Every year around this time, Benjamin Moore releases its colour for the upcoming seasons. I personally love to see what the experts chose, especially when it’s a colour that can be used on the outside of a home.
2019’s colour of the year is just that. Benjamin Moore went with Metropolitan and I couldn’t be happier. This grey with warm under tones is so perfect for the outside of a home — that I used it for my own!
I realize that a grey house isn’t ground breaking by any means, but if you are looking to freshen up the outside of your house with a great colour that complements all kinds of trees, plants and shrubs ... than this one is for you. I added white and black accents to really make the grey pop.
I have a simple system for choosing the colours for the outside of any home. Here are my simple rules:
1. Start by heading to your favourite paint store and select several paint chips that grab your eye. When it comes to colour, remember that the outside of your home will be seen in all kinds of different levels of natural lighting.
2. Next, take the paint chips and stand outside your home, as far back as possible so that you can see you home and the neighbours on each side. Take the paint chips you have selected and look for those colours around you. If you can find the colour outside of your home, in the trees, the rocks, even the pavement, you’ll always know that this colour choice will complement the neighbourhood instead of sticking out. I went with the dark colours that you find in the shadows, or under the branches. Blacks and greys are always around us.
3. Note of caution — beware of choosing colours from your favourite flowering perennials or from trees that loose their leaves. Those great shades from your irises or Japanese maples may look amazing in the summer, but having a purple or red house in the middle of February isn’t going to help your curb appeal.
4. Don’t be afraid of adding personality. You can use a bright colour for your home as the main choice. Bolder shades are popping up in many neighbourhoods. If you are worried though, make sure that you show a little restraint. When in doubt, it is always a good idea to add the personality to the areas that are easily changed in the front of your home. This is why designers recommend painting the front door ... it’s easily fixed if you get it wrong.
Choosing a paint colour for your home is something that you want to take your time doing. Painting the house is never a quick (or inexpensive) job, so doing it right the first time is definitely a priority.
