Your Guide to Picking the Ideal Shutter Color for a Cream House
Choosing the perfect shutter color for your cream house is an important decision that can dramatically impact your home's curb appeal. The right hue can complement your exterior, add personality, and give your property an instant facelift. But with so many color options, deciding on the ideal shade can be overwhelming.
We'll overview popular options, along with the pros and cons of each. Read on for tips to help you pick a shutter color that enhances your home's architecture and creates the look you desire.
How Shutter Color Impacts Your Home's Look
The color of your shutters may seem like a minor detail, but it has a significant influence on your home's aesthetic. Shutters are eye-catching focal points that create a first impression for visitors and passersby. The hue you choose sets a tone and conveys the personality of your home.
Shutter color also impacts how other exterior features appear. A harmonious shade can make roofing, trim, siding, and other accents really stand out and complement each other. On the other hand, a clashing tone can overwhelm the home's facade.
Determine Your Home's Architectural Style
Before selecting a shutter color, take note of your home's architecture. Certain hues work better with specific styles. For instance, a stately traditional home calls for more classic shutter colors than a modern contemporary build.
Traditional/Classic Styles
Homes with historic character often suit subdued, expected shutter colors like cream, black, forest green, navy, or burgundy. These hues enhance the traditional vibe.
Country/Cottage Styles
Cottage-style homes look charming with shutters in cheery pastels like sky blue, buttercream, sage, or coral. These whimsical hues complement the casual country aesthetic.
Modern/Contemporary Styles
For a sleek modern home, go bold with black, charcoal, slate, or even metallic shutters. Crisp white and light grey also maintain the streamlined look.
Coastal/Beach Styles
Seaside cottages beg for nautical-inspired shutter colors like navy, light seafoam, pale aqua, or brisk white. These breezy tones complement beachy architecture.
Eclectic/Non-Traditional Styles
For a playful bohemian or vibrant southwestern home, have fun with unexpected brights like coral, turquoise, marigold, or violet. Shutter color doesn't have to match the home style.
Popular Shutter Color Options for Cream Houses
Now that we've covered how home architecture influences color selection, let's explore popular shutter shade options specifically for cream houses.
Cream or Off-White
A creamy off-white hue is the most common choice for cream homes. The similar soft tones complement each other beautifully. This safe, neutral option has a welcoming warmth. However, an exact color match can also read as flat or dull.
White
Bright white shutters on a cream house provide pleasing contrast with a clean, fresh look. The crisp tone works with any architectural style. Just note that stark white can appear harsh in very bright sunlight. The color also shows dirt and requires frequent touch ups.
Light Brown
Subdued light brown shutters exude cozy, earthy appeal on a cream house. The muted tone enhances homes with lots of stone, brick, or wood accents. For a more airy look, use a tan brown. For richness, try chocolate brown.
Forest Green
Deep forest or hunter green shutters add bold, nature-inspired contrast to a cream exterior. The lush hue pops against neutral cream walls and roofing. Just avoid bright kelly greens, which may skew garish.
Gray
On a cream house, gray shutters read as sophisticated and modern. Light grays provide subtle contrast, while darker charcoals make a striking statement. Cool-toned grays complement both traditional and contemporary architecture.
| Shutter Color | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Black | Dramatic, bold accent color | Harsh, only suits modern styles |
| Red | Eye-catching statement color | Can overwhelm facade, avoid bright reds |
Additional Factors to Consider
Beyond your home's architecture and the popular color options, keep these other variables in mind when selecting shutters:
- Existing roof, trim, and exterior materials - Coordinate and complement their hues
- Amount of sun exposure - Dark shutters can absorb too much heat
- Mixing shutter colors - Using two tones can create visual interest
- Personal color preferences - Select a hue you'll enjoy long-term
- HOA regulations - Check for color restrictions if applicable
Finding the Right Shutter Color Balance
When finalizing your shutter selection, strive for balance and harmony with the rest of your cream house's exterior:
Combine Light and Dark Values
Contrasting light and dark shades (like white and black) provides pleasing drama. If your house is all one neutral tone, go bold on the shutters.
Complement or Contrast the Roof
Selecting a similar roof and shutter hue (like brown and tan) creates flow. Going opposite (like red and gray) makes the colors pop.
Consider Warm, Cool, and Neutral Tones
Warm reddish browns or sunny yellows lend heat. Cool blues, greens and grays recede. Stick to one temperature for cohesion.
Test Shutter Color Swatches
Paint sampler strips directly on your home's siding to see options in real life before committing to a final color.
Accentuate Your Ideal Shutter Color
Once you've selected the perfect shade, maximize its impact by:
- Choosing complementary landscape plants and flowers
- Installing strategic exterior lighting to highlight shutters at night
- Painting the front door or other accents in a coordinating tone
Maintaining Your Shutters Over Time
Proper maintenance keeps your shutters looking freshly painted. Consider:
- Durability - Oil-based enamel paints hold up best
- Sun/weathering - Fade-resistant, high-quality paint lasts longer
- Cleaning/upkeep - Annual touch-ups keep shutters looking their best
Selecting the ideal shutter color for your cream house is an exciting process. Take time to consider your home's architecture, popular color pairings, and the vibe you want to achieve. Balancing light and dark, warm and cool tones creates a cohesive, appealing look. With so many charming options, you're sure to find a shade that enhances your home's facade and delights you for years to come.