With the vast array of color choices available today, it can be hard to know where to begin. If you are like many of our clients, you want to make sure you are not only choosing the right colors, but also colors that will coordinate from room-to-room, or from interior to exterior. The good news is that there are many easy resources available to help you create the perfect palette with confidence.

A crucial step people often miss is not utilizing paint samples on the desired surface. This is because light determines how the color will appear; color never stands alone. Whether it is natural daylight or artificial lighting, light can dramatically change the appearance of certain colors. Viewing color samples throughout the day is always the best way to find colors you will love.

When selecting a paint color for a room, draw inspiration from some of your favorite accessories – such as pillows, artwork, and rugs.To ensure a smooth color transition, unify similar color tones. To achieve color uniformity, choose a color for a room, then paint the adjacent space using tones from the same color chip either two shades lighter or darker.

A great way to add style to a space is by complementing feature walls. It does not take very much color to punch up a space. A, nook, window bay or headboard can make a great feature wall – perfect for a strong splash of color to accent your room.

The end of a hall can be the perfect spot to feature an unexpected hue that might otherwise overpower an entire room. Encourage more than a passing glance by displaying interesting artifacts on a narrow console.

Ready to paint your home’s exterior but worry about your Homeowners Association’s color/repaint guidelines? This step by step guide will help you get ready for your next residential exterior repaint project!

The first and most important step; contact your HOA directly to review your upcoming repaint plans.  Some may require you to submit for approval with your paint color names, while others may not.Most associations have colors that are pre-approved, you can either pick from their new colors or match your existing colors. While contacting your HOA ask for a copy of theCC&Rs (covenants, conditions, and restrictions), CC&R refers to any document, contract, or agreement that restricts the usage and enjoyment of real property.

The websites for Dunn Edwards and Sherwin Williamshave Color Archives containing pre-approved HOA colors, more than likely you will find your HOA color info on either of their websites (links provided below). Please keep in mind thatyour HOA will provide the tools necessary to ensure your plan fits within the community guidelines, they are one of the main components to a successful residential exterior repaint.

https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/hoa

https://www.dunnedwards.com/colors/archive/color-ark_pro

Almost to the finish line! It is time to start the color selection process. Some of our clients find this process to be problematic, for others it is not astroublesome. Whichever category you find yourself in, this is your opportunity to add a personal touch to the exterior of your home. Hopefully, you found a few colors you like from searching the color archives above. Pro Tip: drive your neighborhood and write down the addresses of some homes you like, your estimator can usually match those homes to the approved colors on your HOA color list. Your estimator is another great resource that will help guide you    through the color selection process. As painters we enjoy artistically assisting our clients to find the perfect color scheme for the exterior of their home, which they will enjoy for years to come. LKS Painting and Construction canschedule a professional color consultant tomeet with you in person or via web to assist in color selection as well.

Make your final color selections; before submitting them for HOA approval (where required) ask your estimator to apply samples to different areas of your home, check them out throughout the day/evening. Finalize and submit necessary paperwork to your HOA for project/color approval.

Depending on your HOA the color approval process can take anywhere from three to six weeks, get the HOA info knocked out as soon as you can to avoid delays outside of your control. I always recommend budgeting a few extra weeks in case the HOA denies your color request; you want to have ample time to select new colors and re-submit. Two of the most common reasons HOA’s reject colors are using colors that have not been pre-approved by the HOA or,using the same color scheme as your next door neighbor. Double check with your HOA to ensure they received your paperwork and you are approved to paint.

Schedule 2-3 estimates withlocal,licensed, bonded, and insured painting contractors. At the very least, make sure they are willing and able to help with the items listed above. After reviewing the pros and cons between each painter call to get your home on their schedule.

Now the best and most satisfying part! Kick back, relax, and let the good times roll!! You just made a great investment in your biggest asset that returns .75 cents on the dollar.

According to recent reports if you are contemplating investing in a major remodeling project, the following 10 home improvement projects provide the best return on investment for homes nationwide. The reports were obtained from Remodeling Magazine’s “2020 Cost vs. Value Report” and “HGTV’s Top 15 Home Updates That Pay Off Article.”