Selecting the appropriate exterior colour scheme may seem like a major commitment. And it is one. This is the first thing that people see when they visit. So, the colour you use may turn everything upside down. Luckily, it only takes a few simple tips to make your home look stylish.

Consider the style of your house

The architectural style of your house tends to incline towards some colours. An illustrative example is that a classic cottage may be very beautiful in light neutral or light pastels. On the contrary, a contemporary house might look good in colour contrasts such as black and white. 

Older houses have been more inclined towards rich, heritage-driven shades. Newer construction attracts minimalist palettes. Work with what you already have. This will make the entire process much easier.

Work with your surroundings

Look around your neighbourhood and the world around you. Do you have a lot of greenery? Beachy tones? Urban brickwork? The scenery can also inform your palette. This way, your exterior will not feel off. 

Your exterior doesn’t have to match everyone else’s. But select colours that add to the general mood of your street.

Select a primary colour, and work around it

A balanced exterior scheme will tend to have three elements:

• Primary colour: the main colour of the house.
• Trim colour: window, door, and fascia accents.
• Colour of door or statement: the fun pop that brings it all together.

Begin with the primary colour, the one that will occupy the most space. When you choose this one, the trim colour will be much easier to choose. A white trim can work wonders with any colour. Soft taupes or charcoals can be a classy touch, too. 

And then there is your front door. Here, you have a chance to inject some personality into it. Think of:

• Bold navy
• Olive green 
• A deep red.

These bold colours will make your entrance look inviting and warm.

Consider sunshine and shadow

Outside colours may appear entirely different depending on the amount of sunshine. Light, open spaces can dilute paler colours. On the other hand, shaded areas can cause darker colours to appear overbearing. 

Many exterior painters London recommend testing swatches in different lighting. You can paint huge swatches on the various sides of your house and observe them throughout the day. You will see the colour in different lights.

Don’t forget about long-term maintenance

Certain colours conceal dirt than others. In areas where there is dust or heavy congestion or even many trees, very light or very dark colours may require more maintenance. However, you may consider shades in the mid-tone, such as:

• Breige
• Soft blues
• Warm olives.

These are more convenient to maintain. They also remain stylish throughout the year.

Last thoughts

You are the one who has to come home to it at the end of the day. Select colours that make you proud and represent the character of your house. Intuition and a few sensible rules will make your exterior colour scheme effortlessly beautiful and distinctly your own.