In my last post, How to Pick the Perfect Exterior Paint Colors for your Home, I shared the first steps in my process for picking exterior paint colors for my own home. I mentioned this included:
- Consider what colors you like
- Consider your limitations such as your fixed finishes, landscape and surroundings.
- Visualize the possibilities.
- Test your choices to see them in different light conditions.
Here is the before photo of my home and the colors I had selected to test (Benjamin Moore Moscow Midnight, Lily White and Sunshine).
Like many homeowners, I initially thought I was ready to make my paint color selections and dive into painting my home’s exterior. However, something interesting happened along the way.
My journey began with thorough research into exterior paint brands, and I discovered that Sherwin Williams had garnered better reviews compared to Benjamin Moore. Both companies are undoubtedly reputable, and I often recommend colors from both to my home staging and design clients. For this particular project, I decided to give Sherwin Williams a try, a decision that naturally led me to reconsider my color choices.
What added an intriguing twist to this process was my recent certification as a color strategist. You might be wondering, what does that entail? Well, a color strategist is someone who possesses a deep understanding of both the art and science of color, enabling them to make well-informed color decisions. I delved into the scientific aspects of color, learning how to measure color data and apply insights on hue, value (lightness), and chroma (saturation) to make even more precise color choices.
Armed with this newfound knowledge, I began by collecting color data from my roofing material. This allowed me to discover an even more suitable teal color (Moscow Midnight) that harmonized beautifully with my roof. Additionally, I opted for a warmer white shade (Alabaster) for the trim, which complemented Moscow Midnight and didn’t appear overly bright on sunny days. To add a bold and vibrant touch, I selected “Forward Fuchsia” as the front door color, a choice that perfectly matched the color data of the roses in my front yard. I envisioned how this color would tie my home seamlessly to the blooming roses during the summer months.
However, there was a minor hiccup during my color selection process. I found that the color visualizer on the Sherwin Williams website didn’t perform as well as the one on the Benjamin Moore site. When I attempted to overlay “Alabaster” onto the dark stained decks of my house in my own photos, the color didn’t completely cover the existing surface and had a somewhat grayish appearance. To ensure I got a true representation of how the colors would look, I utilized a “sample scene” photo provided by the Sherwin Williams site rather than relying solely on my own images.
And, I have to admit, I was swayed when I read their description of the section of colors that “Moscow Midnight” was described in.
” Nature is so powerful, so strong. Capturing its’ essence is not easy- your work becomes a dance with light and the weather. It takes you to a place within yourself.”
Considering I am also a wildlife biologist and a dancer when I am not home staging or designing….that sealed the deal for me!
And here is the final result!
The key takeaway? Always delve into reviews before settling on your exterior paint choices and remember, it’s okay to pivot if something feels off. Engaging a certified color strategist can be a game-changer, ensuring your choice resonates from the get-go. After all, painting is an investment, so why not guarantee a result you’ll absolutely love?
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Need help picking your paint colors? Whether you are starting from scratch or just want to run your color selections by a pro to make sure they will work, I can help you with an online color consultation wherever you live.
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Thanks for sharing your experience, Mary Ann. I’m going to be repainting my exterior soon and will use th see tips!
Wonderful, glad you found them helpful. Thanks for reading and all the best with your painting project!
Beautiful
Color choices. It really transformed the home to have a more grand appearance.
Thanks Maria! I really loved the way the Moscow Midnight came out out. Everyone in the neighborhood came by as well to tell me how much they liked it which was really nice. Thanks for reading!
The end result is really a stunner! Thank you for walking us through your process.
Thanks for reading! I was really happy with the end result. I hope the tips will help others with this big, expensive decision!
This is a great transformation and a testimonial to the power of the well chosen colors! Also, excellent tips in both posts for how to choose exterior colors.
Thanks so much Janet!
Enjoyed reading your post on choosing exterior paint colors. It is certainly a good idea to sample your colors, and to try many colors before making your final choice!
Thanks Amy. I agree, as any color changes with the light during the day and it’s great if you appreciate the color in any light:)
Wowser! Your end selections are simply gorgeous!
And I continue to marvel at all you are or have done….a wildlife biologist and a dancer!! Amazing Mary Ann.
Awwww, thank you so much Mitzi!