Dunn Edwards Paints – exteriors

Things to consider when painting exteriors

-If you like the current color of a wall, trim or accent, use it as a starting point and pick complementary colors.

-If you have a distint style of home, research traditional color schemes  They can provide time-tested ideas for colors that work well.

-Use the color of your home’s brick, siding, stone and roof to provide cues when selecting color.  Pick colors that complement these features.

-Choose a color scheme that blends with the neighborhood.  If you belong to a homeowners’ association, check to see if there are any color restrictions.

-Because colors may appear different depending on the time of day, paint a section of the house where wall, trim and accent colors can be viewed together.  Then check them throughout the day to see how they look.

-To highlight architectural details, such as shutters and columns, choose a color that contrasts with the wall of the house.  For example, if the wall of your house is a light color, choose a darker color.

-You can minimize attention to unattractive elements, such as downspouts, air conditioning units, vents and gutters, by painting them the same color as the wall of the house or by choosing a trim color that is a similar shade.

-Find inspiration in your own backyard.  Touring your neighborhood is a great way to get ideas for colors that will work with your home.

Dunn Edwards Paints – Spanish/Mediterranean Homes

Today’s Spanish/Mediterranean homes embrace architectural styles from the entire Mediterranean world.  American architects took influences from Spain, Italy and Greece and fused them with ideas from the Native Americans.  The result was a unique style of home found all around the Southwest.

The Spanish/Mediterranean style is known for its simple flowing lines and airy spaces.  The most distinctive feature of these homes is a low-pitched, reddish tiled roof.  Other architectural elements include thick, textured stucco walls, arched openings and heavy, carved-wood doors.

These homes often feature a rich earthy color palette inspired by the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.  Stylistic elements include patches of molded decoration, stained wood, wrought-iron gates and fences, balconies and tiled courtyards.

Most Spanish/Mediterranean homes use at least three different shads on the exterior.  This includes one color for stucco, one for trim and one for accents, such as doors and windows.  Choosing the right combination highlights architectural details.  Here are some things to consider when selecting a color combination.

-what color is the tiled roof?  Most Spanish/Mediterranean homes have red tile, so be sure to use colors that work well with warm colors.  Whites, tans and beiges are a good place to start.

-Patterned tile floors and walls are common, so use them for inspiration.  Select the dominant color and see what colors work well with it.

-Darker colors accent recessed areas like windows and doorways.