In Australia, the exterior colour scheme of your house can make a significant impact on your home's curb appeal and overall aesthetic. Whether you're giving your home a facelift, preparing to sell, or constructing a new property, selecting the right exterior colour palette is essential. With an array of hues and combinations to choose from, it can be a daunting task. Don't worry, we're here to help you navigate through the world of exterior colours and make your Aussie home the envy of the neighbourhood.
Consider the architectural style of your home
Before diving into the colour selection, it's crucial to consider your home's architectural style. Classic Australian styles like Federation, Victorian, and Queenslander homes each have unique features that can be accentuated with the right colours. For example, a traditional Federation home might feature deep reds or greens, while a Queenslander may opt for lighter shades like white or pastel colours. Knowing your home's style can provide a solid starting point for your exterior colour scheme journey.
Take note of your home's surroundings
When selecting exterior colours for your Australian home, it's essential to factor in your surroundings. Assess the natural landscape, nearby homes, and even the local climate. If you live near the coast, consider coastal-inspired hues like sandy beige, soft blues, or crisp whites to complement the ocean backdrop. Alternatively, if your home is in a lush, forested area, earthy tones like olive green or warm browns may be a better fit. The goal is to harmoniously blend your home with its environment.
Balance bold and neutral colours
A well-balanced colour scheme includes a mix of bold and neutral colours. Bold colours can highlight architectural details, while neutral tones can tie the overall look together. For instance, you may want to paint your weatherboards or exterior walls in a neutral colour and then use a bold hue for the doors, window frames, and other details. This can create visual interest and add depth to your home's exterior.
There are some general guidelines when picking exterior paint colours. Warmer tones work well with neutral shades if your garden includes plenty of blue tones and greenery. A strong feature colour can help pick up bright colours throughout your garden or pops of colour from particular flowers and features. A dark colour works well if you have a sparsely planted front yard. Balancing colours can be the key to finding your perfect palette, but there are other things to consider too.
Don't forget about your roof
Your roof is a significant part of your home's exterior, and its colour should be considered when selecting your colour scheme. In Australia, Colorbond roofing is a popular choice, offering a wide range of colours to match your home's aesthetic. When choosing a roof colour, think about how it will coordinate with your exterior walls, trims, and other features. It's essential to strike the right balance between your roof and the rest of your exterior.
If you are repainting your home's exterior, consider whether roof restoration is a good first step before painting your roof to match your exterior house colours. Roof restoration is a great idea if your roof has chipped or cracked concrete tiles because it usually includes tile replacement, pressure cleaning, repointing, resealing and then painting. BorisDoes can help you find a roof restoration professional who can help you prepare your roof for painting and help you to put the finishing touches on your exterior painting project.
Consider popular paint colours and combinations
As you embark on your journey to choose the perfect exterior colour scheme for your Aussie home, it's essential to familiarise yourself with some of the popular colours available. These hues have stood the test of time, becoming go-to choices for many Australian homeowners.
- Monument: This versatile grey hue is a favourite amongst Australians, offering a modern, sleek appearance. Its adaptability means it can be paired with a wide range of colours, from crisp whites to bold reds, making it an excellent choice for both contemporary and classic homes.
- Surfmist: A timeless off-white shade, Surfmist evokes a sense of freshness and coastal charm. Its airy, light feel makes it an ideal choice for beachside homes, but it can also work well for inland properties, providing a clean and classic look.
- Jasper: This warm, earthy brown colour is reminiscent of the Australian landscape, making it a popular choice for homeowners looking to create a natural, rustic feel. Jasper works well with a variety of colours, including greens, beiges, and creams, to create a harmonious and inviting exterior.
- Woodland Grey: A rich, dark grey with green undertones, Woodland Grey is perfect for those seeking a sophisticated and modern look. Pair it with lighter trims and accent colours to create depth and contrast that will make your home stand out.
- Pale Eucalypt: Inspired by Australia's iconic gum trees, Pale Eucalypt is a soft, muted green that brings a touch of nature to your home's exterior. This calming hue is versatile and works well with a range of other colours, making it an excellent choice for both modern and traditional homes.
- Dune: This warm, sandy beige colour is inspired by the Australian desert and coastline, providing a subtle, neutral backdrop for your home. Dune can be effortlessly combined with other earthy tones or used as a base for more vibrant accent colours.
Incorporating these popular colours into your exterior colour scheme can create a visually appealing and timeless look for your Australian home. Remember to consider your home's architectural style, surroundings, and personal preferences when making your final decision.
Consult with a professional
Consulting with a professional when choosing your home's exterior colour scheme can make the process much smoother and help you achieve the desired look. Professionals like colour consultants, experienced painters, and even architects can provide valuable guidance and expertise to ensure your colour choices create a cohesive and visually appealing exterior.
- Colour Consultants: Colour consultants specialise in helping clients select the perfect colours for their homes, both inside and out. They have extensive knowledge of colour theory, trends, and the impact of colours on a property's overall aesthetic. By taking into account factors such as your home's architectural style, surroundings, and your personal preferences, colour consultants can recommend colour combinations and finishes that will enhance your home's curb appeal.
- Experienced Painters: Painters who have been in the industry for several years often have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to exterior colour schemes. They have likely worked on a variety of projects, giving them practical insights into what works and what doesn't. By discussing your preferences and vision with an experienced painter, they can offer suggestions and help you avoid potential pitfalls.
- Architects or Designers: If you're working with an architect or designer on your home's construction or renovation, it's worthwhile to seek their advice on exterior colours. They can provide a unique perspective, considering not only the aesthetic aspects but also the functional and structural elements of your home.
In addition to their expert advice, professionals can often recommend quality paint brands and products that will deliver the best results for your home's exterior. They may also have contacts in the industry who can help you source materials or complete the painting job. Investing in professional guidance when selecting an exterior colour scheme can save you time, money, and potential disappointment. With their expertise, you can feel confident that your home's exterior will look beautiful and stand the test of time.
Test your colours before committing
Once you've narrowed down your colour choices, it's time to test them out. Collect colour swatches or purchase sample pots of your chosen colours and paint small sections of your exterior. Observe how the colours look at different times of the day, in varying weather conditions, and under different lighting. It's crucial to ensure that your chosen colours work well together and create the desired effect.
Consider any advice you got from professionals and decide whether their advice has produced the look you were after. It may be that you need to pick a colour a few shades lighter or darker than recommended once you have an idea of what it looks like in the context of your house exterior.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the perfect exterior colour scheme for your Aussie home involves considering factors such as your home's architectural style, its surroundings, and striking the right balance between bold and neutral colours. By taking the time to carefully assess these factors and testing your chosen colours, you'll be well on your way to creating an exterior that enhances your home's curb appeal and sets it apart from the rest.
BorisDoes has a great range of painters, colour consultants, and designers ready to help you find the perfect colour combination for the exterior of your home. Simply choose a service subcategory, read some reviews from previous Customers, and pick the right Tasker or Business for your exterior paint job.