FRESH Approach
• Fixed Features -These are the permanent design elements of the home that need to be considered a constant feature of the house, such as the foundation, partial stone or brick facades, pathways and retaining walls. Each feature may be of a different material, but they usually will have a common color or color cast. Once you identify that common color, you can find a roof tile with a similar color or undertone that will work well for the overall home.
For a home with slate tile walkway in shades of gray, Smith recommends a combination of three tones of gray in a slate blend. A predominantly white brick house may look best with a solid slate black roof ... or with a blend of grays with a tinge of purple.
• Regional Colors – Each region of the country has prevalent colors based on the housing styles, available materials, natural surroundings and the quality of light. Determine the colors in your area (mostly those you see a great deal of on other homes) to stick with regional colors.
• Environment and Surroundings – Is your home in a rural setting or a downtown? Are you near the waterfront, a desert or a mountain? Temper the colors to complement your surroundings and the natural colors around you. The goal is to stand out while still fitting in. Consider a Chesapeake blend of oceanfront grays for coastal area homes.
• Style of the Home –Remember that colors support the home’s style and architecture, not the other way around. So, determine your home’s style (are you a Ranch? Tudor? Art Deco? Greek Revival?) and then research to determine what colors are most associated with your style of home.
And, while you can’t go wrong with an elegant solid black roof, she recommends softening the appeal of the roof by considering a combination of neutral tones, such as medium tan, dark gray and light stone to create a warmer roof appearance.
• Historic Colors – If you live in a historic district, check for local guidelines and/or restrictions on adding colors to your home. More traditional colors, such as whites, browns, and shades of blue and green, work well on historical homes. Match them up with a blend of shake roofing tiles with five varying shades of brown and you have a stunning house decor.
Courtesy MS
