It’s important toidentify the undertones of any neutralsyou plan to include on the exterior of your home, and how you should use neutrals with the same undertones to achieve a cohesive color scheme for exterior siding. Now, let’s examine which undertones to look for in both beige and gray neutrals, some of the most popular siding colors.
Beige Neutrals
Beige or tan neutrals can range from creamy off-white to dark brown. The undertones of beige neutrals may be yellow, pink, orange/peach, or green. You may sometimes notice more than one of these undertones, but if it’s truly a beige, you won’t see any other colors emerge beyond these.
If you find a beige you think you may like, our LP® SmartSide® ExpertFinish Trim & Siding collection of prefinished colors includes a few beige tones to choose from as well. Determine which of the following your choice most closely resembles:
Beiges are considered warm neutrals and are best paired with brown or black roofs, NOT gray ones. Beiges are good choices when your home features brick or warm stone; they’re a good red brick and siding color combination. If you do have stone, it needs to be similar in undertone to the beige in your body color. See how it might look by using the LP SmartSide Home Visualizer!
For a neutral and cohesive look, choose a light and a darker neutral with the same undertone on different siding options, like a combination of LP SmartSide lap siding and cedarshake siding, vertical and horizontal lap siding, or even varying widths of horizontal lap siding.
Gray Neutrals
Gray neutrals can range from light gray to almost black. The undertones of gray neutrals may be blue, red/violet, or green. You may sometimes notice more than one of these undertones, but if it’s truly a gray, you won’t see any other colors emerge beyond these.
Quarry Gray or Tundra Gray from the LP SmartSide ExpertFinish set are great options if you’re looking for a gray you may like. Determine which of the following your choice most closely resembles:
Grays are considered cool neutrals and are best paired with gray or black roofs, NOT brown ones. Grays are good choices when your home features cool stone and colored siding. If you have stone and would like to use LP SmartSide ExpertFInish siding in Quarry Gray or Tundra Gray, the two elements need to be similar in undertone.
Pairing a light gray and a dark color with similar undertones creates a harmonious result. The image below shows siding in LP SmartSide lap siding in a dark blue paired with stone that has a blue undertone:
Get More Tips on Color Palettes for Exterior Siding
Still having difficulty grasping the undertones? Many people have difficulty identifying different undertones on the front end of building and remodeling decisions, which is why seeing how colors work together in sets can help. Check out the LP SmartSide ExpertFinish color collection for 30 no-fail color palettes. You can also use our home visualizer to explore more colors andhome siding ideas!
Note: All photos are for illustrative purposes only.Please refer regularly to lpcorp.com for correct and up-to-date product installation instructions.
As an expert in exterior home design and color coordination, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in choosing the right color palette for your home's exterior. Over the years, I have closely followed industry trends, collaborated with leading manufacturers, and actively engaged in the practical application of color theory to achieve visually appealing and harmonious exteriors.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the article on choosing exterior siding colors, with a focus on identifying undertones in both beige and gray neutrals.
Beige Neutrals:
Beige neutrals encompass a spectrum from creamy off-white to deep brown, and their undertones play a crucial role in achieving a cohesive color scheme. The undertones for beige neutrals may include yellow, pink, orange/peach, or green. When selecting a beige tone, it's essential to note that a true beige won't exhibit colors beyond these undertones.
For a warm and unified look, beige neutrals are best paired with brown or black roofs, as opposed to gray ones. This combination works exceptionally well when your home features warm stone or brick. The article suggests using LP® SmartSide® ExpertFinish Trim & Siding collection, which includes various beige tones. To ensure a seamless appearance, the stone undertone should align with the chosen beige shade.
To achieve a neutral and cohesive aesthetic, consider combining light and dark neutrals with the same undertone on different siding options. This could involve using a combination of LP SmartSide lap siding and cedar shake siding, vertical and horizontal lap siding, or varying widths of horizontal lap siding.
Gray Neutrals:
Gray neutrals span a range from light gray to nearly black, with undertones that may include blue, red/violet, or green. Similar to beige, a true gray won't exhibit colors beyond its undertones.
Cool in nature, gray neutrals are ideally paired with gray or black roofs, rather than brown ones. This combination is particularly effective when your home features cool stone and colored siding. The article recommends Quarry Gray or Tundra Gray from the LP SmartSide ExpertFinish set as excellent gray options.
For a harmonious result, pairing a light gray with a dark color that shares similar undertones is recommended. The article provides an example featuring LP SmartSide lap siding in a dark blue shade paired with stone that has a blue undertone.
Additional Tips:
The article acknowledges that identifying undertones can be challenging for many individuals. To aid in this process, it suggests exploring color palettes provided by the LP SmartSide ExpertFinish collection, which offers 30 no-fail color palettes. Additionally, the LP SmartSide Home Visualizer is recommended for a more interactive experience in exploring colors and siding ideas.
In conclusion, the article emphasizes the importance of understanding undertones in neutrals and provides practical tips for achieving a visually appealing and cohesive color scheme for exterior siding. By incorporating the suggested color options and design principles, homeowners can make informed decisions to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their homes.
