exterior commitment

If picking an exterior color is on your to-do, and you’re stuck, you’re in the right place. I totally get the decision fatigue. Looking at little swatches taped all over the exterior feels inadequate.

Here’s how you’ll know when it’s the right combo.

• Ask the neighbors. I know this can seem odd, but they see your exterior in a way you don’t, and they drive past daily. Bouncing a few combo ideas with your neighbors is so helpful. They’ve also got a good grip on your landscape and climate.

• 2 or 3 max. You don’t want the colors to fight each other. In this case, the more is not merrier. You’ll need a trim color, a main color and possibly an accent for things like a front door or shutters. Aim to make all of the colors you’re using in the same tone family. (If your trim is a cool grey, make your other colors cool as well.)

• Be there. This may seem like a pain, BUT it’s a good idea to be present when the painters are putting on that first coat post-primer. It will look different when it dries, but you can prevent a total house re-paint if you decide you don’t like it and can pause the painters. You can also ask them to paint a smaller section, on all four sides of the house. Let it marinade for a day and look at it in different lights.

• Night check. Make sure you look at your samples in the evening hours when it is nearly dark. Turn on your exterior lighting to get a full picture of what your home or business will look like at night. Curb appeal doesn’t end when the sun goes down. This is also a great time to re-evaluate your lighting.

• Hire a pro. Obviously I’m a designer and I feel strongly on this one, but when you need a tie-breaker, a starting palette or just someone to take the load off your mind, a designer will be the unbiased, pro you need. Painters are amazing at technique and finishes, but honestly color selection is not their main wheelhouse. Hir