keep in mind, however, that some home colors work better in particular regions than the same color does in other areas. For example, bright colors that are a hit in southern Florida might not fare as well in a Philadelphia suburb.
Last, always keep in mind that while you want your home to have your personal stamp on it you also want it to fit into your neighborhood. I know I’ve created a great exterior design when the homeowners love the home and it stands out for its great design while still fitting in with the surroundings.
One sure fire way to create a home exterior that fits in anywhere is to find colors that blend with your natural surroundings. One of nature’s neutrals mixed with natural materials like stone and DaVinci Slate or Shake and you begin to forget where your home ends and the natural surroundings begin. Is it any wonder that nature-based colors are by far the most popular for home exteriors?
For help with choosing your exterior colors visit our color studio and try the color tool or download our FRESH Home Exterior Colors Guides.