You probably wouldn’t paint every room inside your house the same colour. And your wardrobe definitely includes at least a few different colours, fabrics and types of garments in it. So why should the front of your house be one uniform colour and material? Here are four mix-and-match options for you to consider when building or renovating your home.
Masonry and wood
Wood and stone have been used to build homes since the beginning of time. So, it’s no wonder they’re the materials of choice when it comes to creating a timeless exterior. A classic masonry home with real or faux wood posts or timber framing at the entranceway creates a classic look. In this case, all the exterior colours are complementary. Another option would be to select a dark brick and contrast it with wood in a light finish.
Masonry and metal
When you want a façade that exudes permanence, you can’t find a more durable duo than masonry and metal. With a traditional home, the metal elements may simply be the siding, soffit and downspouts in colours that blend with the masonry.
For modern design, contrast is the name of the game with big, bold metal panels attached or projecting from the building to really catch the eye of passersby, as shown in this ultra-contemporary townhouse complex.
Masonry and “stucco” or EIFS
While you may think of it as “stucco,” the modern version that you’ll want to use is called extruded insulation and finish systems, better known by the acronym EIFS. This is a rigid foam insulation attached directly to the building, and then covered with a textured coating that can be painted any colour. This combination of materials works well for both traditional and contemporary designs.
For a traditional home, you’ll likely paint the EIFS in a shade that blends in with the masonry you’ve chosen. If you’re after a more modern esthetic, contrasting colours can be used to achieve that look.
Light and dark
Masonry is the most durable and energy-efficient material to use for finishing your home’s exterior, which is why many people still choose to use it to cover their entire façade. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative with the look, particularly if you’re going for a contemporary feel.
A currently trendy option is to use contrasting light and dark shades of masonry. With our Strata Brick Smooth, for example, you could achieve this look using light Oxenden or Polar bricks paired with our dark Galaxy or Jet shades.
Just as you like to mix and match your clothes to come up with the perfect outfit, mixing and matching the materials for the exterior of your home can create the perfect eye-catching ensemble.
