How to Pick the Perfect Exterior Paint Colors- Part 2

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).

Alaska color consulting with Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Before
Picking the perfect Exterior Paint Colors
Color Selections- Option 1.

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.


Camp Chroma Color Strategist Training
Mary Ann Benoit of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design is the only certified color strategist in Alaska. Consultations are available online.

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.

How to pick the perfect exterior paint colors for your home.
Color Selections- Option 2

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!

What does the color of your house say about you? Pick paint colors that tell your story. Get help from a certified color strategist that uses both the art and science of color. Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. #colorstrategist #certifiedcolorstrategist #colorfulhome #exteriorpaint #pickingpaintcolors #moscowmidnight #sherwinwilliams #forwardfucsia #bedandbreakfastdesign
After

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?

Try a Color Consultation Today

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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Ten Ways To Not Screw Up Picking Your Paint Colors

Having problems picking the right color because you are stumped by so called “undertones”? Are the paint colors you have selected shifting blue, green or another color once they are on the wall? Not sure how to pick the right white? Wondering what paint colors will go with the countertops you have selected for your kitchen or bath remodel? Wondering if that countertop will go with your existing flooring or other fixed finishes? Not sure how to find the right paint colors to go with that rug, piece of art or furniture that you want to use in your design? I can take the guesswork out of all of these things by using color measurements. Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Certified Color Strategist.
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