2015 Summer Exterior Color

As we head toward summer, the exterior of the home becomes the focus of many design projects. Here are a few ideas for refreshing the home's exterior for the 2015 summer months, along with five key exterior color trends for this season:

Rich, Warm Neutrals

The focus on warmer neutrals has been heating up the past couple years in all facets of design, including residential exteriors. The rich leather and copper hues and can be used on both traditional and modern homes. And, the farm-to-table and global cuisine trends have resonated from restaurant design over to residential design. Taking cues from the architecture, color and ambiance of these favored eateries, earthy, organic color creates a cultivated palette to chew on.

Key Warm Neutrals for 2015

Body - Weathered Saddle (DE5187) Accent - Travertine (DEC738) Accent - Iron-ic (DET611)

Gray to Greige

Grays continue to surge forward, creating an even greater range of color to work. From green-grays to blue-grays, and warm grays to cool grays, this trend showcases a plethora of color options for traditional and contemporary abodes.

Key Grays for 2015

Body - Gray Monument (DET602) Trim - White Picket Fence (DET648) Accent - Red Craft (DET423)

Historic Palettes

Inspired by the rich tapestries of historical documentation constantly unfolding, historic districts are pushing forward into many sections of the Southwest, as we build and preserve our architectural history. From reds to lavenders, and citrus to teal, pops of color appear that are key to the certain historical architectural eras and styles — Spanish to Victorian, Ranch to Mid-century modern — that surround us.

Key Historic Colors for 2015

Body - Tarnished Silver (DE6355) Trim - Warm White (DEW380) Door - Early Harvest (DE5542)

Experimental Color

Architecture continues to experiement with materials, design and color. Ever more, we see this concept played out in the residential design market where creative, artistic homeowners push boundaries to be unique. These hip homes can be found all over — from pockets of newly renovated urban areas, to meadows in the middle of nowhere. Color is integral to complete the design. Creativity lives!

Key Experimental Colors

Body - Le Corbusier Crush (DET421) Pink Dahlia (DET419) Warm White (DEW380)

Marsala, Pantone's 2015 Color of the Year

Pantone rang in the New Year with its latest color selection as color of the year — Marsala. Dunn-Edwards closest cross-match is DE5097 Red Rock, a deep rust red hue that pairs well with golden tones, greens and vibrant blues.

Body - Red Rock (DE5097) Trim - Bone White (DEC741)

General Color Tips for Exterior Home Painting

While rules constantly change over time for color use and color rules don't apply to all architectural styles, here's a general outline to assist in creating exterior color palettes: