Choosing the right exterior colour

The colours and types of paint that you choose for the outside of your home are every bit as important as those which will highlight the interior. Not only will you have to live with your colour choices for many years, so will the entire neighbourhood! Some areas even have council regulations about the types of colours you may use, particularly if there are heritage homes in the area.

Exterior painting: Colour selection

As well as the type of paint you use (consider the type of surface to be painted, the degree of exposure it will have to the elements and the type of finish you want), the colours that you paint your home in will have a lasting impact. Here are some points to consider when choosing colours for the exterior of your home:

• Consider the neighbourhood. Check with your council about whether there are any restrictions on the colour schemes you may choose. Consider how the colours of your home will fit with and complement those of your neighbours.
• Draw inspiration from nature. Increasingly homes are painted in greens, yellows and other colours inspired by nature. The type of garden you have or are planning should be a consideration.
• Consider the colour wheel. Close colours can create delicate accents and complements, whereas colours on the opposite ends of the spectrum will create dramatic effects when used together, which are probably best used for features and highlights, such as shutters.
• Use light colours to create space, darker ones for dramatic effect.
• Consider the inside - how will your exterior painting scheme match up with the way that you have decorated the inside of your home?

Painting: Other considerations

There are also practical considerations in choosing exterior paints. Check the type of surface that you will be painting on, and ensure by checking the can that the paint you choose will work on it.

Health considerations may be important too, when painting your own home. Environmentally and health conscious paints are now more easily available, and release very few of the toxic and environmentally harmful solvents (VOCs) which most paints contain. Ask your hardware shop owner about this option.