Gray trending as a home exterior color

StatePoint – Giving your home’s exterior a fresh look starts with color. And this year, many home improvement trend-spotting experts say the leading color family is gray, with its neutral yet refined elegance.

 “Gray is an important home exterior color because it works equally well on all home styles, from historic to contemporary, and in every part of the country,” says Kate Smith, president and chief color maven of Sensational Color. “Quite versatile, gray tones can range from cool, clear bluish gray to a true neutral gray through a warm French gray or even taupe. With gray, it’s really hard to go wrong.”

While you may know whether you like something once it’s in place, achieving a look you love before making a commitment is crucial. Smith offers tips for picking the perfect hues for your home:

• The best gray for your home exterior is one that blends well with your roof and other fixed features, such as brick, stone or permanent design elements. For a middle tone that will work on most homes, look for a classic gray that will never go out of style.

• Light, clear gray is fresh and airy – just be sure to look for any undertones. What appears as light gray on the swatch could seem light blue or lavender once applied.

• If you’re going with dark gray as the main color, look for one that is rich but soft. Deeper shades with a harder edge are great as accents.

• Gray comes alive with dramatic accent colors. Paint your door a bold color to create a strong focal point. Use other accent colors to play a secondary role.

• A touch of brass, bronze or copper warms up gray; gold or orange adds a spark of color.

• Both warm and cool greens look fresh against gray; from thyme to palm or forest, green naturally brings out the beauty of gray.

• Tried and true blue – soft raindrop, bold blue paisley or admiral blue – keeps gray fresh and clean.

• Go all neutral with gray on gray for a sophisticated scheme.

For a home update that will signify stability, elegance and dependability, consider going gray.