Exteriors

Similar to interior color design, we utilize the same general linear process for exterior color design. However, remember what we have learned about Illuminants. Since your exterior color design will only be viewed in natural exterior light, be sure to create your palette in these identical conditions.

Step 1:

Create an exterior color palette. Take cues from the environment in beginning the process of creating a palette. Inquire and determine focal points in the landscape (plants, trees, flowers) and new hard finishes or ones that will remain after the work is completed (e.g. windows, roof, gutters, stone). Remember, your color choices will not live in isolation. Metamerism plays a considerable role in exterior color design too.

It may be easiest to begin with the main house color. Then add 2-4 more colors to the palette that hum with the first color. We intentionally choose 1-4 neutrals to support the main house color for trim, some may be lighter and some darker, and as many as 2 more accent colors. Sometimes an exterior color palette will begin with as many as 8-10 paint colors. However, when we begin to narrow them down for what will actually be applied to the architecture, they naturally self-select.

Step 2:

Observe the home's architecture. Color supports it, not vice versa. The number of colors you can use on the exterior of a house is determined by the amount of detail on the trim carpentry. Color should be applied consistently to each architectural element: e.g. all window and door trim receives the same color paint. Color can be applied to highlight the architecture and craftspersonship, especially on older homes.

It is helpful to assess the home’s exterior architecture individually to determine how many colors would ideally be used in the final design. The more carpentry and architectural detail can allow for more colors to play in the design. Sometimes the existing color design can be misleading in terms of which elements should receive which colors, etc. Visualizing the home as a simple pen and ink drawing can help clarify which elements will receive their own distinctive color.

Step 3:

Find an easy starting place to make a decision. The main house color is likely already decided. Use what is most intuitive and obvious for your next selection. Often that will be the main trim color for the windows and doors. Build the next easiest decision on top of it. Will the window sashes be a different color? Will the fascia board be the same color as the window and door trim? Keep building with more decisions. What color will be on the front door to create the entrance focal point? Have confidence in your first decisions and why those were made at the time that they were. Trust the process!