Design & Decor Blog

On CityLine, our contributing decorating editor Kimberly Seldon often references her “honey-do” list — a list of home improvement jobs for her honey to tackle. These are those sweaty, messy, not-exactly-glamorous tasks that only kick into high-gear aftera prolonged period of relentless nagging. You know the deal.

I’m sure that at the top of many honey-do lists this summer is the dreaded exterior paint job. The type that involves ladders and a seemingly inexhaustible supply of rollers.

And although I doubt she can come over to personally lend a hand in an exterior paint makeover, Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore’s colour expert does provide some wonderful tips on tackling one of the most critical stages in the process — choosing the right colour. Here are her five basic cues on exterior hues:

1. Let architecture be your starting point. “For inspiration, look for houses like yours whose colours you admire,” Sharon says. “Or, if you’re interested in historical accuracy or appropriateness, research your home’s period style. Your local historical society may be a helpful resource, as well, as you dig for information.”

2. Consider the roof, driveway and chimney. “These are ‘givens’,” Sharon points out. “They’re existing elements that won’t be painted but that should play a role in determining your colour choices. For a facade that’s partially stone, using a similar colour will add visual harmony. If the fixed colours are intense — a terra-cotta tile roof, for example — a neutral colour, such as sand or a warm white, will bring balance.”

3. Consider the landscaping. Sharon suggests we select colours that fit in with the surrounding palette. “If you have brilliant-coloured spring blooming trees or a sea of green foundation plantings, choose colours that will complement them.”

4. Keep in mind your interior decor. Sharon warns that exterior paint colours that don’t correspond with your interior furnishings can be jarring. “The colours used on the windows or outside shutters, for example, should be in sync with those used on interior window treatments.”

5. Choose a colour scheme that is compatible with the other houses in the neighbourhood. “You don’t have to imitate the palette or application exactly,” Sharon says, “But you can put your own individual spin on similar colour combinations. Regional influences are also bound to affect your choice as you account for local terrain, seasons, interplay of natural lighting, and even history and culture.”

 

Check out how the same facade takes on entirely different looks with different treatments of Benjamin Moore paint, as proposed by Sharon.

Option 1: Go Coastal

Body – Barely Beige CC-140

Trim – Yarmouth Blue HC-150

Door – Blue Nose CC-800

 

 

Option 2: Drawing Attention to the Architecture

Body – Dolphin AF-715

Trim – Gardenia AF-10

Door – Dinner Party AF-300

 

 

 

Option 3: Warm & Classic

Body – Seaside Sand 2110-40

Trim – Muslin CC-110

Colonial Brick 2093-30

 

 

Option 4: Historic Hot Pick (Wethersfield Moss is one of the bestselling Historic Collection colours!)

Body – Wethersfield Moss HC-110

Trim – Roxbury Caramel HC-42

Door – Lenox Tan HC-44

 

For a taste of how your own home would cope with a fresh colour combo, check out Benjamin Moore’s Personal Colour Viewer. A great online tool!