Exterior paint colours: making the right choice

Deliberating over colours to use indoors is nothing new, but the exterior paint colours are just as important.

If first impressions count, then the colour you choose to paint the exterior of your house is an important decision. And whether it's something neutral or something bright, there are a few things to consider before you start wielding a paintbrush.

Blending the exterior paint colours with the environment

The first thing to think about is the immediate environment that your house lives within - is there a pool, existing paving that you want to keep or a particular coloured foliage in the garden that your house needs to complement?

Why does it matter? Well if those pavers are terracotta, it's obviously best to choose an exterior paint that will harmonise with the tiles rather than scream at them.

The same theory applies to the environment at large. If your home is nestled away in a beachside suburb or one where nature is in abundance, it can be a good idea to opt for a colour that blends in, rather than makes a real statement, as it will make the structure of your house appear less intrusive and more natural.

What's next door doing?

Similarly, think about the houses that surround yours - will that bright blue exterior that you've got your heart set on really work well with neighbouring houses? You might want your place to make a statement, but is being the only brightly-coloured house in the neighbourhood really the right way to do it, particularly when it comes time for resale?

Something else to consider when you're choosing an exterior colour is the style of your home, because a scheme that will work beautifully on a contemporary house might make a mockery of a Federation- or Period-style home.

Likewise, texture has an important role to play in how a colour looks, so what might suit a weatherboard finish may not be as effective if your home is rendered.

What is your weather like?

Also think about the climate you live in. Generally speaking, houses in warmer, sunnier climates, like Queensland's, can afford to be painted in brighter, more vivid colours than what you might choose to use in, say, Victoria or Tasmania. That's because the sun can absorb some of the colour, so brighter hues won't look out of place.

But, if you really want a fail-safe way to choose a colour, consider calling in the experts. Most large paint companies offer a colour consultation service, so take advantage of a professional opinion, complete with a customised colour scheme.