SPRUCING UP A HOME’S EXTERIOR

A fresh coat of paint works wonders, but choosing the right colour isn’t always easy

Deciding on a paint colour for the exterior of your home can be a daunting task, especially because there’s so much surface space to cover. But Geneviève Paiement, associate marketing manager for Sico Paints & Stains, has some suggestions that may help.

“The first element to consider is the architectural style of your home,” she said. “If you own a historic home, consider choosing more classic colours, and if your home is clean-cut and modern, greys and blacks are preferred.”

Homeowners should also consider the surroundings. “If you have bright, bold flowers surrounding your property, neutrals paired with a colour pulled from the flowers can make a beautiful statement,” Paiement said.

And if your home is in an established neighbourhood, observe the colours of the homes around you and take the overall look of the plan into consideration.

“You certainly want your home’s paint colours to reflect your own style, but be sure you’re not clashing with the neighbours.”

Many monochromatic shades as well as trend-heavy colours are popular in exterior paints. Black is always classic, and, not surprisingly, so is white. Variations of these — charcoal and anchor grey, for example — are also stylish.

“Black is like that classic little black dress — it brings instant sophistication, style, and it’s timeless. Black is very popular, especially in contemporary settings, but even in traditional homes, too,” explained Sophie Bergeron, director of colour and design at Benjamin Moore Paints & Stains. “White, in contrast, is also very in. Not a pure antiseptic white but shades like Dove Wing and Grey Mist — these subtle whites can go with any setting.”

Paiement has seen a bit more of a shift toward warmer primary colours like blues and greens.

“Coastal colours are trending this season as an exterior look that can provide your home with a fresh appearance that boosts curb appeal,” she said. “You can pair it with a warm neutral for a nautical look, or add a classic hue by painting your shutters a bold red to create an energetic and bright design. It’s also the ideal mid-tone — it strikes an easy balance between light and dark colour pairings.”

Homeowners can get a bit more creative and daring when choosing the colours for the architectural details of the house. Front doors, for example, can be painted in punchier tones, such as shades of red or purple.

If you have bright, bold flowers surrounding your property, neutrals paired with a colour pulled from the flowers can make a beautiful statement. GENEVIÈVE PAIEMENT

“Red never goes out of style,” Sophie Bergeron said. “It’s welcoming and synonymous with passion and vibrancy.”

Rather than a classic fire truck red, experts recommend fruitier reds with an almost berry undertone.

Purple is also an ideal front-door hue.

“One of the perfect colours is called Gypsy Love — it’s one of my favourites for doors,” she said. “It’s very fruity and goes hand-inhand with our colour of the year (Shadow, a rich, royal amethyst).”

Geneviève Paiement sometimes turns to details on the property for front-door inspiration.

“If a home’s flower beds are ripe with roses, consider painting the front door red to reinforce the hue,” she suggested. “If the bushes are full of sunflowers, choose a yellow like Sico’s Almond Biscotti to further bring out the sunny shade. The dual impact of the colours will give the doorway a welcoming feeling and will add to the home’s curb appeal.”

Exterior colour options and combinations for the home are practically endless, but paying attention to certain aspects of the house as well as the surrounding area can help to narrow down the choices. Go with something classic like black, white or grey, or step into trend-territory with a brighter shade like blue. Use your front door to express your individuality and set your home apart from the others on your street.

With a great colour combo, your property will be the talk of the town.

Coastal colours are trending this season as an exterior look . ... You can pair it with a warm neutral for a nautical look, or add a classic hue by painting your shutters a bold red to create an energetic and bright design.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BENJAMIN MOORE Painting a front door red — in this case,, Benjamin Moore’s Dutch Tulip shade — adds an immediate robust, punchy tone to a home’s exterior.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SICO Sico’s 2017 summer palette includes an Almond Biscotti shade that, together with a creamy white trim, perks up the exterior of a house surrounded by greenery and the odd patch of black-eyed Susans.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SICO A fruity wine red paint for the banisters and pillars at this home’s entrance provides an eye-catching contrast to the olive green trim and neutral siding.

PHOTOS (2): COURTESY OF BENJAMIN MOORE This home’s predominantly white exterior gives it a summery, beach look that is further advanced by the blue-green coastal colour of the front door.

Benjamin Moore’s Claret Rose gives this door eye-catching appeal.