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Mix, Match And Layer Colors On Your Tan House Exterior

Tan is an attractive base color for house exteriors. But tan siding or brick on its own can feel dull and flat without the right color accents and layers. The key is knowing how to creatively mix, match, and layer complementary colors to give your tan house vibrance, dimension, and curb appeal.

Choosing a Base Tan Color

When starting your exterior color scheme, first look closely at the exact tan tone of your existing siding, brick, or stucco. Is it more of a light sand? Rich clay? Greige with subtle gray undertones? Understanding the subtle nuances in the tan will help guide your color pairing selections.

The depth of the base tan is also important. A darker tan brick provides contrast for brighter accents, while lighter tan siding calls for equally soft accent colors so the house doesn't look washed out. Match the darkness or lightness of complementary colors with your base shade for balance.

tan house exterior color schemes

Matching Undertones

Pay attention to the undertones present in the tan hue of your house's existing exterior. Matching undertones creates harmony between the tan and the accent colors you choose. For example, tan brick with strong yellow leaning undertones would pair well with mustard yellow doors but clash against sage green shutters.

Complementary Accent Colors

The key to making a tan house exterior stand out is contrast through strategically placed complementary colors. Colors opposite each other on the color wheel amp up visual interest. Anchor your home with neutral tan walls, then make it pop with vibrant doors, window boxes, trim, or other accents in an intense complementary shade.

Warm Accent Colors

For tan house exteriors, great warm accent colors to consider are:

These fiery hues contrast beautifully against tan backgrounds, creating cheerful, inviting curb appeal.

Cool Accent Colors

Alternatively, go for eye-catching contrast using these cool accent colors:

Paint your front door or window boxes one of these punchy shades for an instant color pop against tan siding or brickwork.
Vibrant Accents Muted Accents
Create high-contrast excitement Provide a softer contrast
Can feel bold and daring Offer a more relaxed vibe
Best for modern architecture Suit traditional or rustic homes

Strategic Use of Trim and Accent Colors

Carefully placing pops of color through trim and accents adds important visual structure. Use contrasting colors to outline windows, doors, garage doors, columns, and other architectural elements against tan backgrounds. Strategic color use can make details pop or recede.

Doors, Shutters and Window Boxes

Paint your front door an intense complementary shade to tan siding to increase curb appeal. Try bright cherry red, cobalt blue, or emerald green. Similarly, navy blue window shutters help tan brick facades stand out elegantly.

For a unified effect along the facade's horizontal lines, paint window boxes or shutters in matching colors. Group them into color blocks while maintaining the tan brick or siding as the unifying neutral backdrop.

Window and Door Trims

Use trim strategically to frame doors and windows against tan house exteriors. Bright white trims pop brightly against darker tan backgrounds. Or match black trims and gutters against lighter tan surfaces for contrast through tones rather than shades.

Landscaping Features

Echo accent colors through landscaping features. Underplant window boxes overflowing with purple flowers or place terracotta planters brimming with red blooms by your sage green door. Tie together the color layers between architectural details and nature.

Tips for House Facades and Siding

When working with exterior paint schemes, focus attention on front facing sections visible from the street. Strategically use color on the facade's different surfaces and siding styles to create interest.

Facade Color Blocking

Many facades mix horizontal siding panels with vertical board and batten detailing. Defining these surface changes through color adds appealing visual texture. For example, paint the siding light tan and the vertical battens navy blue over white trim around the windows and doors.

Secondary Siding Colors

Use a secondary siding color to make exterior architectural details stand out. Paint the majority of the siding a neutral tan, while popping sections of vertical or decorative siding Construction in a contrasting accent shade like brick red, olive green, or slate blue.

Matching Brick and Stonework

When adding stone accents like skirting around a facade, select tones that coordinate well with the tan brickwork. Creamy sandstone or weathered limestone tend to complement red and brown tan brick colors best for a cohesive earthy look.

Visual Interest Color Formulas

Certain color combination formulas provide tried-and-tested guidance when it comes to creating compelling tan house exteriors through a layered color effect.

Tonal Monochromatic

For a soothing, elegant look, choose accent colors in the same tan family but different shades and tones. Go for a lighter camel tone siding paired with dark chocolate window frames and medium tan stonework accents. The tonal variations add subtle interest against an overall tan backdrop.

Analogous Colors

Choose accent colors adjacent to tan on the color wheel for smooth, harmonious combinations. Earthy red-browns, peach tones, mustard yellows, or sagey greens complement tan beautifully. This analogous approach ensures colors work together seamlessly.

Complementary Color Contrasts

Place vibrant complementary colors against tan backdrops for maximum contrast and visual impact. Try a cherry red front door against sand-colored siding or bright white trim framing rich tan brickwork. The intense color contrast makes facades pop.

Warm-Cool Triad

Combine the warmth of tan with a cool accent color and secondary warm accent for visual interest. For example, try light tan siding with a slate blue front door and burnt orange garage door. This warm-cool-warm triad formula brings great balance.

Regional Color Trend Examples

Geographic location offers guidance when it comes to color selection for tan house exteriors. Choose color combinations that complement the surrounding landscape for greater harmony.

Coastal Color Palettes

For beach houses, choose accent colors echoing the sea and sky like pale blue, seafoam green, or sandy taupe. Delicate pastel accents work well against tan siding or weathered shingles.

Desert Color Palettes

In hot, arid environments rich terrestrial colors like deep red, ochre yellow, or terra cotta reflect the natural surroundings. Lean towards earth tones against tan stucco or adobe walls.

Forest Color Palettes

Surrounded by trees, green makes for the perfect accent color against tan backgrounds. Try sage green shutters or olive window boxes against tan siding to complement lush forest tones.

Modern Color Palettes

Contemporary architecture provides creative freedom, so don't be afraid of bold color contrasts against tan backdrops. Try matte black window frames against smooth tan render walls or bright purple doors on tan brick boxes.

Expert Color Consultation

If feeling overwhelmed deciding on exterior paint combinations, seek professional guidance. Color consultants and paint company experts can help assess your home style, surroundings, color preferences and recommend tailored palettes.

Designing Color Boards

Many paint companies allow you to order samples or create digital inspiration color boards showing different tan, accent and trim combinations. Order a few samples large enough to paint swatches directly on the house siding and view at different times of day before fully committing.

For more thorough guidance, consider hiring a specialized paint or color consultant. They help assess architectural style, interior furnishings, exterior surroundings and recommend tailored color schemes. While an added investment, they save endless back-and-forth and risk of color mismatch regrets through expert visual assessment.

With the right accent colors, trim, and color placement, you can transform dull tan house exteriors into captivating standouts. Follow color theory principles and inspiration from nature's hues for schemes that enhance your home style while blending with the environment.

Be adventurous playing with contrasting and complementary color combinations against tan backdrops. The possibilities for vibrant exteriors are endless. Just mix, match, and layer colors with creativity until you discover your perfect palette personality and wow-worthy curb appeal.