Two Tone House Exterior Color Schemes
A two-tone exterior on a home can add striking visual interest through contrasting colors. This trending look is gaining popularity among homeowners looking to update the curb appeal of their houses. Implementing a well-planned and coordinated two-tone scheme can highlight a home's architecture, create dimension, and give off a modern vibe.
But undertaking an exterior facelift comes with crucial decisions. What color combo pairs best with the style of your home? How does color psychology impact the aesthetics and functionality? By understanding some key guidelines, you can confidently take the plunge into the two-tone trend.
Complementary Color Schemes for Houses
When designing a two-tone exterior, pay attention to color theory to create a cohesive finished look. The possibilities are endless, but certain guiding principles apply.
Analogous Colors
Choosing two analogous colors, meaning they sit next to each other on the color wheel, ensures a harmonious scheme. The contrast will be subtle, accentuating different features rather than starkly defining them. For example, a soft sage green home with creamy white accents has an earthy yet refreshing vibe.
Monochromatic Colors
Staying within the same color family is another approachable option. Vary tones, shades, and tints of one color for a tone-on-tone look. An exterior with light brown and dark brown elements has a clean, sophisticated appearance.
Contrasting Colors
Highly contrasting color combos attract attention with their drama. They work best on simple house styles that can handle the bold and intense aesthetic. Black and white duo offers the highest contrast for a striking two-tone effect.
Where to Apply Exterior Colors
A common two tone house exterior approach assigns one color to the siding and another to the trim and accents. But colors can be divided up in endless combinations. Consider painting these features in two different hues:
- Main siding color and trim around windows, corners, roof line
- Front door and exterior window color
- Porch ceiling color and railings
- Garage door color and garage trim color
- Masonry (brick/stone) sections next to lap siding sections
- Shutters in one tone paired with a separate wall/trim color
Separating exterior features, materials, and planes breaks up the facade to give homes depth. It also showcases fine architectural details.
Planning a Two-Tone Exterior Project
Meticulous planning ensures your dream dual-colored exterior doesn't turn into a disaster. Follow these best practices from start to finish.
Visualize the Finished Look
Many apps allow home owners to upload a photo of their houses then digitally "paint" with color schemes. Experiment until you love how two different colors highlight and balance your home's unique architectural style.
Obtain Color Swatches
Once decided on shades, procure physical paint color swatches from brands like Sherwin-Williams, Behr, Benjamin Moore, and Valspar. View swatches at different times of day to judge how lighting affects the tones.
Hire Professional Painters
A house's exterior demands durable finishes that stand up to weathering. Hiring professional house painters ensures proper treatment of house surfaces priming and quality application of exterior-grade paints or stains.
Prepare Surfaces
According to the National Association of Home Builders, surface prep constitutes about 70% of exterior paint job success. Thorough cleaning, scrape damaged paint, caulk cracks, sand, patch, and prime before painting.
Utilize Best Practices
Paint top down methodically, plan logical color change points to avoid drips maring other sections, properly "cut in" around trim, apply finish coats evenly according to manufacturer directions, allow proper cure times between coats and before washing or replacing fixtures.
Caring for a New Two-Tone Exterior
After all the excitement of planning and execution comes the continued care and maintenance of your dual-colored pride and joy. Here are some tips to keep it looking fresh.
- Gently power wash siding once per year
- Plan to repaint every 5-7 years
- Touch up paint nicks/scratches quickly
- Use fade-resistant exterior paint
Cost Comparison
How much more does a two-tone paint job cost compared to a single exterior color? Factors like regional labor rates and the size of your house sway prices, but the upcharge equals approximately 15% or so above a standard one-color paint job.
Two-Tone Inspiration
Modern Farmhouses
The beloved farmhouse style shines with a dark and moody siding color paired with crisp, bright white accents. Think black window frames on bright white siding.
Craftsman Bungalows
Earthy Craftsman homes come alive outfitted in shades like reddish-brown brick, sage green siding, brown fascia boards, and cream trim.
Victorians
Romantic Victorians flaunt their stunning trimwork and detailing when decorated in contrasting color schemes. Try deep blue siding with bright white gingerbread trim.
Beach Cottages
Whimsical beach cottages utilize weathered-looking gray wood shingles as siding against sections of clean white trim and exterior walls.
Homeowners searching for exterior inspiration should explore neighborhood houses already rocking stylish color schemes. Observe homes with interesting architectural shapes and varying exterior textures and materials that lend themselves well to two-tone paint jobs. Notice combinations where a pop of color draws the eye while neutral shades recede. Leverage these real-life examples of properly executed tasteful contrast in your own exterior plans.
When thoughtfully planned and designed, a two-tone exterior color scheme upgrades a home with compelling aesthetics. It highlights architectural features often lost with ordinary siding. Tasteful color selection showcases a home's interesting shapes and exterior materials. Most importantly, dual tones add backyard personality that doesn't just blend into the landscape.