Decorative Trim and Accent Features

Trim and accent features on new home construction are achieved using prefabricated Styrofoam forms, such as window sills, window frames, and belly bands. The photos below show how these Styrofoam pieces are being added to our new home.

The belly band shown above and in the close up below will be extended to the edge of this west wall.

Front door

Left side of garage

Exterior Paint Selection

Selecting the paint colors for the exterior of the home entails determining how color looks on the various surfaces and matching and/or complementing colors used for the body color, the trim, including the fascia and frames around windows, and any accent areas, e.g., belly band/apron. The vinyl windows we're installing come in only three colors: white, almond, and adobe.

Our house will be stucco, including the body, window accent frames, and belly band. The fascia is wood and we want a paint that's low gloss (or flat) for that. The house in the photo below is along the lines of what we'll be building, except we'll have 3 separated garages.

We like the body color on the house that's next to our lot (see photo below) and we've asked the Sherman Williams paint person being used by Talon to match that color for us. I've checked with the neighbor and they have no objection to our using the same color, but we may go with one a little brighter (we're considering Concord Buff).

Home Next Door to Our Lot

Home on Dawes St. with body and trim colors we like. 

Deciding on the Color Scheme for the Exterior

There are many web sites offering advice on what paint to choose for the exterior of your home. Lighter colors, white, off-white, cream, etc. have been popular choices for a long time. When choosing a light color for the body of the house, it's generally a good idea to choose lighter color trim and accent colors.

It's also good to use architectural accents to give the house a little interest.

More recently, darker, more distinctive colors seem to be in vogue. This house by Talon Homes, Inc., uses a body color, trim, and accents that complement the decorative stonework on the house.

Both siding and stucco can collect dirt and bugs. Siding made from composite materials can swell and cause paint to chip. Stucco can crack and stain. Defects/dirt show more clearly on lighter paint colors, as demonstrated on this older home in Horn Rapids.

The following two houses have exterior paint schemes that comply with the CLPOA ARC guidelines requiring "earth tones."