Dark house paint colors are in. In recent years, more and more homeowners have been choosing darker shades for their painting projects. Dark green, brown or blue homes with bright white trim can make a beautiful statement. You needn’t stop there, though. Many new projects also are featuring both darker trim and siding, resulting in dark-on-dark color schemes. Other homes stick with the classic dark-and-light combination — but reversed, with light siding (think white, light yellow or a classic pale green) with deep black trim.
What else is hot in exterior design and remodeling? Let’s take a look.
Shake siding: This goes well with the trend of dark home exteriors, as natural cedar can create stunning curb appeal, as seen in this job we completed near Lake Whatcom. Don’t be shy about painting your shake, though. With so many gorgeous colors available, the options are practically limitless (maybe take inspiration from these colors of the year). Cedar takes paint well, but be sure to prime it first.
Painted brick: Speaking of paint, painted brick is another trend that can add fresh appeal to a home’s exterior. As a siding material, brick has staying power, and painted brick certainly does too, as it’s been done for years. If you’ve been thinking about painting yours, perhaps now’s the time. By the way, brick is being painted on new construction and remodels, too, so if your home doesn’t have any existing brick to paint, don’t fear!
A return to older styles: Shake and brick not your thing? Another fun trend of late is the re-emergence of such styles as shiplap siding and board and batten. Both styles offer classic looks that continue to stand the test of time (as opposed to, say, grooved plywood siding). Shiplap was a lot more common around here in the first part of the 20th century, before plywood became commonly used. It was often used as a substrate for flooring and roofing materials, but it works well as a siding option, too.
Outdoor living spaces: You don’t have to live in the southern U.S. to make use of outdoor living spaces. In fact, being in the PNW is all the more reason — where on earth is more beautiful than here? Homeowners today are making true use of their outdoor spaces, using such elements as high-quality furniture and built-in cooking appliances in covered spaces truly meant to be extensions of the home. Need some inspiration? Check out this gallery from House Beautiful.
Learn more: Porches, patios and sunrooms
make the most of summer living.
If you’re considering an update to your Pacific Northwest home, contact us here at Hudson, and we’d love to walk you through these options and many more.