by Corey Morgan | Apr 28, 2023 | Exterior Painting, Paint Color Help
Finding the perfect paint colors for the exterior of your home is hard, but it’s even harder when you’re part of an HOA. HOAs, or Homeowners Associations, are great because they help protect the value of homes within the neighborhood and help create a cohesive feeling throughout the community. That being said, they can also be a pain to work with. Here are tips straight from your Colorado paint pros about how to submit your exterior paint colors to your HOA for approval along with a selection of popular HOA color schemes curated for you by our professional color consultants.
Before You Submit Colors to Your HOA
There are a few things you need to know before you’re ready to submit any colors to your HOA.
1. Check for Pre-Approved Colors
If you’re lucky enough to be part of an HOA with a list of pre-approved color schemes, then yay! Pre-approved colors can greatly improve your chances of approval and some HOAs don’t even require approval for pre-approved schemes! While pre-approved colors can limit your options, it will make the selection process much easier.
2. Ask About Their Specific Approval Process
Every HOA is different, so you’ll want to contact your specific HOA directly for details about their color approval process and requirements. Some HOAs require a submission fee and paint chips or color links, while others may require you to paint samples on your garage so they can be viewed before approving. It’s best to accommodate these steps as much as possible and work within your HOA’s guidelines. Othersies, you may wind up with any issues.
Note that you will most likely not be able to use colors that are too similar to your neighbors. Many HOAs value variation between each home. If you submit colors that are the same or similar to the neighbors on either side of your home or across the street, they will likely be denied and a waste of time.
3. Plan Accordingly
Most HOAs review color scheme submissions at a meeting together before they approve or deny your any paint colors. That means that the frequency of which your HOA meets could have a big impact on your project timeline. Here in Colorado, HOAs typically have 14-60 days for approval. Highlands Ranch, HRCA, is one of the fastest turn around times for color approvals with homeowners typically receiving approval within 1-2 weeks.
If your HOA requires more than a couple of weeks to approve colors then you’ll want to make sure you plan your paint project accordingly. It’s vital to make sure you have enough time to select colors, submit them, and get approval before any paint is purchased. Otherwise, this can create delays on your project and be costly to change.
HOA Friendly Color Schemes from Color Consultants
Exterior Color Scheme #1
Created using Sherwin Williams Color Snap Visualizer
Body – Acier 9170
Trim – Shoji White 7042
Accent – Carnelian 7580
In this color scheme we have a classic gray body with just a touch of warmth. We find this color scheme to be warm and inviting. Shoji White on the trim brings a nice contrast without feeling too sharp, and a deep red door helps everything feel grounded and harmonious.
Exterior Color Scheme #2
Body – Evergreen Fog 9130
Trim – Alabaster 7008
Accent – Dark Night 6237
Green saw a huge surge in popularity last year with Evergreen Fog being a favorite amongst homeowners. We’ve paired it here with Alabaster, which is a beautiful, bright white. Dark Night adds a dark, but subtle accent.
Exterior Color Scheme #3
Body – Slate Tile 7624
Trim – Pure White 7005
Accent – Peppercorn 7674
Blue is one of the most commonly requested colors for the exterior of homes. It’s also the most common favorite color in the world, so that makes perfect sense! Slate Tile is a stunning blue-gray that really gives you that punch of blue without looking cartoonish. We’ve paired it here with the crisp Pure White and have Peppercorn as a warm, grounding accent color.
Exterior Color Scheme #4
Body – Craftsman Brown 2835
Trim – Roycroft Bronze Green 2846
Accent – Roycroft Copper Red 2839
This scheme is perfect for those of you who have a craftsman style home and want a traditional color scheme that doesn’t feel dated. Craftsman Brown is a nice neutral and when paired with Roycroft Bronze Green it feels like a classic Colorado color combination. We’ve rounded it out with Roycroft Copper Red which would make for a fantastic front door color, but please DO NOT use it on shutters as this can result in a clown-like appearance.
Exterior Color Scheme #5
Body – Gray Matters 7066
Trim – Pure White 7005
Accent – Tricorn Black 6258
Gray never goes out of style and Grey Matters is a wonderful, middle of the road option that isn’t too warm or cool. To make sure this scheme didn’t end up feeling too warm, we paired it with classics like Pure White on the trim and Tricorn Black as the accent.
Fun fact–Tricorn Black is the absolute darkest black paint color available from widely available paint retailers!
Getting HOA Approval
What makes these schemes HOA friendly is that they are all neutrals, or based on earth tones, which is a huge trend for covenant controlled neighborhoods here in Colorado. If you need more inspiration we recommend driving around your own neighborhood to view other homes. This will help you get ideas for what you’d like to see on your own home. For more color tips and tricks be sure to follow us on Pinterest and Instagram where we post weekly!
If you need any further assistance with selecting colors, you can easily schedule an appointment with one of our certified Color Designers HERE. And if you’d like more information, feel free to give us a call at (720) 637-4805.
by Corey Morgan | Apr 21, 2023 | Exterior Painting, Paint Prep
Denver’s Best Stucco Repair
When a client begins the process of painting their home there are often times we find another service may be needed prior to paint. As a Denver painting company we are primarily working on homes that are 20+ years old, so wear and tear is a factor on every project. One of the most common issues we run into when painting is damaged stucco. Stucco damage occurs over time and is very common, especially with the fluctuations in temperature that we experience here in Colorado. We work with a local stucco company that does incredible work to help our clients get the best finished product possible.
Can You Paint Stucco?
We get asked all the time whether or not you can paint stucco. Yes, you absolutely can paint stucco! Painting stucco is an easy and cost effective way to refresh faded or dingy stucco and create a fresh and uniform look. Much like paint, stucco is tinted with pigments to give it it’s color. When using any exterior product we all know nothing can last forever and stucco is no different. Over time you may experience a variety of failures with your stucco including fading or discoloration.
What Does Stucco Damage Look Like?
Identifying stucco damage is one of the first steps when it comes to painting or maintaining your stucco home. We recommend each homeowner do a thorough inspection and note any areas of concern. You can alternatively work with a stucco or paint professional to review the current condition of your stucco.
During this inspection be sure to note any damage to the stucco. Some things to look out for include fading, discoloration, cracking, or even missing pieces of stucco. It’s wise to look near gutters and downspouts, around windows and doors, and along the foundation and at corners. These are some of the areas where you’ll often experience failures in the stucco first.
When Should You Contact a Stucco Expert?
For many stucco issues like fading, discoloration, or hairline cracks your exterior painter will be able to take care of those items. These issues are often either fixed by the paint itself or a stucco repair compound is used to fill in smaller cracks. If you’re experiencing larger issues with your stucco, then be sure to talk to an expert as your home will require more extensive repairs.
Any larger stucco repairs should be taken care of ahead of painting so that they have time to set. Don’t worry about matching your existing stucco exactly with the repair as it will be covered with the fresh coat of paint.
Denver’s Best Stucco Repair
Being in the industry, we’ve been lucky enough to make some incredible connections within the home improvement field. Since we work with a lot of clients with stucco homes we’ve partnered with Sarge and Co. Professional Stucco Services. Perry Babel and his team bring decades of experience and knowledge to every project and can help with big or small stucco projects. Sarge and Co. is locally based and operated out of Morrison, Colorado and Perry services all of the Denver metro area.
Whether you are painting or not, you should always address stucco repairs as quickly as possible because they can lead to more extensive damage. If you’re considering painting your stucco then schedule a free consultation to get the ball rolling.
by Corey Morgan | Mar 14, 2023 | Exterior Painting
Why Spring is the Best Time to Paint Your Exterior
Exterior Painting in Spring
Spring marks the start of the exterior painting season for Denver painters. That means it might be time to check out your exterior paint and see what kind of projects you’ll need to prioritize this year. Your exterior paint is important because it’s the first layer of defense when it comes to maintaining your home. Exterior paint protects your siding and has a huge impact on the overall appearance of your home. There are a lot of great times to paint your exterior in Colorado but spring is one of the best times to paint your home.
Mild Temperatures
As weather shifts into spring mode, Denver weather becomes much more mild, which makes it ideal for exterior painting. You don’t want it to be too cold or too hot when you paint an exterior, which is why spring has some of the best weather you can ask for. Spring projects may take a little longer due to shorter days, a single day project in the summer may take two to three days to complete, but this is easily accommodated.
Of course early spring can be a little tricky with weather because you never know if it will be snowing, sunny, or both! The way that we prepare for this as a company is we don’t fill our March calendar to full capacity. By not scheduling to capacity our paint teams and project managers are less likely to become overwhelmed with backed up wor. This allows them to reschedule more fluidly and accommodate our spring clients.
More One-on-One Attention
Fewer projects means your Project Manager will have even more time for you and your project. As the season picks up most paint companies will become quite busy and team members will be operating at a higher capacity. Our systems are set up to ensure that clients are always well taken care of. Spring painting does have some obvious extra benefits though.
As we’ve already mentioned, projects do take a little bit longer this time of year, which means you’ll have a bit more time with your project manager. This also gives you more time to inspect the work and make sure you’re fully satisfied with everything. Kind Home Painting Co. has a unique 100% satisfaction guarantee which means you don’t pay a penny until your project is complete and you are happy with the work!
Best Exterior Paint Pricing
This might be the most appealing benefit of painting your exterior in the spring because you are much more likely to get the best deals of the season. Summer and fall are notoriously very busy for most painters but the spring can be a slower start to the year, especially when it comes to exterior work. We’re always eager to get our best teams back to work after a long winter, so we’re happy to repay you for your assistance by offering the best discounts of the year.
Keep in mind that spring spots are super limited and once they’re filled most painters won’t continue to offer those steep spring painting discounts. We always advise that you get your estimates as early as possible. January, February and March are some of the best times to capitalize on spring pricing, so it’s recommended to start reaching out to companies as soon as possible. We honor our undiscounted pricing all season and we’re always willing to work with you at any point if the spring isn’t the best time for your paint project. However, over the years we’ve found that most of our clients are thrilled to have the extra discount!
Easier HOA Color Approval
Choosing colors is one of the biggest challenges to painting the exterior of your home, but obtaining HOA approval can be even harder. By starting the exterior painting process early in the year you really give yourself more time to select colors you’ll love and make sure you have time to get them approved by your HOA. Homeowners Associations generally deal with far fewer submissions for color approval in the spring, unlike during the summer when they get a higher rate of submissions. This means you’re much more likely to hear back from your HOA sooner. This can be especially beneficial for clients who are part of HOAs that only meet every sixty days.
Paint Your Exterior in the Spring
The summer and fall are always options for painting your exterior, but spring painting does bring with it quite a few benefits. Additional savings, more time for HOA approval, milder weather, and a more personalized customer service experience can make all the difference. If your exterior looks like it could use some TLC we recommend starting the paint process with a free estimate to get a better idea of your project scope and pricing. Ask about our spring specials for this year’s best pricing!
by Corey Morgan | Jan 20, 2023 | Color Consultations, Exterior Painting, Interior Painting, Paint Color Help
Is Chantilly Lace a Good White Paint Color
When considering the wide array of whites that are offered by top paint companies, Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace OC-65 has topped many a list and blog. Controversial as it may be, I will be discussing the distinct attributes of this color and why it’s probably the last color you should be painting on your home. Don’t fret though! I will offer other suggestions with explanations as to why the hues will function much better for you than Chantilly Lace.
Chantilly Lace High Light Reflectance Value
To begin, Chantilly Lace is Benjamin Moore’s whitest white. Initially this sounds perfect for achieving that crisp, bright white that many search for. However, if we look at the Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of this hue we learn that it sits at 90.04 out of 100. That is an extremely stark white and it reflects nearly all the light that hits it. In direct sunlight it is sure to be an eyesore, even blinding. If you were to paint the inside of your living room with Chantilly Lace it would even reflect the colors of your furniture. So if you happen to have a red couch, for example, the room would pick up those pink tones.
Chantilly Lace Undertones
Chantilly Lace’s high LRV is partly due to the fact that it lacks easily identifiable undertones. That makes it quite unpredictable and there is a higher probability for Chantilly Lace to be sterile and cold. Most people want the color they see on the swatch to appear as true as possible. With the nature of Chantilly Lace, it is quite impossible for that to happen. Don’t shy away from the idea of having touches of yellow, green, or blue in your white undertones. The undertones are key to getting to a white that is balanced and will read true to your unique environment.
Sherwin Williams Snowbound
Preferred White Paint Colors
Whites that fare much better in direct sunlight indoors or outdoors include cool-toned Snowbound and Eider White from Sherwin William’s. Similarly, Benjamin Moore offers Oxford White and Paper White for similar blue-based whites.
The blue undertones in the white will help to achieve that fresh white color with a modern feel. If you want to opt for a timeless warm toned white, Sherwin Williams’ Dover White and Creamy will be better suited for the project. For Benjamin Moore, consider Mountain Peak White and Dove Wing. The addition of a bit of yellow goes a long way to make a home feel inviting and warm instead of clinical when it comes to the perfect hue of white.
Benjamin Moore Mountain Peak
Your Home Environment
Taking into account the current hue of your home will drastically change the amount of time you invest into your paint project. If your paint colors currently have pigment to them or are on the darker side, you will have to invest much more labor and much more paint to achieve full coverage with a color like Chantilly Lace. To make painting effortless, opt for a hue that has an undertone that can stand up to what’s on your home now. If your project is starting with a warm tone color, use Sherwin Williams’ Ice Cube or Benjamin Moore’s Vanilla Milkshake to assist in the transition. On the other hand if your project is beginning with a cooler tone, you can combat this by choosing whites like Benjamin Moore’s Moonlight White, Cloud White, or Sherwin’s Alabaster.
Conclusion
To recap, Chantilly Lace’s LRV, unrecognizable undertones, and light coverage makes it a very difficult color to work with. The environment drastically changes the look and feel of any color. That’s why it is imperative to take into account the direction your surfaces face, the amount of natural versus artificial light, and the fixed features or furniture and decor that will be in the space. Especially with whites, having a true paint sample to consider under all lighting conditions is the only way to make a well thought-out decision.
I hope this has given you a new perspective on a “favorite” white and insight on your color journey! For more color inspiration, visit our Instagram or learn more on colors HERE.
If you’d like to schedule a Denver interior or Denver exterior painting estimate you can do so HERE.
by Corey Morgan | Oct 17, 2022 | Color Consultations, Exterior Painting, Paint Color Help
Our Favorite Fall Color Schemes for 2022
As Autumn rolls in, the fall foliage finally starts to arrive and those luscious summer greens turn to hues of gold, orange and deep reds. We are here to embrace the cozy earth tones and welcome a new season of comfort for your inviting exterior sanctuary. If you are painting your home before winter arrives, the fall colors may inspire your paint color choices. To help you with your fall color inspiration, we tapped our professional color consultant, Lexi, to dish out her favorite fall color schemes for 2022.
Here are our top four fall exterior color schemes we are loving in 2022:
Fall Color Scheme #1
If you want a medium brown for the body of your home, Nuthatch SW 6088 is a perfect choice. It is a grounding color that represents stability. It pairs beautifully with a deep brown roof for just the right amount of contrast. Since Nuthatch is a rich brown we want to brighten up the trim to add some interest to your color scheme.
We chose Nacre SW 6154, which is an off white with a tinge of greige as the undertone. As for accent color, we love a dramatic front door. For lovers of rich colors that pop, Merlot SW 2704 for you. Merlot is a deep purple with undertones of deep red. This color makes us want to cozy up right by a fire with our favorite book! This color palette is inviting and will be sure to bring you depth and happiness.
Fall Color Scheme #2
We are always here for a cool, earthy green to compliment the fall shades of gold, browns, and reds. We chose Sage SW 2860 out of Sherwin Williams Historic Collection. Sage is forever a timeless look. Sage represents wisdom, harmony, and nature.
Let’s add a little contrast and lighten up the trim with Natural Linen SW 9109. Natural Linen is a neutral that can almost look white when the sunlight hits it. Natural Linen is the perfect happy medium because it’s not too stark (like a true white) and not too warm, so it doesn’t look washed out. It’s polite without being too overpowering. We love it because it’s not overly saturated with green, yet muted down with the perfect amount of gray and a splash of yellow.
Fall Color Scheme #3
As we continue to see darker exterior paint colors trending this year, richer, deeper hues of browns are getting utilized. We love Virtual Taupe SW 7039 for its mixture of warmth and coolness. It is a medium brown with green and gray undertones that would pair perfectly with a lighter, neutral stone on your home. We chose Neutral Ground SW 7568 to help balance the robustness of Virtual Taupe. Neutral Ground SW 7568, just as it says in the title, is a neutral off white that can even be considered a greige.
Now for the accent, we are obsessed with Inkwell SW 6992. It is not your average black because it has undertones of a moody blue. Once you get up close and the light hits just right, you will see what we are talking about. We always encourage a strong front door, as it is the gateway to your beautiful home. We love Polished Mahogany SW 2838. It is a sophisticated and elegant color, and happens to also be in the Sherwin Williams Historic Collection. It is sure to be a showstopper that represents strength. If you are unable to get a natural mahogany door, we recommend this luxurious color to fill the gap.
Fall Color Scheme #4
To round out our list, we give you one of our favorite fall-inspired color schemes… Shiitake SW 9173 remains a favorite body color. It feels grounded, organic, and peaceful. It is a perfect neutral that can do both gray and beige. To give Shiitake contrast we chose a classic trim color, Creamy SW 7012. Creamy is great because it doesn’t have an overbearing yellowish undertone and it’s not too cool, which means it won’t create too much contrast. It’s smooth, silky, and here to be seen.
We chose Eastlake Gold SW 0009 for our front door accent color. It reminds us of a golden maple leaf that is not too saturated and not too dull– it hits just right, creating a cohesive flow for your favorite place! Golden hues create a feeling of divinity, luxury, and a warm welcome.
Best Fall Paint Color Schemes
Please keep in mind that there can be some changes to paint colors when applied. Virtual colors appear different, which is why we always recommend testing your colors, either by getting test samples or using a service like samplize (peel and stick samples). It’s always a great idea to see your colors on your exterior or in your interior space so you can see how they appear in different lighting.
We hope that these palettes will help keep you connected to Mother Earth with grace and style. The fun thing about these color schemes is you can always mix and match. They are everlasting and will remain versatile. Be sure to follow our Instagram for more ideas and color trends!
If you are needing Exterior Painting services in Denver, you can submit for a Free Estimate HERE. And if you need help with color selections, one of our talented Color Consultants would be more than happy to assist you.
by Corey Morgan | Sep 27, 2022 | Exterior Painting, Paint Color Help, Popular Colors
Most Popular White Paint Colors In 2022
If you’ve ever had the tedious task of selecting a white paint color then you know just how overwhelming it can be. You might think picking a white paint color would be simple, but Sherwin Williams alone has nearly 100 whites to choose from. That’s a whole lot of options so we put together this list of our most popular white paint colors in 2022 to help you narrow down your choices.
Alabaster
Starting off with a classic, Alabaster SW 7008 from Shewin Williams is tried and true. This is a very classic white that can be used on both interiors and exteriors. What we love about Alabaster is that it’s what would be considered a “true” white but it has a little bit of warmth in it. This helps it not feel too sharp or too cold. We always recommend this white color for clients that want a clean white to pair with natural elements or warmer features like brick, stone, and warm-toned roof shingles.
Alabaster SW 7008
Snowbound
If you like a little bit of a cooler look to your white, then you have to try Snowbound SW 7004. This is a perfect white to pair with cooler body colors like navy blue or the always popular blue gray. We particularly like to see this white used as a trim color on a home that does not have any brick or stone. It creates a clean, crisp finish that feels contemporary and bright.
Snowbound SW 7004
Pacer White
Pacer White SW 6098 is a newer addition to our most popular whites, but clients can’t seem to get enough of it. Pacer White is great for both body or trim colors and it brings a softer finish to the overall look. We really love to see this paired with other warm colors like greiges and taupes, because it adds contrast without sharpness. Pacer White does have a slightly yellow undertone, so if you want something a bit more modern then check out some of our other options below.
Pacer White SW 6098
Panda White
This is another great option to consider if you’re looking for a white body color. Panda White SW 6147 is quite similar to Pacer White, but has less yellow undertones and more of a red undertone. This helps bring a lot of warmth to the color scheme. We love to see this paired with a darker trim like Black Fox SW 7020. It’s a great way to achieve the modern farmhouse look without using a stark black and white color combination. Warmer tones like this make your home feel more welcoming and approachable.
Nacre
If you have red brick then you absolutely must consider Nacre SW 6154 as a possible trim color. We recommend this beautiful Sherwin Williams color constantly for our clients who have a predominantly warm red brick home; it can create a wonderful contrast without the sharpness of a white like Alabaster. The warmth of Nacre works harmoniously with the red brick to establish a unified and timeless look.
Shoji White
Looking for a modern and contemporary white that isn’t too warm or too cool? Shoji White SW 7042 is the perfect white for you then! Shoji has held it’s popularity for the last few years and we don’t see any signs of it slowing down anytime soon. This is a great option for both interiors and exteriors and is most commonly used as a body or wall color. It has a touch of warmth, and a slight touch of gray, which makes it feel very dynamic and allows it to work in a variety of spaces with many different features.
Shoji White SW 7042
How to Choose the Perfect White Paint Color
Our best advice when it comes to white is don’t play it safe. We see a lot of clients who take the easy way out and just ask for a “stock white”. Although these do exist, and in a pinch can be a great option, the whites with a little more pigment and dimension will provide better coverage. Plus, they’ll look more intentional and sophisticated. White colors do not have to be boring and choosing the right white paint color for your exterior or interior painting project can create a very interesting overall look. As always, we do recommend you pick up some samples to test your paint out before beginning your project.
For more color inspiration, be sure to check out our Instagram. If you are struggling to find the right color for your project, we suggest you read a little more about Color Consultations HERE. One of our talented Color Consultants would be more that happy to assist you in choosing your colors!
