Bring Your House into the 21st Century

Choose the right Colors

If there is one simple way to bring your house into the 21st century, it is with paint. No matter when your house was built, what the architectural style is, what the landscape looks like, color and all its combinations can give your house a current look.

House paint is a long-term commitment though. Unlike fashion, what is up to date today will still need to look good later on. So how do you pick a color that won’t conflict with your idea of style 10 years too soon?

Color experts have already thought this through. The Color Future Group at ICI Paints in London and the Color Stylist Group at PPG Industries in Pennsylvania already know what your future looks like. These are the people who predict color trends, such as the shade of handbag you’ll be carrying next year or the color of the car you’ll drive by the end of the decade.

Inside colors are moving outside. Greens, browns and the colors of stone are responses to the environmental movement. Punch colors such as red and oranges are going on front doors.

Designers are pulling exterior colors out of the landscape, We are mixing more greens and browns than ever.

One of the most sophisticated ways to think about color is to imagine sinking your house into the land. Instead of a lemon-yellow house that looks as if it was plopped on top, envision a color that makes your house look like it has grown out of the ground.

Landscape architects are finally working with color palettes in the beginning stages of construction so the home color becomes the backdrop to the eventual landscape.

Whatever you choose, know that you are going to live with your decision a long time. Unlike your latest throw pillows, exterior colors need to endure, to make your investment last.

It’s a big-ticket item to paint the outside of your home. Take care of it. Power-wash your house once a year for a fresh look and it may look newly painted all over again.