Choosing Exterior House Colors

Drew University Offers Classes on Historic Preservation

Drew University is offering courses in the processes and techniques of historic preservation, with an assortment of programs in 2011-12 open to all preservation enthusiasts, whether aiming to earn a certificate or for personal or professional interest.  

Choose from a one-day workshop or ten-week course, the programs are designed for anyone interested in the field of preservation, from hobbyists, members of historic preservation commissions, town planners, attorneys and engineers to real estate professionals, volunteers at historic sites, owners of old or historic buildings, architects, developers and contractors, designers, and artisans in the construction field. 

The courses and workshops are led by a distinguished faculty who are experts in their fields and include  interactive activities, on- and off-campus learning and contain a blend of theoretical and practical concepts. This class focuses on providing museums and other historic site professionals, educators and volunteers with creative interpretation tools which can be easily implemented at any site and which help revitalize existing collections without additional expense. Learn new trends in interpretation, including object-driven interpretation, sensory interpretation, as well as the use of living history at historic sites.  Equal attention is given to both theory and practice, with a significant portion of the class work being hands-on. Date: Wednesdays, Sept. 7-Nov. 9, 7-9 p.m. Cost: $465. Introduction to Historic Preservation: This course provides a foundation for understanding preservation issues, terminology, and public policy and explores the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, National and State Register Programs, preservation techniques, and the overall benefits of historic preservation. Date: Thursdays, Sept. 8 – Nov. 10, 7–9 p.m. Cost: $465, Materials Fee: $10. Exterior Paint for Historic Houses from Period Colors to Proper Preparation: A well-done exterior paint job on a vintage house not only enhances the architecture and historic character of the structure, but proper prep and application is simply a good investment. This course will address the many sides of historic paint, from the pigments and oils of pre-industrial paint and how they influenced exterior colors, to the aesthetics of color in various eras, to best methods for choosing and applying paint and colors on a vintage building today. Dates: Tuesdays, Oct. 18 & 25, 7-9 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $230.

Choosing the Right Colors for Your Exterior Home Painting Project ...

Painting the exterior of your home is no simple, carefree task. There are many things to consider, including whether or not to hire a contractor, costs, preparation, and of course, choosing a color.

Depending on where you live, your home can be seen by countless strangers every day, which is why you want it to look its best. But there is no need to panic. Choosing the right colors to bring out the warmth and beauty of your home can be simple when you take the right steps and and use the right tools.

Exterior home painting has come a long way from holding up small color palette swatches against your house. These color swatches are still available, but there are other hands-on options for comparing colors that may give you a closer look at the best choices. Start by searching for actual examples.

There are hundreds of websites that offer endless photos of exterior paint for your review. You may even find a picture of a home similar to yours, which can help you to visualize. There are also, believe it or not, virtual painting programs. This technology allows you to actually preview colors on your home.

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing colors for your exterior home painting is the other materials on your house. Colors can look quite different against various surfaces. For example, yellow, orange, and gold tones look great against brick and stone houses.

These combinations make the house look warm and inviting. For homes with white shutters or trim, bright colors can give the home a youthful and playful look. The white and the bright colors accent each other nicely.

Many modern homes have neutral-colored siding, which goes nicely with just about any color. Still, avoid choosing a color too close to the siding. By choosing a color brighter or darker than the siding, you will create a beautiful contrast that is likely to stand out on your block.

Environment is yet another factor that many people forget in the frenzy of choosing colors for a exterior home painting project. True, it may be your home, but how do your colors look against the backdrop of your neighborhood? Some neighborhoods are full of bright, neon-colored homes, but some are not.

It is important to consider how your new bright, neon home will look a block full of the opposite, or vice versa. Some neighborhood and block associations actually do not allow homeowners to paint their homes in certain colors to maintain the aesthetic value of the neighborhood. Make sure you know what limits are imposed on you as a house owner, if any, before you start painting.

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