Selecting the right exterior palette is crucial for a development’s long-term aesthetic appeal, local planning compliance, and overall market value. Discover how to choose the perfect shades for your project.

The decision about the colour for a residential development’s exterior is an important consideration as this can make a big difference to the development’s overall aesthetic appeal and look over time.

There are a range of factors to consider when choosing, from the context and local landscape to the building’s orientation. Durability is another key factor. Sunlight, temperature, pollution, dirt, and algae will affect the appearance of different shades. Crucially, it’s important to have a good understanding of the local authority’s attitude towards acceptable style and colour when it comes to cladding. Also, when deciding upon the palette, take into account the colour of the roof, windows, doors, shutters, and surrounding vegetation.

Natural colours are very much in vogue now as well as the use of wood-effect, sustainably produced panels such as fibre cement cladding. Cedral conducted a large study into changing tastes and lifestyle trends and found that warm clay colours, earthy tones, and colours which refer to minerals and plants are proving very popular.

There is also a greater interest in being more expressive and experimental with colour for domestic exteriors. From front doors to window frames and masonry, there is tremendous opportunity to be creative with colour – whether with smaller finishing touches or at scale.

Light colours are enhanced by the slightest ray of sunshine and are ideal therefore for shaded houses. They also help to highlight the architectural design, making the house look larger. Greens and blues help the exterior blend in within a natural environment. Warm natural colours – reds, terracottas, and ochres – give a warmth.

Contrasting colours – such as blue and orange – will create a dramatic effect when used together. Harmonious colours – such as blue and green – create a tranquil, balanced effect. Shades of white and a monochromatic palette based on black and grey tones will always provide a classic, timeless look.

Visit the Cedral Collections to explore four unique colour palettes offering 21 factory-applied colours and two finishes.