HGTV Urban Oasis 2015: Testing Exterior Paint Colors

Gain expert advice from HGTV Urban Oasis 2015 interior designer Brian Patrick Flynn on testing exterior paint colors.

By: Dana Dalrymple

Shop This Look

Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Choose From a Curated Historical Palette

Choose architecturally appropriate tones that complement roofing material and brick or stone accents.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Factor in Time of Day

Colors read differently at different times of the day, so factor the time of day and sun exposure into your decision.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Consult with a Builder

Check with the neighborhood association and local building department to make sure there are no restrictions on paint colors in your area.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

How Colors Read From Inside-Out

Just as you evaluate the color from the outside-in, do so from the inside-out to ensure a sense of flow.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

How Colors Read From Adjacent Porches

Make sure interior colors visible from outdoor spaces do not clash with the exterior paint color.

"The indoor-outdoor juxtaposition is the bold colored great room that won’t work with everything but the exterior is super neutral," says interior designer Brian Patrick Flynn.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Coordinate Inward Swinging Doors

Consider an inward swinging door as it moves from outside to inside and make sure it coordinates with both for a smooth transition.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Coordinate Trim and House Exterior

Choose versatile colors for your home's exterior, then make sure to mark plans for the contractor to avoid mistakes.

"I chose a black-brown for the main color of the exterior, which is probably my favorite dark color because it works with any other color in the spectrum and then is accentuated with more of a brown-gray," says Brian.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Two to Three Colors Maximum

Don't go overboard with exterior colors. Choose two or three colors that complement each other well for a smart and well put together look.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Test Paints

Use foam brushes and test size paints and make sure to test in shaded and full sun spots on the home's exterior.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Use Opaque Stain

Use opaque stain on beams to keep some grain. A little texture from wood complements a solid paint job.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Check For Consistency

Walk the house inside and out to make sure the colors flow.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

HGTV Urban Oasis 2015

HGTV Urban Oasis 2015: Testing Exterior Paint Colors

Shop This Look

Choose From a Curated Historical Palette

Factor in Time of Day

Consult with a Builder

How Colors Read From Inside-Out

How Colors Read From Adjacent Porches

Coordinate Inward Swinging Doors

Coordinate Trim and House Exterior

Two to Three Colors Maximum

Test Paints

Use Opaque Stain

Check For Consistency

More from:

HGTV Urban Oasis 2015: Behind the Design

Tour Pictures From HGTV Urban Oasis 2021 72 Photos

HGTV Urban Oasis 2021 After Construction 42 Photos

Front Yard Pictures From HGTV Urban Oasis 2020 19 Photos

Garage Pictures From HGTV Urban Oasis 2021 24 Photos

HGTV Urban Oasis 2015 32 Videos

HGTV Urban Oasis 2015 Before the Remodel 27 Photos

Related Pages