This video goes in to the importance of the right exterior color of your home. This is an expensive project, so you want to make sure you are making the right choice. Curb appeal is always the first thing that is looked at when buying or selling a home. You want it to blend in with it’s immediate surroundings including your neighbors homes. She gives lots of good tid bits to take into consideration. They have chosen the perfect, most beautiful homes for this video. If you can imagine it, you can achieve it.
Transcription:
Hi. I’m Jennifer Kopf, Homes Editor at Southern Living. Selecting exterior paints is a big decision and often an expensive one. The color of your house is one of the biggest overall style determinants, making or breaking its curb appeal. Ideally, you want your home to blend seamlessly with it’s immediate surroundings, consider neighboring homes, as well, especially if they are in close proximity.
If you have a lot of green foliage surrounding your home, earthy tones work well. An off white or cream colored home pops against a lush backdrop, while brown shutters and trim keep it firmly grounded in its setting. A taupe or brown colored exterior takes the back seat to nature completely. A good choice if your house is situated in the mountains, on a lake, or shrouded by trees.
White trim maintains the classic look and keep brown exteriors from becoming too bland. For a subtle hit of color, try muted golden tones as an accent. They coordinate, but add just enough color to give the look a kick. If you want your home to take the backseat entirely to mother nature, go with a monochromatic brown scheme using varying shades for minimal emphasis.
If your home already has a focal point, such as a red roof or brick work, utilize a pallet that works with existing hues and does not compete. Cream exteriors are understated but aren’t overshadowed by a vibrate roof. Dark green shudders emphasize architectural features and balance the roof’s strong color.
For a stately and classic look, consider white. It works well on traditional homes, as well as contemporary ones. Punctuate the look with color on accents, such as shudders, doors, or trim work. Black and dark green are timeless accents on a white facade. A stark white is not typically a best choice for exteriors. Instead, opt for whites with a hint of cream or taupe to tie your home more closely to its environment.
Soft grays and blues offer a classic cottage look that never goes out of fashion. Pump up the charm factor with white trim and opt for a timeless taupe on windows and doors. Another classic color combo is cream on cream. Paint the body one color and then add emphasis with a darker shade of the same hue on shudders and trim. Soft yellows always make a sunny statement, perfect for shingled bungalows or clapboard cottages. White, black, and red make a nice compliment to a yellow base.
If you live in a coastal environment, there’s opportunity to be a bit more bold. Consider an exterior that really screams from the street. Citrus hues combined with strong blues set the stage for good times in a tropical climate. For a more classic coastal look, tone it down and look to the ocean and the sand for inspiration. If you want to be daring with color but don’t want to paint your entire house, consider your front door. Painting your door bright colors is an easy inexpensive change that adds lots of personality. Blue, red, turquoise, yellow, or even green all make a welcoming statement.
Regardless of what scheme you choose, spend a few extra dollars on high quality paint to avoid premature peeling and spotting. For more exterior pallet inspiration, visit SouthernLiving.com.