Decorating White House with Colorful Shutters

Adding colorful shutters is an easy way to transform the look of a white house and create appealing visual contrast. The popularity of this exterior design trend continues to grow as more homeowners discover the dramatic impact a pop of color can have. But choosing the shutter colors for your home involves careful consideration of factors like architectural style, color combinations, placement, and the surrounding environment.

From design inspiration to color selection advice, installation tips, and maintenance recommendations, we aim to equip you with the key information so you can revamp your home's facade with confidence.

Assess Your White House's Architectural Style

The first step is identifying your home's architectural genre. Is it a stately colonial with symmetrical windows? A rambling farmhouse? Mediterranean villa? Defining the genre provides direction when selecting shutter colors and placement.

• A colonial white house suits classic black or navy blue shutters flanking each window in orderly fashion.
• For an airy cottage or quaint farmhouse, consider light gray-greens or playful sky blue shutters.
• Mediterranean homes feature earthy yellow or terracotta shutters blending with the warm white stucco facades.

Beyond structural style, examine decorative details like existing trim hues. Our guide shares inspiring images of white houses with colored shutters in styles ranging from traditional to modern. Use it to pinpoint your home's genre and architectural elements to guide color choices.

Take Stock of Current Exterior Colors

When deciding which shutter colors to use, assess current shades adorning your home. Factor in cream trim, black window frames, or other accent colors dotting the exterior. The new shutters should coordinate or offer an invigorating contrast.

If your white house exterior feels plain, infusing vibrant shutter colors adds excitement. Shutter colors featuring the same depth and saturation as existing accents create a cohesive feel. For a more eclectic cottage look, mismatched shutter colors could suit.

Determine Overall Color Palette and Combinations

Custom shutters inject palpable personality into your home's appearance. So embrace creative freedom when determining colors--there are no strict rules. Rely on your vision for the exterior, architectural style and professional advice to concoct a color scheme with compelling curb appeal.

Select the Best Type of Shutters

With color combinations in mind, now decide which material suits your shutters. Three common options--wood, composite, or vinyl--each offer unique advantages.

Compare Popular Shutter Materials

• Wood: Classic and versatile; available in custom sizes and colors
• Composite: Durability of wood without maintenance needs
• Vinyl: Budget-friendly and fade-resistant;

Compare materials regarding longevity, strength, pricing, and paint suitability. For example, vinyl shutters lack grain texture requiring less preparation for a smooth painted finish. Determine whether fixed or operable shutters better suit your needs and budget.

Choose the Right Size and Shape

Precision measurements ensure properly fitting shutters flanking each window or door. Note opening widths and heights before ordering. Determine if rectangular or arched shutters harmonize best with existing facade features based on architectural style. Custom crafting provides tailor-fit form and function.

Select the Perfect Shutter Colors

Consider Overall Harmony and Contrast Level

In most cases, the shutters serve as an accent against white houses. So first ask--do you prefer a high contrast pop of color, or more subtle complementary hue? Vibrant cyan blue makes a bold statement on a beach cottage while muted sage green blends nicely on a traditional colonial.

Also consider surrounding environment--a dark gray craftsman house nestled in lush trees warrants rich emerald green accents. There's no "right way"--only what delights your personal sense of style and harmony with nature.

Review Popular Shutter Color Options

While creativity reigns supreme, we reviewed current exterior design trends to provide inspiring recommendations if you need guidance. Classic black or navy blue always sharpens white houses with timeless appeal, especially on stately colonials. For a modern farmhouse, light pink or pale gray-blue evokes youthful charm.

Deeper hues like wine red, olive green, and sapphire blue inject a touch of drama through bold contrast. So-called "neutral colors" like beige, light gray, and soft sage also trend thanks to subtle enhancing contrast against white backdrops.

Use Sample Boards to Finalize Shades

Order sample boards painted in top color contender swatches from brands like Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore. View boards on house exterior at various daylight times. Note reactions from family and neighbors. High quality color samples allow creative exploration before finalizing your dream shades.

Photograph house during shade trials for before-and-after inspiration too! Custom color mixing also available for singular shades. Professionals at paint stores happily share creative guidance.

Install New Shutters with Proper Placement

Prepare the House Surface Before Mounting

Pressure wash siding to remove grime so paint adheres optimally. Sand glossy areas for improved shutter paint grip too. Caulk window trim cracks to protectfresh paint. Cover shrubs and landscaping below work area before starting.

Measure Precisely Before Hanging Shutters

Chart every window or door width and height even if uniform. Account for subtle differences. Ensure shutters (or side panels for wider openings) overlay window frames correctly without awkward gaps.

Follow Manufacturer's Installation Instructions

Use quality weld, bolt or screw provided hardware to attach shutters securely. Most fasten to window casings or siding rather than into framing. Installing into mortar risks cracks. Reinforce inside shutter frame backs with brackets or by gluing wood strips with exterior-grade adhesive for stability.

Caring for Colorful Shutters

With their vibrant new colors beautifying your house's exterior, proper shutter maintenance keeps your home looking freshly fabulous for years. Follow these fundamental care tips:

• Clean shutters twice annually using mild soap and water with soft cloth or brush;
• Inspect shutter hardware/attachments yearly for stability and function;
• Touch-up paint scratches and chips soon as noticed to prevent damage spread;
• Replace broken shutters immediately to maintain home's enhanced aesthetic.

Budget for Longevity

Lifespans vary among shutter materials when regularly maintained: Vinyl/PVC resists elements for 20-50 years thanks to durable modern construction. Wood lasts 10-20 years depending on climate moisture and sun exposure. Composite shutters offer wood's appeal for 30+ years with minimal upkeep.

While vinyl and composite cost more upfront, their extended durability pays off long-term. Wood requires frequent repainting and elemental repairs. Weigh initial price against projected maintenance fees for your most economical choice.

Installation day finally arrives--the moment you behold your home's show-stopping transformation. As we step back and admire the alluring contrast colorful new shutters provide against the clean white facade, smiles abound. Crisp lines framing newly prominent windows now gleam with dimension-adding shades unique to your personal taste and style.

Friends and neighbors will surely gush over your home's utterly refreshed new personality. And you'll delight seeing enhanced architectural details brought to life each time you round the corner towards your gorgeous newly colorful house. Let our guide inspire you to discover the energizing impact a few vibrant shutters can impart!