Perhaps the most effective way to update your home’s exterior is through color. Painting your home’s siding, or better yet, updating it with beautifully pigmented James Hardie® ColorPlus® boards, not only enhances your home’s exterior but keeps it well protected. But it is the right color selection that can make your home stand out from the crowd.
As a St. Louis revered siding contractor, we know how important the aesthetic of your home’s exterior is, which is why we choose to install James Hardie siding and trim.
When making such a large purchase for your home, you’ll want to know that your investment truly transforms your home into what you have always desired it to be. Here are some important tips for selecting the perfect siding and trim colors for your home.
Questions to Ask
Your home renovation begins with knowing you have a need for a new design. When it comes to selecting colors for that renovation, begin by asking yourself these questions.
What colors do I like?
The perfect springboard for your exterior colors selection doesn’t have to be complicated. What colors do you like? Colors that you are typically drawn to will make your home feel like a personal statement, and your siding and trim will remain worth the investment for longer.
What is my home’s style?
Certain home styles lend to specified color palettes. Maintain the integrity of your specific home’s style through your color selections. Use these colors to enhance the natural character of your home.
If you are completing a whole home renovation, choose a palette that falls into the design style you want to see your home become rather than the style it currently is.
What colors flow with my surroundings?
Your yard and view are the backdrop to your home. They remain an essential part of your color scheme, so take them into consideration when selecting your home’s colors.
What size is my home, and how is it placed on my property?
Colors create illusions. Light colors make spaces feel larger. Darker colors tend to make a space cozier. So consider your home’s size. A smaller home might benefit from a lighter color palette.
Seek Inspiration!
Images of other homes can often spark the creativity needed to coordinate the perfect exterior colors.
Neighboring Homes
Take in your neighborhood’s homes for colors that you like or for emerging color patterns. You want your home to fit in and stand out all at the same time. Neighbors’ homes are often similar in design so if you find siding and trim color you like, it is more likely to work on your home as well.
Pinterest boards are a great way to seek and store inspirational images and ideas. Pinterest provides ideas for modern trends and popular color selections for your home’s style. Many contractors and designers even ask for Pinterest inspiration, so already having a vision board can put you a step ahead.
HOA
While you won’t garner color inspiration from an HOA, we felt it important to note that HOAs can limit your color selection to choose from. Before securing your home’s exterior colors, take heed of your reigning HOA governances.
Basic Color Rules to Consider
Here are some color rules to use as a springboard for your selections. While there is a science to choosing colors, creating the perfect exterior comes through thinking outside of the box. Take these rules into consideration, and utilize their concepts while also selecting colors.
Rule of three
The rule of three in design is used to complement your primary and secondary color choices. It indicates that your secondary accent color should be used.
- Primary— Your primary color is the most seen and used color on the exterior of your home. Ergo, it is the color of the siding itself.
- Trim— The second most common color is used to highlight trims, such as fascias, window frames, etc.
- Accent(s)— Accent colors round out the trio and provide dimension with a splash of color throughout your exterior.
The Color Wheel
Utilize a color wheel to select coordinating colors for your three (or more) choices. Some of the most common and eye-pleasing combinations come as follows.
- Complementary— These colors are directly opposite from one another on the color wheel. A common combination is black trim on a stark white home.
- Analogous— Colors that are directly next to one another on the color wheel. This can manifest as hues of the same primary color or as true analogous colors.
- Triadic— Creating a triangle by choosing colors equidistant around the wheel.
Matching Undertones
Undertones are essential for maintaining consistency in your color selection. Colors work best together when they have consistent undertones. Warm colors are those with a yellow or red underlying hue. Cool colors have underlying blue tones.
James Hardie Siding and Trim
James Hardie’s siding and trim come in an extensive color selection so you can choose the perfect combination for your home. The ColorPlus technology makes your color fade resistant so it will stay vibrant for longer. And before you choose the colors for your exterior, utilize the visualizer tool to see how the colors work together on your home.
Obtain the Perfectly Curated Home Exterior of Your Dreams
You don’t have to feel overwhelmed when re-siding your home. Our Lakeside Renovation and Design team couples design and installation to make the entire process as simple as possible. Our design team is ready to help you select the siding and trim colors that will make your home stand out.
As a St. Louis siding contractor, our goal is to help you achieve a siding that withstands the climate and remains beautiful for years to come. If you’re ready for the home of your dreams, get a free consultation today!
