Colour is one of the first things people notice about a home, and it is one of the easiest things to get slightly wrong on a heritage house. A period home painted in the right palette looks settled and cared for. The same home in the wrong colours can look off, even when the work is good.
Why period colours matter
Homes from different eras were painted in different palettes. Federation, Victorian and Georgian homes each have their own typical colours for walls, trim and detail. Choosing colours that suit the era helps the home sit comfortably in its street and holds its character.
Think in three parts
It helps to think of a facade in three parts: the main wall colour, the trim, and the detail. A common approach is a softer body colour, a stronger trim, and a deeper colour picking out the fine detail like cornices and lace. Getting the balance right is what makes a facade read well.
Look at the street
Your home does not sit on its own. Walk the street and look at other homes of the same era, especially ones that look right to you. You are not copying them, you are getting a feel for what suits the area and the period.
Test before you commit
- Try colours on a small area first
- Look at them in morning and afternoon light
- Check them against the roof, brick and stone that are not changing
- Step back and view them from across the street
When in doubt, ask
Heritage colour is one of those areas where a bit of experience saves a lot of second-guessing. If you are stuck between options, it is worth talking it through with someone who paints these homes regularly.
We help owners choose colours that suit the age of the home as part of our heritage painting. Take a look, or book a free on-site quote to talk it through.