It has become a common trend for homeowners to give their homes a ‘facelift’ by way of future-proofing their exterior walls, doors, and roofs with a bit of colour. With the blossoming of spring, whatever the choice of colour combinations, this year’s exterior paint trends leave customers spoilt for choice.
Trends in exterior wall and roof paints have seen a dynamic shift, reflecting broader lifestyle and environmental considerations. From the resurgence of earthy tones that blend seamlessly with natural landscapes to bold, statement hues that highlight unique architectural features, the spectrum of popular colours is as varied as it is vibrant.
Eye-catchy dark combinations
Recently, dark exterior paint combinations have been popular and have been instrumental in bringing out special architectural home features. Playing around with a combination of different colours for the door frames, window frames, exterior walls and the roof has made dark colours eye catchy.
Bold and bright combinations
Bold and bright colours have become the new ‘traditional’ option. Modern home designs have allowed for flair in choosing such combinations, which reveal the architectural uniqueness of the house.
Play it safe and go neutral
Sticking to what you know sometimes resonates best for most customers. Safe colours that are neutral and warm still have a place in the market and often than not, texture upgrades and new paint mixes have given this ‘not-so-dull’ option elegance and presents a mature look.
Brick and different materials with paint
Some home designs are such that bricks are dominant in the exterior of the house. As such, little or minimal patches of the house and the roof require painting. However, choosing the right paint for these patches can make your home look freshly built.
Cladding and wood have also featured as some materials used for exterior walls on parts of the house to bring out designs that make the house unique. These can be complimented with paint that will add beauty to the architectural feel of the house.
SUPPLIERS HAVE SHARED THE FOLLOWING ADVICE, WHICH RETAILERS CAN PASS ALONG TO THEIR CUSTOMERS:
Duram
A dark exterior embodies sophistication and timeless luxury. Adding drama and depth, the eye-catchy dark combinations can emphasise architectural features, materials, lines, and angles while delivering a cohesive aesthetic.
When choosing colours for architectural features like doors, windows, trims, roof materials and bricks, firstly, gauge if you want these features to blend in or stand out. It is good to keep in mind that paint colours can look different in different lighting conditions and dark colours tend to absorb light. Add contrast by incorporating accent colours or follow a monochromatic scheme using shades and tints of the same colour to bring balance and harmony. For high-contact surfaces such as doors, window frames, shutters, balustrades, and handrails, look for Duram’s NuGlo which is a luxurious enamel paint for hard-wearing surfaces. Formulated with polyurethane for exceptional durability and strength, with an easy non-drip, quick-dry gel formula. It is available in a medium satin sheen or matt finish and can be tinted to a Duram colour of your choice.
GEARING UP FOR SPRING, THESE ARE SOME OF THE COLOURS THAT CAN BE SUGGESTED
Colour is transformative, adds zest to life, it gives you the freedom to be creative and reflect your personal style. By incorporating vibrant fresh spring colours to an exterior, the home looks modern, feels alive and architectural features are enhanced.
To elevate the exterior, consider warm or cool tone shades into the design using Duram’s beautiful range of paint colours. From rich blues, vibrant oranges, woody reds, refreshing greens, sophisticated yellows, earthy browns, cool greys, Duram’s Habitat Colour Collection, inspired by the natural habitats of South Africa, has the perfect complementary spring colours to enhance the exterior of a home.
The Habitat Colour Collection is available in 90ml colour samples for you to try at home.
Duram’s WallTech low-sheen paint and Duram’s ArmaGuard fine-textured paint are ideal for extreme weather protection.
ArmaGuard is available in standard colours and both products can be colour tinted.
Growing design trends have shown that incorporating softer colours like stone whites and beige tones create a calm, serene and a centred presence in and around the home.
Crisp. Clean. Serene. Duram’s Off-White Colour Collection, a range of 16 gentle paint colours that takes inspiration from nature.
Off-Whites differ only slightly from a pure white as they embody the simplicity of white without the starkness.
Versatile to work in any interior or exterior, these warm and cool shades create the illusion of space; soften or enhance architectural edges and evoke a sense of rest and sophistication.
Beautifully nuanced, Off-White shades may look different depending on their finish, the lighting and the colours that surround them.
Duram’s Off-White colours are the perfect neutral for your space, acting as a harmonious canvas to complement various décor styles.
FOR SUBSTRATES SUCH AS WOOD AND CLADDING ON EXTERIOR WALLS, USE TRANSPARENT PRODUCTS THAT DO NOT CHANGE THE APPEARANCE OF THE SURFACE
Duram Aquapel is a siloxane water repellent for face brick, stone cladding, natural stone and cement exterior walls that dries to a clear finish to repel moisture, dirt, stains and prevents efflorescence.
Duram Woodseal is a penetrating linseed oil-based wood preservative that feeds, nourishes and enhances the natural beauty and grain of wood. The active ingredient protects against water penetration, rot, decay and insect attack, with UV- and weather-protection.
If you’re looking for the number one selling roof paint in South Africa, Duram’s Roofkote, is a premium pure acrylic that provides highly attractive, all-weather protection, there is a shade to complement the exterior walls for a modern and cohesive aesthetic.
Tips to consider
• One of the first steps to consider when embarking on a project to future-proof your exterior would be to evaluate the condition of the designated exterior walls.
• Is it a new or previously painted surface, and if the surface is in a sound condition or requires repair.
• Check the moisture content of the substrate. Any efflorescence on the surface must be ceased and removed, along with any loose flaking paint. All loose flaking paint can be removed by wire brushing and scraping. Should there be any loose and friable soft plaster, it is important to remove it and re-plaster to match the existing plaster if there is any. If structural or plaster cracks appear, it should be repaired.
For more information, Visit: www.duram.co.za
Promac
It is important to look at the style of a home when selecting dark eye-catching exterior walls, keeping to a maximum of two colours as too many colours can make a home look less stylish. Using different shades of the same colour always enhances your home style, while architectural detail can make the same colour look vastly different owing to the light, shade, and recesses. When one selects various shades of grey and black we often refer clients to Promac Proroof which has outstanding weathering and alkali resistant properties. This pure acrylic has a medium sheen finish and protects against mould and mildew.
A colour scheme plays a pivotal role in your home’s overall look. Stimulating and uplifting, bold, bright colours are trending.
Make your front door a talking piece and paint it a vibrant red (Basically Bhecki 136B05 or Wild Rose 136B04) that speaks to you and reflects your personality. Another popular colour is a Cornflower Blue – try Promac’s “China Blue 80B05 or Invincible 80B04” which although more restrained than a Post Box Red, is a colour statement that will make an impression before guests even step into your house.
For the more experimental homeowner, add a splash of colour to trim, or any other exterior elements for that matter.
As colour keeps us optimistic, how about tapping into all its positive effects and get yourself and your home out of the winter slump and start gearing up for spring.
Driveway gates can be another colour statement – so don’t forget them.
Moreover, Promac has a variety of textures in various quality bands to not only enhance the value of your home/project, but also to give your asset the finish it deserves. Promac Micaguard available in a range of ready to go off the shelf colours as well as tinted colours, Promac Easycoat Textured and E-Coat Textured coatings have palettes that have been meticulously put together to ensure selecting a colour combination is easy for you and your customers.
Blending the house exterior with the surroundings works well to ensure that the home is part of the natural landscape.
We recommend looking at the roof, natural stone, and wood accents as well as the paving when creating a colour palette.
Pinterest is a great tool and helps one in creating a mood board to obtain a stye and colour direction, helping to understand the client’s vision and their colour language.
// Promac has a variety of textures to enhance the value of your home and give it the finish it deserves //
Tips to consider
• Step outside to draw inspiration from the area where your home or project is situated. Nature always provides colours that will help blend your home into its natural habitat.
• The architectural style of your home can be a valuable reference point in selecting the right colours. Traditional homes with classic designs usually look best with timeless neutral shades like white, beige, or grey. There is a large variety of each of these colours with cool and warm undertones. It is important to know your preference for a red, green, or blue undertone to ensure you are getting the right grey or white or beige that you had your heart set on. Remember, lighting has a significant effect on how a colour presents.
• Keep to a maximum of three colours. This includes the primary colour for your walls, a secondary colour for accents like shutters or trim, and a third colour for small details like the front door or window frames.
For more information, Visit: www.promacpaints.co.za
Plascon
Dark exterior paint schemes can dramatically enhance a home’s architectural features, but they require careful consideration.
HERE ARE KEY FACTORS RETAILERS SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN ADVISING CUSTOMERS: UNDERSTANDING THE HOME’S ARCHITECTURE
• Style: Different architectural styles suit dark colours differently. For example, modern homes often embrace dark palettes, while traditional styles might require a more nuanced approach
• Scale: Larger homes can typically handle darker colours better than smaller ones
• Details: Homes with intricate details or architectural features will benefit from the contrast created by dark colours.
CONSIDERING THE HOME’S SURROUNDINGS
• Neighbourhood: The overall style of the neighbourhood should be considered to ensure the home complements its surroundings
• Climate: Dark colours can absorb more heat, which might be a concern in warmer climates
• Landscape: The colour of the landscape can influence the overall look. For example, dark colours can complement lush greenery.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLOUR COMBINATIONS
• Contrast: Dark colours need contrast to avoid a gloomy appearance. Light-coloured trim, doors, or windows can provide a striking contrast
• Complementary colours: Consider using complementary colours for a bold statement. For example, navy, orange, black and white
• Undertones: Be aware of the undertones in the dark colour. For example, a grey with blue undertones might look different in different lighting conditions.
MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS
Product selection: Recommend high-quality exterior paints with good fade resistance. Plascon offers products like Wall & All and Micatex for walls and it has a 15-year guarantee. For the roof, Nuroof Cool with a 12-year guarantee also lowers interior temperatures in hot weather.
Additionally, provide exterior paint samples for customers to test on their home before making a final decision.
GEARING UP FOR SPRING, THESE ARE SOME OF THE COLOURS THAT RETAILERS CAN SUGGEST FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS
The Plascon Eternal palette with a colour collection designed to bring comfort and style to your space, offering the following shades:
• Ravine 62: This colour falls under the neutral category, specifically a light beige with a warm undertone. It is a versatile colour that can be used to create a calming and inviting atmosphere
• Grey Archo P1-E1-3: A dark purple-grey tone, it is a sophisticated and elegant colour that can be used to create a modern and stylish space
• Fragrant Flower B7-D1-4: A blue-grey tone. It is a calming and refreshing colour that can be used to create a serene atmosphere
• Smoke Bush P4-E2-3: Can be used to create a soft and understated space
• Wilted Leaf 31: A cheerful and optimistic neutral colour that can be used to create a fresh and vibrant space
• Terra Nova R6-D1-2: This is a deep red with a brown undertone. It is a bold and dramatic colour that can be used to create a luxurious and sophisticated space
• Stuffing 36: A warm and inviting colour that can be used to create a cheerful and welcoming space
• Cloud Number Nine B6-A2-3: A versatile colour that can be used to create a variety of looks.
Pairing the warm beige Ravine with the deep red Terra Nova, or the lighter Smoke Bush with the darker Grey Archo, creates stunning combinations within the Plascon Eternal colour palette, where contrasting light and dark tones enhance the overall aesthetic.
While bold colours have captured attention, the timeless appeal of neutral exteriors remains strong.
Plascon’s Eternal palette provides excellent options for this trend. For instance, combining the soft, warm Stuffing 36 with the rich, earthy Terra Nova R6-D1-2 can create a sophisticated contrast. Similarly, the neutral Ravine 62 paired with the bold Terra Nova R6-D1-2 offers a modern twist on a classic combination.
RETAILERS CAN GUIDE CUSTOMERS TOWARDS
• Textured finishes: These can add depth and dimension to neutral exteriors, preventing them from appearing flat
• Colour variations: Suggest subtle colour variations within the neutral palette to create interest without overwhelming the space
• Accents: Recommend using pops of colour through front doors, window frames, or outdoor furniture, to complement the neutral base.
By showcasing the versatility and elegance of neutral exteriors, retailers can tap into a market that values timeless style and sophistication.
RETAILER RECOMMENDATIONS
• Colour harmony: Suggest colours that complement the brick›s undertone. For example, a warm red brick might pair well with earthy greens or deep browns
• Highlight architectural features: Use paint to accentuate architectural details like cornices, columns, or window frames
• Contrast and balance: Consider using contrasting colours for doors and window frames to create visual interest
• Cladding: Recommend paints specifically designed for cladding materials, ensuring durability and weather resistance.
• Wood: Offer a range of wood stains and paints that protect and enhance the natural beauty of the wood. There are various options from Plascon’s woodcare range to choose from.
Tips to consider
• Consider the climate: Select a paint that can withstand the local weather conditions
• Choose the finish: Matte, satin, or gloss finishes offer different looks and durability
• Opt for quality: Invest in a high-quality exterior paint for long-lasting results
• Harmonise with surroundings: Consider the colour of your roof, landscaping, and neighbouring homes
• Reflect personal style: Choose colours that reflect your taste and preferences.
For more information, Visit: www.plascon.com
