The exterior of your home is the first thing people notice–whether they are friends or family coming for a visit, potential buyers interested in taking a tour, or just passing by. “Curb appeal” is important for a house. Even if you aren’t planning on selling, updating your home and keeping its exterior in good condition is a continual task. So when it comes time to change the siding on your house, the color options can seem a bit overwhelming.

Of course, people will have their opinions of what a good color for a home would be, but there are some guidelines and considerations any homeowner should keep in mind before beginning such a drastic renovation.  

Study Your Home’s Features

Updating your siding might add other stylistic updates to your plate. For example, does your home have shutters? These are often painted a complementary color to the house and can clash with a siding change. You’ll also want to consider your landscaping features. If your patio includes light brown shades of brick or your deck is stained with dark wood, you’ll want a siding color that will pair with it well. Even plants and hedges can clash with siding colors.

Finally, don’t forget to include the color of your roof. While it might be simpler to repaint shutters or redo your patio space, your roof is a 20-to-30-year investment. A dark-colored roof will look better with a lighter shade house to keep it from looking too gloomy. Lighter shades of shingles, on the other hand, allow for more eccentric color options.

Maintain Neighborhood Harmony

Look around your neighborhood. Often, many homes in a certain area are similarly styled. You don’t want to stand out from your community too much, but you don’t necessarily need to match, either. Think about the tones and themes more than exact colors.

Getting Good Lighting

In the Midwest, we experience all types of weather–sometimes all on the same day! Think about how your home will look in different weather conditions. Summer sunlight makes colors feel brighter and cheery, but winter sun and summer sun are very different. We Midwesterners also have the privilege of experiencing the sometimes harsh lighting of the sun reflecting off a few feet of snow. These different weather conditions can either enhance or adversely affect the way your home’s siding will look.

You should also think about how your home will appear at different times of the day. If you enjoy spending your summer evenings out in the yard or on the porch, think about how lighter tones or darker shades would set the mood.

Before deciding on new siding for your home, take a few samples home to compare. Give yourself plenty of time to decide on different scenarios, times of the year, and your full environment before making a decision. New siding is a great way to give your home a facelift. While it can be a tough decision, there’s no reason it can’t also be exciting! We offer a variety of siding options, including wood, steel, stone, and vinyl. Contact Minnesota Home Improvements to learn more.

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