Choosing the perfect exterior color palette for a construction project can be a challenging and often perplexing task. I mean, it is daunting to pick a color for a room, imagine for an entire building. For builders and real estate developers, it’s not just about selecting colors that look good; it’s about creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look for the entire project. A look that is appealing to a broad range of potential buyers.
In this blog post, we will explore how 3D renderings have become an indispensable tool in the toolkit of builders and real estate professionals, simplifying the process of choosing exterior colors, even for complex projects involving multiple structures.
The Initial Color Trio
Imagine being tasked with coordinating the exterior colors of three distinct modern-style buildings: a main house, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), and a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU). Each building presents its unique design and material challenges.
The initial concept envisioned by the client involved the use of three distinct colors for the exterior: BM Wrought Iron, BM Edgecomb Gray, and SW Night Owl. This idea aimed to create a visually striking and diverse palette for the trio of buildings, emphasizing their individuality within the project.
However, as we delved deeper into the color selection process and harnessed the power of 3D renderings, we discovered the opportunity to refine and harmonize this vision, while also introducing a new element: wood
First revision: Introducing Wood into the Mix
In the first revision, one color remained (BM Edgecomb Gray), one changed (BM Wrought Iron was replaced by BM Vanderberg Blue), and wood was introduced as an element. This strategic decision not only introduced a natural and inviting texture but also brought a subtle earthy quality to the overall aesthetic. As we explored this harmonious blend of colors, it became evident that wood played a pivotal role in transforming the exterior, adding depth and uniqueness to the design scheme. Besides, who doesn’t love wood, right?
Second revision: Sherwin-Williams shades
In the second revision, we focused on two highly popular colors: SW Urban Bronze 7048 and SW Alabaster 7008 (in case you missed the paint parade: Alabaster owned the Color of the Year title back in 2016, while Urban Bronze stole the spotlight in 2021). These renowned hues, known for their versatility and elegance, took center stage in our exploration of the color palette. Alongside these Sherwin-Williams shades, we introduced a new player: Winchester Brown wood. Unlike the deep richness of espresso wood, Winchester Brown brought a lighter and airier dimension to the palette.
Third revision: The Winner
Finally, the winning color palette emerged. While two elements, SW Alabaster, and Winchester Brown wood, remained constant, the transformation came with the replacement of SW Urban Bronze with BM Kendall Charcoal. However, the journey didn’t stop there. Recognizing the importance of the way color was applied to the exterior walls, we embarked on a deeper exploration. Studying the architectural details of the three buildings, we identified natural separations within the construction. With these divisions in mind, we devised a new color distribution scheme that felt both intuitive and harmonious. This revised application of colors to specific sections of the buildings turned out to be exactly what my client envisioned, resulting in the winning palette that brought a cohesive, modern, and striking look to the entire project.
In the world of construction, 3D renderings have emerged as an invaluable tool for selecting exterior color palettes. They simplify the decision-making process, save time, and prevent costly errors.
What’s even more remarkable is how they facilitate teamwork between clients and professionals. Throughout this project, my client had moments of hesitation and uncertainty. However, by collaborating closely and leveraging the power of 3D renderings, we found the right color palette. Witnessing my client’s initial stress transform into confidence and ease with their color choice was truly rewarding. By working with us, clients not only get their vision translated into 3D renderings but also receive valuable suggestions, recommendations, ideas, and collaborative brainstorming to achieve the best possible result—one that makes them genuinely happy.
Because when it comes to bringing your dream project to life, we’re not just about turning visions into visuals; we’re all about turning those visuals into big smiles and high fives!
