Changing your home’s exterior color is a good way of updating style while conveying personality. Express yourself! Every day, the decisions we make reflect color. What are we going to wear? Do I want a red apple or a yellow banana for breakfast?
Image Credit: Colouring pencils
Color Basics
First off, let’s start with the color basics. By definition, color is the element of art that is produced when light, striking an object, is reflected back to the eye. Since everyone’s perception of color is different, color measurement comes in two segments: visual and instrumental. Instrumental methods for measuring color provide objective data that provide accurate and precise measurements of color and color differences.
Color Affects Perception
When choosing the right color for your home, it’s important to factor in several key components. Before you start looking at colors it’s important to consider what kind of home you have. Is it big or small? Are there many details or is it pretty standard? The reason these things are so important depends on how you want your home to look. For example: If your house is small, painting it a darker shade will cause it to look even smaller. By painting it a lighter color (white, yellow) the effect will usually be the opposite, giving it a larger perception.
Consider the Neighbors
What color are your neighbors’ homes? While there’s nothing wrong with being unique, having a bright purple home in a neighborhood of beige houses might make you stand out. Not to mention your HOA will probably have a problem with it. Dark colors also tend to absorb more heat from the sun which in turn can cause expansion, buckling, and warping that eventually leads to repairs.
Moody Blues
Color also affects your mood. For example: Light blue “lowers the temperature” giving it a cool, relaxing feeling. Yellow and gold’s on the other hand;tend to be more energizing, and cheerful.
Mesh Color with Landscape
Try harmonizing with the landscape. This requires color theory – the complex study that centers on how colors relate to one another. Coordinate the color of your house with the colors around it. Color, along with form, line, texture and scale is one of the most basic elements of landscape design.
Don’t Forget the Roof
It’s also important to complement the exterior color of your home with the color of your roof. If your roof happens to be of a greenish hue, painting your house blue probably won’t coincide. The color of your roof should always be a neutral shade that’s flexible with the materials around it (siding, trim, etc.).
Keep Climate in Mind
It’s also important to choose a color that coincides with the weather in your area. Seasons change, and it’s important to factor in the heat, rain, cold, and wind that your home is exposed to. By doing this, you’ll save money in the long run without having to empty your wallet every year repainting it.
Details, details, details
How many different colors you paint your house is up to you but it should really depend on how many details you have to highlight. Is there a lot of trim? Do you plan on painting the doors as well? If your home happens to be two-stories, you might choose a darker color for the bottom and a lighter color for the top or vice versa.
Be creative but not over the top when it comes to painting your home. Be careful when it comes to contrast but feel free to express your homes personality. Let it be a reflection of yourself and those that live there. Everyone’s vision is different, that’s what’s so great about color!
Author Bio: Daniel Harris possesses a creative mind that drives him to express himself with any medium he can get his hands on. He currently funds his artistic endeavors by freelance writing with BYK Additives & Instruments who specializes in color instruments.
