Tips For Exterior Color From The Top Down
More today than perhaps at any time in the past homeowners are opting to go with a neutral as the main color for their home. There are many reasons neutrals have risen in popularity but these are three of the main reasons. First, there are more neutrals available and they are far more interesting than the old boring beige of years ago. There are chromatic grays and beiges with depth and complexity that give the colors character.
Second, the growing popularity of mixing materials on a home’s exterior requires a color that can blend with many different textures, finishes and colors making a neutral the perfect solution. Last, a strong desire to have a home that blends with the environment — “outdoors in, indoors out” — and using a neutral as a main color is the easiest way to seamlessly connect a house to its surroundings.
With this movement towards more neutral exteriors many homeowners wonder how they can set their home apart. Choosing colors from the top down is the best way to figure out the right color scheme for your home exterior. For example, each of the homes below are painted an identical neutrals color. Starting with the roof I’ll give you a quick tip for choosing accent colors inspired by your roof color that will give your home a unique personality.
To keep the illustrations simple, I’m showing the main accent on the front door and the secondary accent on the trim however you can use these colors in whatever why best suits your home. For example, with a light trim color the secondary color could be used on the shutters.
If your home has a roof with the tones of DaVinci Shake in Tahoe blend look for an accent color that is enhanced by brown. Green is a natural complement to this shade of brown roofing. Pick a favorite shade from yellow-green to true green (or blue green!) for the front door. A lighter shade of brown for trim work contrasts nicely with this neutral body color.
DaVinci Shake in Mountain is a deep neutral blend that lives between brown and gray. If your home has a roof with warm gray or brown tones warm accent colors are often the best choice. Harmonize colors from the warm side of the color wheel to flow from the roof down. Classic gold on the door and warm grays or bronzes accent the rich tones of this roof color while creating curb appeal on the neutral main color.
DaVinci Shake Autumn Blend is a good example of a red-orange based brown on the roof that is enhanced by a complementary blue-green on the front door. A deep coppery red similar to colors of the roof makes a perfect secondary accent color.
The same idea works well whether your home has DaVinci Shake, DaVinci Slate or any other type of roof. Many of my tips for creating curb appeal with “Color From The Top Down” are captured in two infographics — Color From The Top Down Infographic and Top Tips for Creating “Top Down” Curb Appeal. View and download both now with our compliments.