Deciding to renovate the outside of your house can conjure up all sorts of emotions, some of them more anxiety-inducing than others. While most homeowners feel some level of excitement about making long-awaited changes to their residences, many also feel a bit of trepidation about potentially getting it wrong and having to start all over again at a later date.
Generally, one of the toughest choices is committing to an exterior color combination. There are hundreds and hundreds of options, so feeling overwhelmed is normal. As you read this brief guide, you’ll discover a few helpful tips that can make it easier to choose a color palette that will make you smile every time you arrive home.
Consider which features are toughest to alter
Every house has certain features that are difficult, costly, or impossible to alter for one reason or another. Maybe, for example, you only want to change the main colors of your house, but intend to leave the roof and any landscaping alone. In this case, you will have to make sure the hues you select go with these features, which may narrow down your choices.
You may also be in a situation where you cannot change particular architectural features without damaging your house structurally. If, for instance, there are stone columns on the porch that help hold up the second-story of the residence, you and your contracting team will have to work with their existing colors when you select your new overall palette.
Think about when your home was built
Considering the era during which your house was constructed can help you figure out which exterior colors you should go with during your remodel. This is especially true for historic homes, whose owners have the unique ability to make them look more authentic and historically accurate than they may have in decades. We work with many North Carolina and South Carolina families who live in older house, so this is something we fully understand!
The best way to get a feel for how houses looked when yours was built is to search for design magazines from that era (this is easiest if your home was erected during the mid-century age or later) or search the internet for information about popular color schemes during the appropriate decade (this tends to be the easiest option for individuals who live in truly old homes, such as Victorian and Queen Anne styles). You can also consult with a local designer.
Evaluate the aesthetic you’re trying to achieve
Before you start selecting potential paint colors, it’s important to have a vision for your finished home. This will help you feel less lost from the start, as you’ll have an idea of which color combinations are not right for you. If, for example, you live on the South Carolina coast and you know you want a breezy, beachy aesthetic, staying away from anything too heavy or dark is a given. Or, if you know you are looking for a dramatic, moody appearance, you might want to go bold and select black or dark purple for your house.
At Hatch Homes, we want to help you create your dream living space from the outside in. Give us a call today to set-up an appointment to discuss your upcoming exterior renovation. We can’t wait to meet you and look forward to getting started on your big project!