How to choose exterior paint colours for your home
Given you can expect your exterior paint to last for as long as you live in your home, your exterior house paint colours need to stand the test of time. We don’t switch out our exterior paint colours as often as we repaint the inside of our homes, so it’s important that you choose something you love and are happy to live with for years to come. To help you choose paint colours for outside of your home, here are a few ideas that might help.
Black or Charcoal
Extremely popular in the city, country or by the sea. A dark colour scheme can modernise your home, make your home stand out on your street or in a bush setting, even help the building to retreat into its surroundings. Charcoals, black or near black paint colours work well in our intense New Zealand sunlight. Try these popular Dulux near-blacks - Rāwene, Castlecliff or Te Kūiti.
Bold front doors
A front door is a great place to be adventurous with colour. It's an invitation to your home, it can add personality and can also be a hint as to what people can find inside. You can be adventurous with your front door - it’s your invitation into your home. Using bold colour to personalise your place is popular right now, especially mustard, teal or black – think Dulux Masterton, The Viaduct or Blackwood Bay.
Greys are still popular but with more interesting undertones
Blue and green greys are dominating the grey spectrum outside. Try Mt Hikurangi, or Maraetai Quarter. These are perfect paired with a clean white like Southern Alps. Another trend we are seeing in exterior paint colours is the growing use of 'greiges' (a combination of grey and beige). These are warm and balancing colours that can easily be paired with other, brighter colours. Try Ōpononi Double, Cashmere or Midhirst.
Warmer whites or darker variations of white
White will always be a classic choice, but stark bright white can be harsh in our New Zealand sunlight. By choosing one or two shades darker your ‘white’ will sit better in its surroundings. Try Cardrona, Half Haast or Mt Aspiring Double.
If you're still unsure
Take a drive around your neighbourhood for ideas of colours that work, look at the exterior images in our Inspiration Gallery, pick up our Most Loved Exterior Brochure or Exterior Scheme Colour Chips in store, or jump onto our Live Chat here on our website to talk through your colour questions with our team.
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