Chris Warnes
If black is the new black, painting your exterior with such a deep, dark, moody tone is a style statement indeed.
We’re all for a black exterior colour on your home. It makes the architectural details pop and absorbs its surroundings, rather than deflects them, allowing the home to rest comfortably into its setting.
According to Christian Dior, “You can wear black at any time. You can wear it at any age….” Surely this must be true for houses, too? It’s not easy to get right however and, as always with paint colours, shades may look quite different once applied than they did in the can or the paint shop.
Take a stroll down our avenue of stunning executions found on Pinterest for some how-to inspiration.
All over black works really well with a simple, linear design. For a modern look, the fewer details, the better. Add textures of timber and stone to break the line of sight and allow a resting place for the eyes.
Lighting is particularly important when using all black as it will absorb, rather than deflect light. Moving around your home at night – to and from car and/or outlying areas of your property will require directional lighting for safety. All the better if you can incorporate function with flair and highlight design features such as access ways and steps. Use landscaping as your cue and wash walls and structures with light to show them off and enhance way-finding.
“You can have any colour, as long as it’s black”
Henry Ford
Depending on the architecture of your home, accenting decorative features with white can work to great effect. From simple window framing of windows and doors to stronger period characteristics of fretwork, awnings, shingles and balustrading – picking up details in crisp white celebrates your home’s best qualities.
