1. You Can Color-Correct for ValueAn effective use of color on the exterior of your home can add thousands of dollars to its value, says James Martin, who has been hired by landlords and real estate developers to increase the market value of their properties or improve occupancy rates in their buildings with eye-catching color schemes. 2. Perception of Color is Very RelativeFor instance, if you put a mid-value color, such as tan, next to pure white, it will look beige. But if you put it next to dark green, it will look off-white. Keep this in mind when choosing colors -- main and trim. And when you are choosing a color from a fan deck at the paint store, you should mask off the colors next to it with a white sheet of paper. 3. Begin With the ValueDesign your color scheme first according to value. That is, decide whether you want a dark, medium, or light main color. 4. Highlight Detail CarefullyCreate a balanced effect between the top and bottom of your home. For instance, if there is a lot of detail on the top of your home, you will need to create detail and interest on the bottom.

5. Don't Be Top-HeavyPut darker colors toward the bottom of the house to avoid creating an "uncomfortable, top-heavy feel," says Martin. In this photo you can see how adding deep-hued shrubs allows more illumination toward the top of the house.best pre decorated christmas trees 6. Choose Colors in the Right LightPick colors outside in natural light on a cloudy day or in open shade. best pre decorated christmas treesBright light creates glare and can distort your perception of the color.exterior paint colors for homes with black roof 7. Be Material-MindedMake sure the paint colors you choose complement the colors of the other materials of your home, such as the roof, brick, stone, or stucco.christmas decoration stores uk

8. Brighten Things UpPaint window sashes and overhead surfaces, such as porch ceilings and soffits, a lighter color to reflect light and "lift the spirit of your home." 9. Go Warm, Not CoolUse warm colors as opposed to cool. exterior paint colors 2015For instance, use a warm yellow-white as opposed to a cool blue-white.diy room decor 2015 tumblr 10. Play Up the SizeUse light colors to make a small house look bigger, and dark colors to make a large house that is squeezed onto a small lot look smaller.See also:Top 10 Kitchen Design Tips13 Tips for Selling Your Home5 Easy Improvements that Hook BuyersWhen it comes to exterior paint it seems we are entering the world of greys – smoky, stoney, dirty, take your pick! – right up to the richest of charcoals, although the stone colours and taupes are still popular with new builds.

If you are unsure about what to choose, it’s worth talking to a colour consultant. Costs are quite minimal, especially when you think about the pain of repainting if you hate it! Usually, you save on the cost of the paint if you use their recommendation, but check with your paint retailer. Most of the major paint brands also have arrangements with consultants. Here are five reliable colour combinations: Not confident with colour? There’s nothing wrong with playing it safe. Wall colour: Muted tones help keep the surroundings as the centre of attention, rather than the house. A neutral palette is also unlikely to date, an important consideration as ideally you’ll want it to see you through 10 years. Neutrals are also a better choice if you are considering selling any time soon as they are less likely to alienate potential buyers. Trim: If you paint the walls in a softer shade, ensure that trims are as light as possible to provide contrast. A crisp white is a good choice.

Roof: When the roofline is less evident, it’s important to keep it in the same colour family as the trim, to allow the sightlines to be unbroken. ‘Lumberside’ paints in Karen Walker Wan White and Karen Walker Sandspit Brown, $77.67/4L, Resene Paints Go tone-on-tone to create a cool and contemporary feel with paint. Wall colour: British Paints colour consultant Paula Day says that most people are conservative and feel safer with the lighter shades of grey. However, with a little confidence, a colour closer to charcoal adds a contemporary feel. Remember, too, that colour will look lighter in the sun, so head outdoors with a sample to check the tone’s depth before purchase. Trim: With so many new greys on offer now, it’s good to keep to the same tonal family when developing a palette. Check that all colours share the same base, which will mean they’ll sit more comfortably together. Roof: The unsung heroes of any exterior? a contrasting shade to help the wall tone stand out and frame the house.

TIP: The Karen Walker range of Resene Paints takes its cues from a softer palette, echoing the Bauhaus school, where colour is an emotional choice rather than a technical one. ‘Endure’ paints in Cable Ash, $61.90/4L, Viking Grey, $82.90/4L, and Alpine Snow, $61.90/4L, all Taubmans This summery look will remain fresh even as the weather gets cooler. Photographer: Lisa Cohen with Bree Leech and Heather nette King for Dulux interior/exterior booklets. Main wall: Neutral shades are still the biggest trend in exterior colours, says Dulux colour expert Bree Leech. Shades of grey still dominate, often with hints of green in their undertones, such as in this beach house. Trim: Whites work well on eaves and windows when you are working with a pastel palette. Darker tones will muddy softer colours. Dulux’s Lexicon range – full, half or quarter strength – is one of its most popular whites. Roof: When dealing with a strong architectural feature, such as this roof, choose a lighter shade to allow the detail to be the hero.

Green light ‘Weathershield’ paints in Lexicon Quarter and White Box, $74.95/4L, Dulux TIP: “Selecting the right white can be more challenging than any other exterior hue. With so many shades and accents of white, we recommend taking the time to select carefully to avoid one that’s either too bright and sterile, or too muddy and flat,” interior designer Miriam Fanning, Mim Design. A sunny pop of citrus combined with crisp white updates vintage charm. Main wall:  All the experts agree that any colour palette has to keep the streetscape in mind as a starting point. “You do have to be mindful of what’s around,” says architect Scott Weston, “so I tend to do a lot of facades in quite muted colours.” Trim: Scott says he “likes to go lighter” with trims, to allow any architectural elements to come to the fore. “It’s respecting what the original details of the house are,” he adds. “People are now tending to paint the timberwork in black and I find it quite oppressive.”

Roof: If you’re painting over any corrugated metal, preparation is key. Speak to your paint retailer or tradesperson about the appropriate products to ensure whatever you use will withstand harsh weather conditions. Sunny days ‘4 Seasons’ exterior low sheen paints in Love Note, $55.40/4L, and Golden Moon, $60.90/4L, British Paints TIP: “Check colours first in a larger area, using a sample pot, and look at them at different times of the day to see how the light affects the scheme,” Bree Leech, Dulux Colour Expert. Deeper colours add a sense of drama and are ideal for cooler climates.There are a lot of very dark blues, right through to blacks. There are straight blacks and then in between, very strong charcoals that generally lean either towards a greenish or slightly blueish feel.” Trim: With a dark tone for the wall, it’s important to have a contrast point for the trims. A neutral off-white will add a crispness to stronger shades. Roof: Aim for a lighter colour on top, especially if the house is in full sun, as lighter colours will reflect the heat more effectively than a darker tone.