Choosing a new color scheme for your exterior is an exciting but daunting task. You’re given free rein to customize parts of your exterior, but, given the sheer amount of shades to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The fact that just one mismatched element can ruin your home’s curb appeal makes the task all the more intimidating.

Perhaps the most daunting customization task is choosing the color of your siding, which makes up a large part of your exterior. Here are some tips on picking the best color for your siding.

Tried-and-Tested Color Combinations

For those who have more conventional tastes but still want a degree of flexibility, choosing a tried-and-tested color scheme would be a good course of action. Certain color combinations are closely associated with certain house styles because they work so well with them. With these well-known color combinations, it’s just a matter of identifying the architectural style of your home.

We’ve listed down some of the most popular architectural styles and the corresponding color schemes for the elements of their exterior, namely the siding, roof and windows:

• Mediterranean Homes – Soft, peachy shades and other warm colors
• Low Country Homes – Blue hues and neutral colors
• Craftsman Homes – Earthy colors such as red, green, and brown

Color Scheme Customization

But you don’t necessarily have to use these color schemes; you can simply use them as a template. There is no strict rule regarding the pairing of colors, but, generally, they should all complement the different parts of your exterior. However, we recommend that as much as possible you pair gray roofing systems with siding in cool clean colors and cool neutrals and brown roofing systems with muted colors and warm neutrals.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to gauge how well a color can fit into a color scheme by just comparing sample materials. But with the James Hardie® Home Color Tool, you can see how the color of your siding will look on a particular architectural style in real life. All you have to do is enter your zip code on this page, and then the tool will bring up a list of color recommendations for your exterior.

Apart from colors, you can also try experimenting with different finishes and materials for your siding. It’s always a safe bet to go with siding that has a classic appeal.

Regardless of the color or finish of your siding, however, improper installation will always diminish your home’s curb appeal. To prevent such a scenario, only hire experienced contractors.

Exterior Building Solutions is a family-owned contractor with more than a decade of experience. To get a free estimate, call (314) 470-8783, or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Chesterfield and St. Louis, MO.