Start With Your Fixed Elements
Before selecting paint colors, examine unchangeable features like your roof, brick accents, concrete, and landscaping. These permanent elements should complement your paint palette.
How PNW Light Affects Color Perception
Pacific Northwest homeowners face unique lighting challenges. Our overcast skies produce diffused, cool-toned light for much of the year. Colors appearing warm and vibrant elsewhere may seem flat and gray under cloud cover. The region benefits from warm-undertoned colors.
The 3-Color Rule
The recommended approach uses three coordinated colors: body color (dominant), trim color (window frames, fascia, soffits), and accent color (front door, shutters, architectural details). Body and trim should contrast sufficiently to highlight architecture.
Always Test With Large Swatches
Avoid deciding from small paint chips. Purchase sample quarts and apply large swatches (minimum 2x2 feet) directly to siding on walls facing different directions. Observe colors throughout the day. Live with test swatches for at least one week before finalizing selections.
