Here's what nobody will tell you about your home's exterior
Date: August 4, 2021
People often forget to pay attention to their home’s exterior as much as
they do to the interior. Most houses are built with little to no space in
between, making them more prone to damage by external factors like
wind, rain, seepage, animals, etc. Besides this, standard colours like white
and grey or gaudy colours like bright pink and yellow can make your
house look unappealing. There is a lot more to a house than just interiors
and nobody will tell you that. But it is our responsibility to let you know
that your home can make heads turn with a stunning exterior. Read on to
find how.
1) Exteriors affect sale value:
While the exterior of a house is not the
most sought-after detail while purchasing a property, a bad exterior
can dissuade people from buying the house and can give rise to pre-
conceived notions about the interior. This doesn’t mean you need to
restructure the exterior physically. A simple and cost-effective way to
give your exterior a facelift is with a decorative exterior wall paint.
At the same time, your home’s interior and exterior are not separate
from one another. If you choose a postmodern exterior look and the
interior is more traditional, there will be no link or flow between the
two, leaving the design all over the place and even uninviting. It is
like stepping into a Chinese restaurant but finding Indian food inside.
What the mind registers when it sees the exterior, affects how it
accepts the interior.
2) Limit to 3 shades:
Using multiple colours on your exterior walls can
be confusing and off- putting. It is best to use 3 different shades for
the overall body (concrete/brick), openings (windows, panes, doors)
and the parking area. An easy method is to choose 3 shades from the
interior. This way, when people enter your home, they don’t find a
stark contrast between the outside and inside.
Indian homes have open roof structures that are great for utility
purpose. But to add more character to the exterior, a simple tile-on-
tile feature could help. Painting this terrace structure with the shade
given to openings on the exterior can make the entire house look
complete and well-defined.
3) Your neighbour’s exterior matters:
This happens in 2 ways. The
first is if your neighbour’s house is too close to yours, chances are
that rainwater running off the roof will hit your walls and create
seepage or fungal growth over time. The best solution is a water and
algal growth-resistant exterior paint that provides good protection
year-round.
The second issue is if your exterior colour is too different from your
neighbour’s, either or both of the houses can appear smaller and
unpleasant. While you don’t have to decide what’s best for your house
based on your neighbour’s home, it is best to try and find a shade that is
either similar, to add more space and width, or find a good contrast that
does not affect your home’s appeal.
4) Don’t conceal texture:
Contrary to popular belief, brick, stone and
concrete textures do not have to be concealed. These textures can add
depth and character to your home’s exterior and make it look one
with nature without too much paint. Instead of completely covering
these trendy textures, it is best to use polish or apply only one coat of
paint in shades similar to the texture, leaving the look more elevated.
This is not only in line with today’s architectural style but also cost-
effective as most Indian houses are constructed using these materials
unlike in the west.
5) Nature has the best shade range:
Choosing a shade from nature for
your home’s exterior can make it look more balanced and spacious
even from the outside. If you live by the sea, a light turquoise with
brown or grey can give your home a theme which not many of your
neighbours would think of. This way, your house stands out.
Similarly, choose a shade based on the environment. If it is too hot or
humid, lighter shades should be your go-to while dark shades can
give your home a cozy feeling in colder regions. You could also opt
for
popular wall paint shades of 2022 to truly enjoy nature even at
home.