Best Exterior Colours and Colour Schemes for Your Home

Step 1: Assess Your Home's Style and Features

Why It Matters: Your home's architectural style and existing features, such as roof colour, brickwork, and window frames, will largely dictate the appropriate colour scheme. Different styles pair best with different colour palettes, and certain architectural features may need to be highlighted or downplayed based on your choices.

Action Points:

• Identify the architectural style of your home (e.g., modern, traditional, coastal).
• Take note of any fixed features like the roof, gutters, brickwork, or stone accents.
• These are often expensive or difficult to change, so your exterior colour scheme should work with these elements.

Consider the material of your home's exterior, such as brick, weatherboard, or render, as colours can appear different on various surfaces.

Step 2: Consider the Surroundings

Why It Matters: Your home doesn’t exist in isolation. The surrounding environment, including your neighbourhood and natural landscape, should influence your colour choices. This ensures your home blends seamlessly with its environment or, if you prefer, makes a tasteful statement.

Action Points:

• Observe the natural environment around your home. Are there a lot of trees, is your home near the coast, or is it in an urban setting?
• Take a walk around your neighbourhood and note the predominant colour schemes. While you don’t have to match exactly, staying within a complementary range can enhance the overall appeal of your area.
• Consider how seasonal changes will affect your colour choice. For instance, lush green trees in summer might contrast differently with your home than bare branches in winter.

Step 3: Select Your Main Colour

Why It Matters: The main colour is the most dominant hue in your exterior palette. It will cover the largest areas of your home, such as the walls or cladding. This colour sets the overall tone for your home’s appearance, so it’s important to choose a shade that you love and that suits the structure of your home.

Action Points:

• Choose a colour that complements your home’s architectural style. For example, modern homes might look great in sleek greys or whites, while more traditional homes could benefit from warmer tones.
• Keep in mind the longevity of the colour. Neutral tones tend to age better and stay in style longer than trendy or bold colours.
• If you’re unsure, start by looking at samples of popular colours for your type of home and in your region.

Step 4: Choose Accent Colours

Why It Matters: Accent colours are used for smaller areas such as window frames, doors, trim, and other architectural details. They add contrast and highlight certain features of your home, giving it character and depth.

Action Points:

• Pick up accent colour chips from your local Mitre 10 store to sample at home. Pop them up on your exterior walls and have a look at how the colour changes during different times of the day.
• Choose one or two accent colours that complement your main colour without overpowering it. For example, if your main colour is a soft grey, a crisp white or a dark charcoal could be excellent accent choices.
• Decide where you want to apply these colours. Common areas for accent colours include the front door, window frames, shutters, and roofline.
• Consider the visual impact of these accents. A bold front door colour can make a statement, while softer accents might blend more subtly into the overall design.

Step 5: Test the Colours

Why It Matters: Colours can look drastically different on a paint swatch versus on your home's exterior. Testing your chosen colours in real-life conditions helps you see how they interact with your home's materials and how they change throughout the day under different lighting.

Action Points:

• Purchase small sample pots of your selected main and accent colours.
• Paint test patches on different parts of your home, especially where the light varies throughout the day.
• Observe how the colours look in morning, afternoon, and evening light. Pay attention to how they appear in both sunny and shaded areas.
• View the colours from different angles and distances to ensure they give the effect you desire.

Step 6: Consider Finishing Options

Why It Matters: The finish of your paint can alter the appearance of the colour and affect the durability of the exterior. Different finishes offer various levels of sheen and protection, which can enhance or diminish the final look of your paint job.

Action Points:

• Matte Finish: This non-reflective finish is great for hiding imperfections on the surface but may not be as durable as other options. It's commonly used for large surface areas like walls.
• Satin or Eggshell Finish: These finishes have a slight sheen that can add depth to the colour while still being forgiving of surface flaws. They’re often used on walls, trim, and even doors.
• Gloss or Semi-Gloss Finish: These are more reflective and durable, making them ideal for accents like doors, windows, and trim. They’re also easier to clean, which is beneficial for areas prone to dirt and wear.

Step 7: Finalise Your Decision

Why It Matters: After testing and considering all factors, you’re ready to make a decision. This is the time to ensure you’re confident in your choices before committing to the full paint job.

Action Points:

• Review the tested colours at different times of day and in various weather conditions to confirm your choice.
• Consider getting a second opinion from a design professional or a trusted friend if you’re still uncertain.
• Finalise your palette, including the main colour, accent colours, and the finish type.

Step 8: Plan the Painting Process

Why It Matters: Proper planning ensures a smooth painting process and helps achieve a professional-looking result. This includes gathering the right tools, choosing the right time, and preparing the surfaces.

Action Points:

• Make a list of all necessary tools and supplies, such as brushes, rollers, painter’s tape, drop cloths, and ladders. For high-quality tools, visit our paint accessories page.
• Check the weather forecast to pick a period of dry weather for painting. Avoid painting in extreme temperatures or direct sunlight, which can affect the paint’s application and drying process.
• Prepare your home’s exterior by cleaning surfaces, filling any cracks or holes, and applying a primer if necessary. Proper surface preparation is key to a long-lasting finish.
• If you’re hiring professionals, ensure they’re scheduled and confirm the details of the job.

Which Sheen Level?

Tip

Choose the right sheen level to achieve your desired result. Accent has a comprehensive range of sheen levels including Matt, Low Sheen, Semi Gloss and Gloss. Each sheen level offers a different look, so it is important to consider your preferred look when making your final selection.