When 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.living room decor accents Photographer: Lisa Cohen with Bree Leech and Heather nette King for Dulux interior/exterior booklets.home decor ideas for shelves Main wall: Neutral shades are still the biggest trend in exterior colours, says Dulux colour expert Bree Leech. exterior door paint black

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, Duluxhome and wall decor coupon TIP: “Selecting the right white can be more challenging than any other exterior hue. diy spring decorations for your roomWith 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.wholesale christmas decor for retailers

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. Most of the big paint brands will match Colorbond colours, so keep that collection in mind when looking at architectural details. ‘Weathershield’ paint in Chalk USA, $74.95/4L, Dulux. ‘4 Seasons’ exterior low sheen paint in Red Alert, $60.90/4L, British Paints. ‘Endure’ paint in Black Fox, $82.90/4L, Taubmans. >> Expert advice for choosing exterior paint >> DIY painting guide: how-to advice, tips & colour schemes