How to Select the Right Colour Scheme for your House

Choosing the right colour scheme for your house can be a daunting task as you will have to live with your decisions for a long time! While colour is very much a matter of personal taste, there are some important guidelines to help you create a palette that you will love. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect choice for your home.

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About Colour

A colour wheel is a great starting pointing when choosing a desirable scheme. There are four types of colour schemes: monochromatic, analogous, contrast, and complementary.

A monochromatic scheme uses the same colour and adds either white or black to lighten or darken the shades.

An analogous scheme is one that uses colours that appear next to each other on the wheel, like green and blue, or pink and purple. Mixing these kinds of colours is known to create a soothing effect.

Although if you want to create a vibrant and energetic feel, you are best to choose a contrasting scheme. This palette uses a variety of opposing shades, and is effective when creating defined spaces in an outdoor area.

Complementary schemes are created with opposing colours on the wheel – say pink and green - to provide a dramatic and bold look.

Roof First?

It’s quite common when choosing the colour scheme for your home exteriors, to start with your roof and work your way down. If you need a little inspiration, you can start by looking at roofing websites like Hats 4 Houses to gauge what styles are most popular. By choosing the material of your roof, you’ll have an easier time dictating your colour scheme. For example, if you choose a hardy, long term roofing solution like colourbond, you can choose from an extensive palette of more modern and classic hues. Alternatively, you might choose the tone of your house first and then find a roof that matches.

The Garage

If you decided to choose the, from the top down method, the next step is deciding on a garage door that matches the roof and walls. You can either choose a shade from your existing palette, or highlight the garage by making it the same colour as your roof.

Other Considerations

You also need to consider several other things when working out a colour scheme. Are you installing a fence? If so, how will you tie it in with the rest of the house?What material will your front door be made from? You will even have to go as far as deciding what colour to paint your window frames.

It’s best to sketch all the components of your exterior colour scheme so that you can be really sure that everything will tie in together. If you are anxious about anything you should talk to a professional before you proceed. Most paint shops and roofing and cladding companies will have someone that can offer advice. Take your time, look around at homes in your neighbourhood to see what you like, talk to the experts, and you will find a colour scheme that is just right for your home.