Colour Your Exterior

Pops of colour can transform your exterior, taking it from pedestrian to eye-catching while increasing curb appeal and resale value. As well as setting the tone for your home’s exterior, paint provides protection against moisture penetration and the damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Whether you are sprucing up your exterior to stay or sell, a fresh paint job is one of the most cost-effective ways to enhance the look of your home.

Your palette is unlimited, but there are a few ways to narrow your colour choices. As a rule of thumb, limit the colours used to three or four, including the colour of fixed elements such as the roof and siding.

Here are some other tips from the paint experts at Benjamin Moore to help you select exterior colours that will complement your home and its surroundings:

• Look to the architectural style and other elements of your home for inspiration. The colours and tones of the roof, driveway and chimney should be taken into account when choosing colours. Add visual harmony to a stone facade by selecting similiar tones. If the fixed colours are dominate – like a coloured roof – choose a neutral shade to add balance.
• Take a walk through the neighbourhood and look at the colour choices for homes similar to your own. See what works and what doesn’t and make your selection from there, ensuring your exterior will fit in with the neighbourhood while still expressing your individual style.
• Draw inspiration from mother nature. Look at your landscape and choose colours that will harmonize with nature’s palette. Generally, say the experts, understated, organic colours work well with the outdoors.
• The front door is the place to express your individual style and add a pop of colour. It’s a small area and can be changed easily.
• Create a fresh look without painting the entire exterior by changing the colours on a few elements. Update the exterior by adding punches of colour on the trim, shutters, front door, garage door, even the fence and porch.

Courtesy: Homeservice Club