According to the Paint & Decorating Retailers Association, there are a few tips to keep in mind when considering a new paint job.
First, light colors make a home look larger. They also reflect light and heat, making them good choices for sun-drenched areas. And they intensify shadows, which enhances trim and relief details.
Dark colors, on the other hand, absorb light and heat. They make a house appear smaller but also can create drama, weight and mass. Used on the tip of a tall house, a dark color will visually diminish its height.
Softer or muted colors are usually preferred for the body of the house. Deep or bright colors are good choices for accents and trim. Deep red and greens traditionally have been popular colors for doors. However, violets and deep plums also are gaining at the portal.
When choosing a color, take the color chips provided by the decorating center outside to observe the color under varying light conditions. Look at the color vertically in open shade or on an overcast day.
Also important to consider is the landscape. Consider flower pots and window boxes, garden furniture, benches, gazebos - these perhaps could use some paint, too. A well-groomed look is easily created by painting landscape accessories in the same color as the house trim.
For more advice on sprucing up exteriors, consult an independent retailer in your area.
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