We all know color plays a big part in our daily lives. There are likely thousands of studies explaining how the colors we surround ourselves with impact our moods and mental well-being. Warm colors, such as red, yellow and orange, spark emotions ranging from excitement and joy to hostility and anger. These colors also make us hungry (think McDonalds, Carls Jr., etc.) Cool colors, such as green, blue and purple, bring calmness, peace, and tranquility. Our perception of our surroundings seems to change due to the way color affects us on these hidden levels.
Choosing color for the exterior of units or commercial buildings can be tricky. Everyone has an opinion – a like and a dislike. Have you been in the 
place where you look at a color palette and immediately dislike the pick without really knowing why? It just doesn’t sit well with you. Or, you love a specific color and can’t convince others to get on board with the choice, but the color makes you feel good.
As you approach color choices keep in mind – who is your audience? Are you creating a tranquil environment to come home to or a thriving business to shop at? Here are 3 things to keep in mind.
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Time of Day and Lighting affects your color choice
Different lighting and different times of day may affect the perception of a color. Have your contractor get a sample and paint a small area to make sure there is no dramatic color shift as the light changes throughout the day.
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Texture and Gloss Changes Color Perception
The texture of your building impacts the look of the paint, so again you’ll want to see a small area painted. Also, the gloss level of the paint can dramatically change the look of a color. For example, high-gloss paint will have a deeper, richer look than the same color in a flat paint.
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How to Choose the Best Color for Your Property
Choosing paint color doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with a general idea of the color scheme. Then test the paint on a wall so you can see how the light and texture effects it. This will narrow down your choices. Start with selecting just the main body color, then add your trim and any accent color.
Obviously, trends change. Where we used to see a lot of green and blue colors, choices have changed to more organic colors like earth tones and warm browns. Once your color is set, be sure to select high-quality paint with premium ingredients for the best longevity and performance. Your homeowners will thank you for their new environment to come home to.
