With summer around the corner, you’ve probably started to think about what you can do to bolster your curb appeal. Exterior materials have come a long way in the past decade, offering a variety of options that not only extend the life of your home, they look great, too. When it comes down to it, having a clear strategy for color and materials is important when designing an exterior that turns heads and adds lasting value to your property.
Here are 7 exterior color combination options that will transform your home into the envy of the neighborhood
You can’t go wrong using white as your primary color. However, adding a few varying bright accents goes a long way in separating your home from the rest of the block. Using several bright accents for trim, shutters, doors and windows gives your exterior a drop of added depth that not only livens up the facade, but also makes the base white seem that much more stunning. Don’t go overboard, though; you may run the risk of turning your home into a cheesy roadside attraction.
On that same note, before you make any crazy painting decisions, check with your Homeowner’s Association (if you have one) to see if there are specific guidelines restricting colors or other creative ideas you may have.
When earth tones are considered, darker is typically better. Earth tones work great with wood siding, but there are also some attractive steel siding options by companies like Rollex that offer great, exterior colors. Dark browns, dark greys and greens with maybe a few light tan accents complement the landscape elements surrounding your home. Be sure to take design cues from trees, flowers and bushes you already have in your front yard.
Sometimes all you need to make your exterior pop is a strategic splash of color. Doing something as simple as painting your front door a bold, one-of-a-kind color can change the entire feel of your home. It’s an inexpensive project that can be done almost anytime of year and is perfect for DIYers. Window shutters are another great option for adding a touch of colorful inspiration.
Most building material and exterior paint finishes shy away from primary colors. These strong colors stand out and may not blend well with landscape elements or other homes on your street. However, strategically adding a daring yellow or a dark blue can differentiate your exterior without raising eyebrows. If you’re worried about going too far, try introducing similar shades into your yard to better blend the look of the home into the landscape.
If you’re going with a low-maintenance exterior cladding like the steel siding by Rollex, you’ll be able to take advantage of using several different shades of the same base color. This gives your home a unified, cohesive look that is easy on the eyes. On this particular home , a lighter color base with dark accents helps the facade stand out.
When using natural building materials like wood or stone, sometimes the best option is to let them be exactly what they are. This can have an incredibly powerful effect on your home’s exterior, especially if the materials you are using are native to the region. Not only does this add visual appeal to your home, it gives you it a story to tell your friends about the home’s materials. When you receive compliments on your home’s exterior, you’ll be able to remark where the stone or wood originated and why it’s special to your area, giving your home a direct connection to your surroundings.
If you’re completely out of ideas for your home’s exterior, you can always revert to a tried-and-true classic: all white all the time. A fresh coat of crisp white paint for all trim, gutters, fascia and base siding is a bold look on its own, and will most certainly set you apart from the rest of the block. This isn’t the most low-maintenance option available, but if you take care and allow it to age gracefully, this is a timeless look that won’t give you heartburn trying to design.
There’s plenty to think about when giving your home the exterior update it deserves. The best place to start is with a budget, a concept and a plan of attack. Sometimes all you need to do is take a walk around the block. You never know when inspiration is waiting just around the bend.