Choosing a siding color is a major decision for homeowners. The cost and its effect on the value of your home make it a big investment. The siding color is the first thing you or a visitor notices; the house's color can make or break its overall appeal. With so many siding color options in the market, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a siding color.
The Style of the House
It is important to pick a vinyl siding color that best matches the house style. Below are three popular housing styles and tips for choosing the best color.
Craftsman
Originating in the 20th century, these homes feature front porches, exposed beams, wide weaves, and an open floor plan. The exterior showcases wood or wood-like siding and natural elements. Craftsman homes are usually sided with earth-like siding colors such as tan or sage.
Colonial
Colonial houses date back to the 17th century and feature symmetrical and geometric shapes. They usually have colored siding with darker accents to help details stand out. Siding colors range from white to beige to blue to red.
Victorian
Victorian homes rose to prominence in the early 1800s to the early 1900s during an era associated with a rising middle class. These houses normally have ornate details on the porch, gable, and other trim accents. Purples and blues are common colors in Victorian homes.
The Neighborhood's Style
Note the styles and colors used by your neighbors and the houses in your neighborhood. The safest option is to choose a color that goes with the flow of the other houses. Selecting a different color than everyone could backfire if your home sticks out negatively. Before choosing a siding color, double-check your neighborhood’s rules and regulations regarding siding colors.
Consider Current Trends
If you want to sell your house one day, consider the current siding color trends. Choosing a siding that keeps your home up to date will help the resale value. Research what colors and styles are selling the highest. If you have no intention of moving out, this may not be important.
The National Association of Realtors released a Remodeling Impact Report that estimates the dollar value each home improvement project would add to a home at resale. According to the report, vinyl siding recovered 82 percent of its cost at resale.
Check the Landscaping
Use the surrounding landscape to pick siding. You can complement green trees with light brown siding. Consider a neutral siding color if you have bright flowers in your garden; however, you may choose a bolder exterior siding color if you have small shrubs.
Consider the existing landscaping or future projects you have in mind. If you are changing the landscape keep in mind the color of your house.
Accent Colors
The color of your siding accents completes the color scheme. Additional colors draw attention to focal points and highlight unique features of the home. Some accent points that help define architectural details include shutters, window trim, front doors, columns and pillars, porch railings and steps, beams, and rafters.
Consider Lighting on Siding Colors
Lighting will affect the siding color. Lighter colors will look dim, while darker colors will look warmer in the sunlight. Use a color swatch to test how the siding will look at different times of the day.
Factor the Roof Color
Some house styles feature the roof as part of the design. If the roof has a prominent design, it is important to coordinate your siding and accent colors. Decide if you want the colors to contrast with something like white siding and a black roof or a low-contrast combination like brown siding and an olive roof.
Color Combinations
Be mindful of your exterior color combinations. Use two different siding colors to give your house a more exquisite look. A good color palette should have at least three colors to highlight the roof, walls, and accents. Pick three colors that complement each other. Normally you want all colors to be warm or cool, but experts can combine them.
To learn more about color pallets, check out our MBS interiors blog.
Conclusion
Take your time deciding on the house siding color. Note the house style and what colors match it. Consider if you want to match or contrast the neighbors. Research the house market trends to improve resale value. To complete the overall look of your property, match the siding with the landscape.
Use accent colors to draw attention to specific features of your home. Test different colors with samples to factor in lighting. Coordinate the roof with the siding and accents. Possess a basic understanding of what makes a good exterior color pallet.
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