Home Makeover Tips: 8 Things to Consider When Choosing Outdoor Paint Colours
If you are a homeowner looking to enhance or rejuvenate your garden space through painting, you may wonder if there is anything you need to know before you begin painting. Multiple things should be considered when choosing paint colours for your exterior space. Below we have listed 8 aspects that any homeowner should think about prior to painting their outdoors.
Match to your existing furniture
It is imperative that you match any painting you complete in your exterior space to your surrounding environment and any seating areas or furniture you already have in your garden. You, of course, want your garden features to complement each other and blend into one another to create the most serene space possible. Choosing paint colours that are the same as your existing colour scheme or even various shades of the same colour is the best way to maintain cohesion in the space.
Stick to the colours you have used for your exterior buildings
If you have existing decking or cladding within your garden, you will, of course, want to avoid any clashing from occurring. By using the colours of your already existing features, you can utilise the varying textures to add aesthetic interest to the area whilst still keeping the colour scheme cohesive. You can also check out other improvement ideas for your patio here.
Contrast from your original colour theme
Maybe you are a more eccentric homeowner who likes to break the mould and prefers to use contrasting colours within your space to brighten the area. If you have grey or neutral brick and decking in your garden, you may be bored and want to change this up to alter the feel of the space completely. Despite this, contrasting colours don’t have to be so scary! You can simply create contrast by utilising different shades or tones of colours to avoid majorly clashing any colour schemes.
Fading
When painting in your outdoor space, you must consider the aspect of fading, which will occur from the UV rays of the sun. All materials will fade in exposure to sunlight, and this in turn will alter the appearance and colour of the paint used. If you are choosing a light colour, you must remember that it will fade over time through UV exposure and therefore, it might be best to opt for a darker colour in the first place.
Heat
Additionally to fading, you must also consider the aspect of heat when painting in your garden. Painting darker colours will absorb more heat from the sun and will make the temperature of the area rise quicker and more drastically than if you paint lighter colours. This is important to remember when choosing the colour of your paint as you don’t want to be uncomfortable in the summer months.
Utilise bright colours
If you have a dull space that is more neutral tones or colours, you may be looking to brighten the space or add some colour. Adding a touch of colour that is more interesting to look at is a great way to upgrade your space. Many homeowners match any brighter colour schemes with the colours that run throughout the interior of their home to create a feel of alfresco living and maintain their theme throughout the entirety of their home.
Test your paint
Prior to starting painting, you should always test your paint on different materials and in different areas to ensure you are happy with the final product and won’t regret your decision once you have finished your project. Sometimes paint can look different in-store or online and even altered in various surroundings, therefore, it is imperative to ensure your paint matches your garden.
Don’t follow trends
When choosing a paint colour, you must always choose a timeless option and not just follow the current trend. Trends come and go and will change over time which will mean repainting your space again further down the line. By choosing a timeless colour that you know you will still like in the future, you avoid this from occurring.