Meritage Homes: Customizable Exterior Color Packages

Meritage Homes offers a comprehensive color package exterior that enhances the visual appeal and curb appeal of its homes. The package includes a range of exterior colors, architectural styles, and finishes, such as brick, stone, and siding, that homeowners can choose from to create a customized look for their properties. The color palette features a mix of neutral shades, such as white, gray, and beige, as well as vibrant hues, such as blue, green, and red, to accommodate varying tastes and preferences. By utilizing the Meritage Homes color package exterior, homeowners can design an exterior that complements the architectural features of their homes and reflects their personal style and preferences.

The Power of Paint: A Guide to Exterior Home Color Selection

Choosing the perfect exterior color for your home is like adding a signature style to your canvas. It’s the first impression that your abode makes and can leave a lasting legacy on both you and your visitors. But fear not, intrepid decorator! This guide will empower you with the knowledge to transform your house into a vibrant masterpiece.

Why Color Matters

The exterior color of your home is not merely a cosmetic choice; it plays a pivotal role in aesthetics and curb appeal. A harmonious color scheme can elevate your home’s architectural features, enhancing its visual impact. On the flip side, a poorly chosen color can clash with your surroundings, diminishing both your enjoyment and its value.

Key Considerations for Selecting Exterior Home Colors

When selecting exterior colors for your home, there are several crucial factors to consider that can significantly impact its aesthetic appeal and curb appeal. These include the type of exterior material, the surrounding environment, and the architectural style of your home.

Material Considerations

The exterior material of your home plays a significant role in determining the appropriate color choices. For instance, if your home is made of brick, you may want to consider earth tones or warm colors that complement the natural texture and color of the brick. Siding offers a wide range of color options, from bold and vibrant hues to more subtle and neutral shades.

For homes with stucco exteriors, light colors are generally preferred as they reflect sunlight and help keep the interior cool. Paint provides the most versatility in terms of color choices, allowing you to customize the exterior to your exact taste.

Coordinating with Surroundings

It is essential to consider the surrounding environment when choosing exterior colors. The colors you select should complement the natural surroundings, such as the landscape, trees, and neighboring homes. Avoid colors that clash or create an overwhelming contrast. Instead, opt for shades that harmonize with the overall color scheme of your neighborhood.

Architectural Style

The architectural style of your home can also influence color choices. For example, traditional homes often feature muted or neutral colors that reflect the historical period they represent. Modern homes, on the other hand, may incorporate bolder and more contemporary colors to create a striking visual impact.

Color Theory and Inspiration for Exterior Home Design

When envisioning your dream home, the exterior color palette plays a pivotal role in setting the tone for its aesthetics and curb appeal. Understanding the principles of color theory empowers you to make informed decisions that will enhance your home’s visual impact and connect it harmoniously with its surroundings.

The Basics of Color Theory:

Color theory revolves around the color wheel, which comprises three primary colors (red, yellow, blue), three secondary colors (green, orange, purple), and six tertiary colors (combinations of primary and secondary colors). Colors can be categorized into warm (reds, yellows, oranges) and cool (blues, greens, purples). Warm colors evoke a sense of warmth and energy, while cool colors create a calming and refreshing ambiance.

Color Psychology and Exterior Choices:

Colors have psychological effects that can influence our mood and perception. For instance, blue is associated with tranquility and serenity, making it an ideal choice for bedrooms or calming outdoor spaces. Green evokes a connection to nature and growth, rendering it suitable for creating lush, inviting landscapes. Red exudes passion, excitement, and power, often used as an accent color to add a touch of drama.

Finding Inspiration:

To find inspiration for your exterior color scheme, consider the following:

• Surroundings: Observe the colors of your home’s natural surroundings, such as trees, flowers, and rocks. These elements can provide a harmonious palette that blends your home seamlessly into its landscape.
• Architectural Style: Different architectural styles favor certain color palettes. For example, traditional homes tend to incorporate neutral tones, while contemporary homes often embrace bold hues.
• Personal Preferences: Ultimately, the colors you choose should reflect your taste and personality. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations and find what resonates with you.

Professional Help and Planning for Exterior Home Color Selection

When it comes to choosing the exterior color of your home, professional guidance can be invaluable. A color consultant can bring an expert perspective to the decision-making process, helping you achieve a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look that complements your home’s architectural style and surroundings.

Before selecting any colors, it’s essential to engage in thorough preparation and planning. Consider the following factors:

• Existing architectural elements: Examine your home’s roofline, windows, and other features to determine how they will interact with different colors.
• Surrounding environment: Take into account the colors of neighboring homes, landscaping, and natural surroundings.
• Your personal preferences: While it’s important to consider exterior factors, your own taste plays a significant role. Gather inspiration from magazines, websites, or even your favorite neighborhood homes.

By understanding these key considerations, you can narrow down your color choices and create a more focused palette. A color consultant can guide you through this process, ensuring that your final selection harmonizes with both your vision and the exterior environment.

Application Techniques

Painting

Materials:

• Paint brush or roller
• Caulk gun
• Sandpaper (for prep work)
• Paint primer

Steps:

• Prep work: Clean the exterior surface, caulk any gaps, and sand any rough areas.
• Prime: Apply a coat of paint primer to create a uniform base.
• Paint: Apply two to three coats of exterior paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Use a brush or roller to smooth out the finish.

Staining

Materials:

• Stain brush or roller
• Sandpaper (for prep work)
• Wood cleaner
• Stain solvent

Steps:

• Prep work: Clean the exterior wood surface, sand to remove any imperfections, and apply a wood cleaner to remove dirt or mildew.
• Stain: Dip the brush or roller in the stain and apply it liberally to the wood’s surface. Wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.
• Additional coats: Allow the stain to penetrate for the recommended time, then apply additional coats as needed to achieve the desired color intensity.

Stucco Application

Materials:

• Stucco mix
• Trowel
• Float
• Sponge

Steps:

• Prep work: Install wire mesh on the exterior surface and apply a base coat of stucco.
• Finish coat: Apply a thin layer of stucco mix to the base coat and use a trowel to shape it.
• Smooth: Use a float to smooth the finish and remove any excess stucco.
• Texture: Apply a texture using a sponge or other tool to create the desired finish.

Bricklaying

Materials:

• Bricks
• Mortar mix
• Trowel
• Mason’s level

Steps:

• Prep work: Mark out the location of the bricks on the exterior surface using a chalk line.
• Mortar bed: Spread a layer of mortar mix on the base and place the first row of bricks.
• Build up: Continue stacking bricks, aligning them with the mason’s level and filling the gaps with mortar.
• Jointing: Tool the mortar joints to create a desired finish (e.g., raked, brushed).

Siding Installation

Materials:

• Siding panels
• Nails or screws
• J-molding
• Fascia board

Steps:

• Install starter strip: Attach a starter strip along the bottom of the exterior wall as a base for the siding panels.
• Install siding panels: Nail or screw the siding panels into place, overlapping them slightly and aligning them with a level.
• Trim: Install J-molding around windows, doors, and corners to seal gaps and add a finished look.
• Fascia: Install a fascia board along the top of the wall to protect the edges of the siding panels and add aesthetic appeal.

Maintenance and Refinishing: Preserving Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Maintaining your home’s exterior is crucial for preserving its beauty and extending its lifespan. Regular cleaning, maintenance, and timely repairs can help prevent costly renovations down the line.

Cleaning: A Vital First Step

Dirt, grime, and pollutants can accumulate on exterior surfaces over time, dulling their appearance and compromising their durability. Regular cleaning is essential to remove these contaminants and restore your home’s pristine look. Use appropriate cleaning agents and follow manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damage.

Maintaining Your Finishes

Different exterior materials require specific maintenance techniques. For example:

• Paint: Check for peeling or chipping regularly and touch up promptly. Repaint every few years to maintain a fresh look.

• Staining: Apply a new coat of stain every few years to protect the wood from weather damage and UV rays.

• Stucco: Inspect for cracks or loose areas. Repair any damage promptly to prevent moisture penetration and structural problems.

Refinishing for a New Beginning

If your exterior surfaces are beyond repair, it may be time for refinishing. This involves removing the existing finish and applying a new one. Refinishing can dramatically improve your home’s appearance and protect it from the elements.

• Repainting: Remove old paint and apply a new coat to give your home a fresh, updated look.

• Restaining: Remove the old stain and apply a new one to restore the wood’s natural beauty and protect it from the elements.

Remember, proper maintenance and timely repairs can save you significant costs in the long run by preventing extensive repairs or replacements. By investing time and effort in caring for your home’s exterior, you can preserve its beauty and enhance its value for years to come.

Well, there you have it, folks! I hope this article has given you a better understanding of Meritage Homes’ color package exterior options. Whether you’re building a new home or simply looking to give your current home a facelift, I encourage you to consider the many benefits of Meritage’s pre-selected color packages. As always, thanks for reading, and be sure to check back later for more informative home improvement and gardening articles. In the meantime, why not browse our other articles on a variety of home-related topics?