Here at Renewal by Andersen of Long Island, many homeowners contact us wanting advice about installing replacement windows and patio doors in their Long Island homes. They, like you, have lots of questions about styles and ENERGY STAR labeled options to help you save money. And, we’ve got answers. Many times our friends and neighbors ask for advice about choosing exterior colors and we tell them color choices are one of the personal design choices they can make, but rather than point them to a shade or hue that we “prefer,” our consultants will help you consider how different colors will impact the overall appearance of your home.
If you have questions about color choices, these Frequently Asked Questions may help you make better decisions.
Q: Why is color choice so important?
A: Creating a beautiful, long-lasting first impression is possible with color choices. You can express your personality, enhance the view from the street and increase your resale value with the proper choices. If you drive through nearby Long Island neighborhoods and observe homes that capture your attention, it is easy to see how the right color and the wrong color both draw your eye.
Color selections can help you create a welcoming entrance for your guests and showcase the best features of your home. Windows provide a perfect opportunity to give your house a touch of elegance or a splash of sassy color, depending on its natural character.
Q: Is it better to just try to match the existing exterior house color, or go back with a color similar to the existing windows?
A: That depends. If you want to downplay certain architectural elements in your home, like unsightly gutters, air conditioning units, usually large garage doors or even unevenly distributed windows, you’ll be more pleased with a color that blends into the overall color scheme, rather than accentuating your new windows. Conversely, if you have a very interesting architectural detail you want to showcase, accent colors can really work to your advantage.
One mistake homeowners often make is failing to consider their neighborhood. If you choose a trim or frame color that clashes with neighboring houses, or stands out like a sore thumb in otherwise subtle surroundings, you may negatively impact your home’s resale value – and tick off a few neighbors in the process.
Deciding whether to match surrounding colors or select a complementary contrast may be influenced by your landscaping. It pays to visualize the overall curb appeal. Consider flowering shrubs and flowers planted near your home and the surrounding natural growth. Greens typically don’t look great in a heavily shaded area because tall trees block bright sunlight and your colors will naturally appear darker than the same color on a home with full sun exposure throughout the day.
Q: How can I gain confidence about color selection?
A: Many people assume white is the safest color, and therefore suitable for almost every home. But, it’s important to consider the other exterior colors on or near your home. Think roofing shingles, slate tiles, stone pavers, brick or vinyl siding and landscaping. If you look at your home from different angles and at different times of the day, you may notice color variations in the bricks or shingles that you could match or contrast for visual interest. Our Fibrex frames won’t fade in intense sunlight, so keep in mind that even if your trim and siding colors wash out, your replacement windows will retain their crisp color year after year. Even if you decide you want a light color, you don’t have to choose a stark white finish, we have a broad color palette that includes deep, rich colors and lighter neutral tones so you can find a color combination that fits your decorating goals.
Q: I’m thinking of painting my home’s exterior. Do you have suggestions for overall color?
A: Your replacement windows have been designed to last for as long as you live in your home, and beyond in some cases. If you think you might want to paint within the next few years, choose colors that will make the transition with you.
As far as color choices for your home exterior, here are a few tips.
If you’re thinking about installing replacement windows and patio doors in your home, we invite you to fill in the short form on this page for more information about our wide variety of colors. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 609-5033 to schedule a no-obligation home consultation.
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