The Colorful Science of Curb Appeal

Pretty houses sell faster. It’s a simple idea. In the current housing market with prices stumbling in search of a footing, careful exterior color selection can provide an advantage in selling your home or making that needed update.
The science of curb appeal is both emotional and psychological. Understanding how and why we respond to colors helps you make savvy decisions. Even if you are not currently selling, updating your home with fresh colors pays you back and protects your investment.

Sandy Agar-Studelska, Colorist with Diamond Vogel Paint offers suggestions for selecting exterior colors and offers this simple four-step process for creating curb appeal, and it all starts with context.

Step 1: Know your neighborhood

Check out the houses around you. Consider what colors are dominant in your area, and choose one that complements your surroundings. Your house should seem to belong with the others. Factor in your natural environment; landscapes, trees, sunlight and water features should always be considered in your decision.

Step 2: Follow the Trends

Color palettes change with the times. Slapping on a tired color combination will do nothing for your property value. Look for colors and combinations that appeal to you from magazines and pop culture and keep in touch with changing tastes. There are also many color and design blogs on the internet that offer fresh color inspiration by tracking current trends, like Diamond Vogel’s ColorMix design blog. Homes with fresh and contemporary curb appeal have added value, and don’t sit on the market long.

Step 3: Choose a Color Combo

Harmonizing color combinations can complement your architectural features while bringing interest to your property. Consider colors that are grounded in nature and complement the elements of your home that cannot be changed like brick or stone fascia and shingles. Painting trim, shutters or doors in contrasting colors enhances your home’s allure. The newly released MyHaven Exterior Color Collection from Diamond Vogel provides updated, nature-inspired colors arranged in great combinations.

When deciding on the right color, consider testing new colors directly on the exterior of your home. Most paint manufacturers offer low cost samples of actual paint, like Diamond Vogel’s Studio Collection Color Sampler, that help you visualize that new color before you buy. Make sure to look at the samples on your house throughout the day in order to see how they look together under different lighting conditions. Ask your neighbors and friends for their opinion. A poor choice will hamper your curb appeal and could get you banned from the next barbeque.

Step 4: Prep Carefully and Choose Quality Paint

Once you have found the prefect colors, finish the job with proper preparation and top quality Diamond Vogel paints, and follow our exterior painting tips for the best results.

Mastering the science of curb appeal doesn’t have to be daunting. Visit diamondvogel.com or consult a Diamond Vogel color specialist, and give your home that welcoming vibrancy that will last.