Whether you’re looking to sell, or simply want to do a home makeover, new paint can go a long way. You can add curb appeal to your house by using a beautiful and cohesive color scheme. Why? Unique exterior paint colors catch the eye, drawing attention to the most attractive homes on the block.
Here in New Orleans, the homes are as uniquely colored as the history of the city itself. At MLM Incorporated, we’re all about holding on to what makes our city so special. As you search for a color scheme, consider these ideas as inspiration for your next house painting venture!
The Basics of Using Color
At the surface, color may seem like a basic subject, but there is much more than what meets the eye. In fact, colors have long been studied for their influential nature on the brain. For example, researchers believe colors like red and yellow evoke a feeling of hunger, making them a popular choice for restaurant signage. On the other hand, colors like blue can give you a sense of peace and calm.
When we get down to the actual artistry behind color, a few basic principles come to mind. The color wheel we all learned about in school helps us distinguish between Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary colors. From there, colors can be altered to fit nearly any style or preference. How do you do this? Here’s what you need to know about finding and creating color.
1.) Variations
When it comes to paint, the sky’s the limit. If you’ve ever been to a paint shop, you’ll quickly see there are thousands of colors to choose from. That’s because color manipulation can help you create different shades and hues. Here is some color terminology to keep in mind as you discuss ideas with your painters and contractors:
- Tint – Lightening a color by adding white
- Shade – Darkening a color by adding black
- Tone – Darkening a color only slightly by adding gray instead of black
All of these methods can help you take a color and make it your own. If you’re searching for a way to create a unique color that will really stand out, this is your best bet. You may be surprised what you can come up with when you start mixing and matching to create your color scheme.
2.) Combinations
What colors go well together? This is a common question without a solid answer. Many different color combinations are tried and true. Consider navy and orange or yellow and gray. These common palettes are used in fashion, interior design, and even exterior paint.
That said, nearly any color combination can work if you simply manipulate the variation of light and dark. This is what makes a combination appealing to the eye. Combinations with more contrast will be considered bold and eye-catching, while combinations with less contrast will be subtle and traditional.
Playing with shades and tints is the best way to create a winning combination of colors. This is how you’ll create balance within your final color scheme.
3.) Creating a palette
When it comes time to narrow down your choices and settle on a few color scheme ideas, color palettes can be incredibly helpful. As you begin to choose specific paint colors, place the sample cards next to each other and see what sticks out to you. This will give you a good idea of which colors go well together.
Many people wonder, how many colors should I pick for my color scheme? Most designers and professionals will tell you three or four at most. Any more than this will feel busy and overly colorful. If that’s what you’re going for, great! But most homeowners want to stick to a cohesive color scheme, even if it’s bright.
5 Color Scheme Ideas For Your Home
Whether you’re searching for an existing color scheme always in style or simply need a little inspiration, there are plenty of ideas across New Orleans. In fact, many of the beautiful homes here serve as a guide for homeowners across the country. Here are some of the most popular and pleasing color scheme ideas you’ll find around town.
1.) Color Scheme: Rose, Hunter Green, and Butterscotch
There are a few color schemes that immediately come to mind when you think of New Orleans style. One of them is a dusty rose-colored home with accent colors of hunter green and butterscotch.
The muted nature of dusty rose is a great option for those who like colors within the pink palette, but want to remain understated. It provides a pop of color that still feels timeless and traditional.
Using butterscotch to highlight a gorgeous front porch helps this palette remain approachable, while hunter green serves as a way to highlight and accent everything from shutters to porch flooring. This is a color scheme that is attractive to nearly everyone, making it a great option for homeowners preparing to sell.
2.) Color Scheme: Light Blue, Brown, Orange, and White
For those deciding between bold and understated, this color scheme creates a beautiful home exterior that stands out without drawing too much attention to the home.
Inspired by a New Orleans home in Bayou St. John, a cool light blue exterior paint color provides a gorgeous and calming foundation for the palette. From there, the home is highlighted with balanced accents of brown, orange, and white. This color scheme gives the home a natural look that still has old-world charm, staying true to those New Orleans roots.
Again, this is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a crisp look that isn’t too bold.
3.) Color Scheme: Yellow, White, and Red
Inspired by a New Orleans home in the Broadmoor neighborhood, bright yellow is used to create a happy and attention-grabbing home. Fire engine red accents add warmth, while white paint on shutters, window trim, and railings help to tame the bright colors.
Want to make the home look more regal? Paint columns and front porch railings white. This color palette boldly combines complementary colors you don’t see together very often.
4.) Color Scheme: Periwinkle Blue, White, and Yellow
When you’re stuck between blue and violet, and can’t make a decision, periwinkle blue is the answer! This beautiful color is a favorite among New Orleans homeowners, yet it’s still a unique choice that makes a statement. It has a way of evoking calm, while also feeling happy and exciting.
Using white and yellow to accent the home adds an equality of brightness and subtlety to bring the color scheme together. Consider white for the porch flooring and window trim, while leaning into the brightness of yellow for shutters and the door.
5.) Color Scheme: Lavender, Purple, and Light Pink
For homeowners in search of a striking look that is sure to turn heads, this palette has it all. Consider a lavender hue for the home itself with accents of light pink and saturated purple. This winning combination is vibrant and feminine, without being overly sweet.
While it may seem like a bold option, there is no doubt that there are plenty of homes in these hues around New Orleans. Many homeowners accentuate this color scheme with complementary landscaping options. From cherry blossom trees to hot pink bougainvillea, there are plenty of choices that will tie in perfectly.
Work with MLM Incorporated
Whether you want to add a simple pop of color or plan a major renovation, MLM Incorporated can help. We are passionate about preserving the heritage and architectural beauty of New Orleans homes, while still bringing in modern-day luxuries.
We have decades of experience right here in the Gulf South, which makes us the go-to contractor for both residential and commercial projects. From permitting and paperwork to construction, our goal is to make the process smooth from start to finish.
Check out our residential gallery for additional design ideas and start planning your project with MLM Incorporated!