Dream Coat

The paint colours you pick for the exterior of your home establish its place on the street. Choose well and they’ll set the tone for what lies beyond.

- Sarah Pickette

Never underestimate the power of paint to add personality, polish and presence to any home. When it comes to creating street appeal, your not-so-secret weapon is always going to be a few coats of a quality paint in an appealing shade.

“The exterior of your home sets the scene for what’s inside, and this makes a good paint job a very worthwhile investment,” says Fiona King, marketing manager for Taubmans.

View the outdoor appearance of your property as a whole, King advises. “Aspects such as window frames, eaves, letterboxes and even driveways play a role in tying together your home’s external look.”

While there are no hard and fast rules for choosing exterior shades, it’s wise to familiarise yourself with any local council regulations before you start looking at swatches, particularly if you live in an area with a heritage conservation policy. Professional colour consultants generally suggest a palette of three complementary exterior shades: one for the walls, one for the trim and an accent colour. “Take your cues from the surrounding environment,” says King. “But above all, seek out colours that work together harmoniously.”

First impressions were certainly front of mind when Sydney architect Madeleine Blanchfield designed the winning home in our My Ideal House competition. It’s currently under construction at Crest by Mirvac, a master-planned community in Sydney’s south-west.

The property will be easy to spot, thanks to its beautiful window boxes, timber detailing and striking white exterior, which will be painted Taubmans Crisp White.