A green roof is an extreme architectural feature that can dramatically change the aesthetics of your home. Choosing the right exterior paint color to accompany a green roof is, however, not so easy. Choosing the proper paint can definitely tie your green roof room together and give you the unique attractive space you want.
We will walk you through the steps of making the right decision — understanding what a green roof will be like, how to choose the right paint color based on practical/professional factors, etc. Let’s dive in!
Why Green Roofs Are Unique
For their lush and natural hues, green roofs are unique. They’re multipurpose, sustainable and bring nature inside. But their uniqueness can also pose challenges for complementary paint colors.
Features of Green Roofs
Green roofs can be made from many different materials such as metal, slate, wood, and asphalt shingles. All the materials have a unique texture and finish that affects the interaction of the colors with the roof. For example:
- Metal roofs have a more modern, sleek appearance and reflect light differently.
- Slate roofs tend to be deeper, even more muted shades, creating a more rustic or traditional vibe.
- Wood shingles give a nice natural, organic look.
- Also read (french village house)
Asphalt shingles are the most popular and are available in many green shades.
Popular Shades of Green Roofs
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to green roofs. Shades can go from hunter green (deep and bold) to sage green (soft and muted) or seafoam green (light and pastel-like). The specific shade of green has a major influence on the best complementary paint colors you choose for your home.
Finding Colors that Match with a Green Roof
The challenge is striking a balance. Because a green roof is attention-getting, the color of the house paint needs to either enhance or low-key contrast without being discordant. There are some colors, such as saturated oranges or overly bright reds, that can very easily drown out the green tones and lead to a chaotic look.
How to Choose the Best Paint Colors
There are a few things to consider before painting that all impact how the color will look and perform against your green roof.
Lighting Conditions
Lighting can change how colors look dramatically. Daylight tends to brighten colors; contrasts are blunted in shadows. For example:
- Bright whites might seem too stark under direct sunlight, so cream or taupe are stronger options.
- Soft grays can be richer and feel more cohesive with the green tones.
You can also try testing paint samples at various times of the day to see how the light in the room impacts the color.
Architectural Style
Your home is also a critical part of the package. A modern-style home, for example, might do well with sleek grays or whites, while a Victorian-style house could appeal to warmer, earthy tones, like tan or cream. If your home has a more historic or traditional vibe, you might even go for bolder shades like mustard yellow or muted red.
Surrounding Environment
Consider the landscaping and the surrounding area. If your house sits in the midst of trees or shrubbery, earthy shades such as brown or tan will blend with their beauty. If your home is more urban, though, then you might consider cooler tones such as gray or blue for a shocking modern aesthetic.
Personal Preferences
At the end of the day, it’s your taste that counts. For a more understated look, neutral colors like white, cream or gray work beautifully as well. You can also try some bolder shades, such as red or blue, to push the envelope.
Choosing Colors to Paint a House with a Green Roof
Let us get into the specific color options that are the best with a green roof. There’s something for everyone, whether you like neutral tones, warm shades, or vibrant contrast.
Neutral Options
Earthy, neutral colors are safe and versatile. They give a neutral, elegant look, allowing the green roof to still be the main focus.
White and Off-White
It’s a classic choice, and never goes out of style. An icy white or off-white hue, like Arcade White by Sherwin Williams, lends a classic, polished feel. It coordinates well with darker green roofs such as hunter green.
Gray
Gray is an advanced solution that goes well with green roofs seamlessly. For example, Lazy Gray by Sherwin Williams is a warm, soft gray that can help harmonize with roof colors in both the light and dark green range.
Cream
Cream tones are a warm, softer alternative to white that will match with just about anything. They complement subdued greens, like sage or seafoam, especially well.
Warm Colors
Choose these warm-toned paint options to infuse your home with warmth and charm.
Yellow
Tones such as butter yellow or lemongrass yellow inspire a warm, farmhouse feel. These warm tones light up your home while enhancing the earthy green of your roof.
Tan
The tan exterior gives it nice, neutral warmth that does a good color job with any kind of green roof. It’s an excellent choice for homes in natural, wooded settings.
Bold and Complementary Colors
Or, for a more dramatic statement, your green roof can provide a striking contrast to bold colors if you are a homeowner who loves making a bold statement.
Brown
Browns, such as chocolate or mocha, provide a warm and natural vibe. This particular hue complements dark green roofs perfectly, and meshes nicely with nature.
Red
Red is a bold and risky choice, but if done well, it can create a beautiful juxtaposition. Choose subdued reds such as brick or terracotta so as not to overpower the green tones.
Blue
A green roof and light blue or slate blue produce a serene and harmonious appearance. This pairing is especially fitting for coastal or countryside homes.
Monochromatic Approach
If you want a seamless look, opt for a monochromatic scheme and select lighter or darker shades of green for your house paint. For example:
- A sage green roof matches a slightly lighter shade of green for the exterior walls.
- Save dark greens for accents such as shutters or doors.
Testing Paint Colors For Your Green Roof House
Choosing the right paint color is not something to do without testing. Here are some tips to ensure you’re making the right choice:
- Paint Test Swatches: Paint large swatches directly on your house so you can see how the color appears in natural light and shadows.
- Test in Various Lighting: Check the swatches at different times of the day to account for shifts in natural light.
- Compare with the Roof: Hold paint samples up against your green roof to make sure the colors look good together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Paint Color Choices
These are just a few general traps to avoid:
- Accidentally Harmonious: Don’t go for overly vivid or saturated hues, such as neon orange or electric pink.
- Neglecting Lighting Effects: You should not overlook trying colors in different lighting, as this may result in surprises when the job is completed.
- Consider Your Home Style: Pick colors that match your home’s style to keep things coherent.
Experts Share Tips for Curb Appeal Improvements
- Trim and Accent Colors: Complement your chosen paint color with other colors for the trim that accentuate your home’s curb appeal. For instance:
- Use white or black trims for a contemporary clean feel.
- For rustic or earthy effect, go for natural wood accents.
- Landscaping: Add shrubs, flowers and plants that reflect your home’s color palette. This really helps to bring the whole look together.
Conclusion
Selecting a paint color for a house with a green roof can be a game changer for your home’s exterior and give it a new life. By factoring things like lighting, architectural style and surrounding environment into consideration, you can discover a paint shade that complements your green roof nicely. From neutral tones to warm shades to bold contrasts, there’s something for everyone.
Ready to get started? Play around with paint samples, trim and landscaping; don’t hesitate to call in a pro designer if it gets tricky. With the right selection, your home will be the talk of the block!
Also read (painting house eaves)
