When you don’t have a home

If you are reading this, you are perhaps in the home industry, looking for a home, love design, follow me on Facebook or twitter, or perhaps are just plain bored and decided to do a random google search. You most likely have a computer, assorted and perhaps somewhat unneeded modern luxuries, a car and more stuff. Maybe too much stuff. As I was flipping through Oprah Magazine, I am definitely in agreement with March’s theme: time to simplify things and de-clutter.

Yes. I sell homes and since I am around them all the time, they seem rather like a normal part of the human experience. The first thing you do in life is learn what a spank on your butt feels like, cry, followed by the warmth and security of a caring parent (for most of us I hope that is the case). You learn to walk, talk, get an education, grow-up, rebel, wear weird clothes, paint your hair blue, get a piercing, tattoo, then come to your senses, maybe settle down (although single and 30-40-50 and fabulous is in) and buy a home at some point. In Houston, housing is more affordable than most comparable cities. One would think everyone would have one. After all, shelter is one of our basic needs. The other? Food.

Volunteers at Noah's Kitchen in the midst of food prep. I am on the left making peanut butter sandwiches

I spent part of my weekend digging peanut butter from under my fingernails. Why you ask? On Twitter (what else is new since I doodle around in social media) I learned about Noah’s Kitchen, a group of volunteers that get together in order to prep and deliver food to those that do not have either food or shelter. I build delicious homes for the fortunate, it made sense that I devote some time to helping those that are not.

I was on peanut butter sandwich duty and with a team of 10 or so people, we prepared meals for 200 people. Using a plastic knife and plastic gloves, we dug deep in large peanut butter containers and went on to put together a myriad sandwiches, fruit, drinks, bagels, and whatever was on hand that particular day. It was amazing to me that only $100 had the ability to feed so many. So I thought. My iPhone could feed 600, Louis my LV bag, 3000, my beloved Mac (aka Ben) 4o00, and so on. Yes, I need a phone and a computer, but I could have done without the bag. In looking around my home I realized there were so many ridiculous and senseless nicknacks that could make the difference between someone eating and not. More importantly, these are people here. Right here, in our own backyard and not in a developing country so far it is outside our realm of understanding.

Although work responsibilities kept me from also participating in delivery duty, it made me think about how fortunate my clients and I am in having the means to provide for ourselves. It is ridiculous to think that being one of the richest countries in the world we have people suffering at such a basic level.

As you continue to be engaged in the housing industry, whether as a shopper, realtor, loan officer, title company officer, insurance agent, decorator and others, I encourage you today to stop and think about your choices and give thanks for what you have right now.

Next time you feel inclined to buy something you could do without, donate instead to your favorite charity and cause. And yes, be thankful.

Below is a short video of Noah’s Kitchen volunteers in action.

Design Smart: Where to Start?

Be on the lookout for this new trend: oil rubbed bronze appliance replacing stainless steel.

When tackling any large scale project, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of choices and decisions. We often start with the things that are most exciting and leave our least favorite to the end. For some, this means being consumed by considering gorgeous flooring inlays, medallions, faux finishes, perhaps luxury technology options, wine rooms, outdoor living areas and the such.

The kitchen is an area that interests many for different reasons. From the value perspective, it is said that second to location, a home sells due to its kitchen and master bathroom. From a design perspective, kitchens have evolved from the dirty tucked away room adjacent but hidden from the living area to the main awe inspiring showcase of the home where we ooh and ah over professional appliances, creative backsplash details and gourmet gadgets. Of course from a lifestyle perspective, dare I say we all live in the kitchen? I think so.

I was 32 when I started cooking; up until then, I just ate.

Julia Child

So does it make sense to start our design work in the kitchen? Yes, but for none of the reasons I mentioned above. Rather, the kitchen is the most active design space in the home. It is where you have the highest concentration of design elements: cabinets, countertops, backsplash, plumbing, flooring, sinks, appliances, lighting and accessories.

So where to start? I have simplified the order below to help with the process. Start with appliances and work down this list.

1. Appliances: with upscale kitchens, this is possibly the most expensive part of the kitchen, and of course, the most functional. Most builders nowadays include stainless steel as an included feature, some prefer white/black appliances due to concern for the appearance of streaks and fingerprints. Be on the lookout for bronze appliances, as I think this may possibly catch on as the next trend after we tire out of stainless steel. Although for most the choice will wither be stainless, black or white, custom home clients, may also consider French style porcelain enamel finishes that are available different colors.
2. Cabinets: they occupy the largest amount of real estate in the kitchen. Make your selections based on the space, use, and style. Remember you can always add hardware to enhance their appeal. But wait to make your selection until you are considering plumbing and lighting as well.
3. Countertops: they are highly visible and also you will be very conscious of them everyday. The options nowadays are endless. Most production/semi-custom builders will offer you a wide selection of granite, from basic colors to wild exotics. Custom home clients will have a wider range of options including marble, travertine, soapstone, butcher block, concrete, cooper, zinc, stainless steel and others depending on the creativity of the client and designer. The cabinets and countertops combined basically determine the style of the kitchen, and that of the home.
4. Flooring: Seems like most homes have either ceramic or porcelain tile in the kitchen areas. Although travertine and slate is popular, they are rather porous and may require additional care and maintenance. The color must coordinate, which does not necessarily mean match with the other elements. Hardwoods are also widely used.
5. Plumbing/Lighting/Hardware: Style is important, although color is perhaps more. Think of groupings. As long as you use repetition through grouping style, design and color, you will create a visually coherent space.  For example, if your plumbing is stainless to match with appliances, hardware can be bronze as long as it matching with lighting or any other accessory.
   

   A mini subway tile slate backsplash ties in greens from the granite, warm mid tones from the cherry cabinetry, and neutral browns tying in with the porcelain tile flooring.

6. Backsplash: I always recommend doing the backsplash last. With thousands of options available, it gives design an opportunity to pick an element from all of the above and tie them all in. Whether we use inserts, medallions, or just a simple tiled backsplash, texture, color and decorative additions must somehow relate to all the selections. Most production builders will have tile, travertine and slate as field tile options, and granite ,metal, glass tile, and a myriad of listelles and medallions as decorative additions.Custom buyers have the ability to be more creative. Lately, I have seen tin, cooper, stainless steel, grass paper, and sealed cork and more.

Having finished the kitchen, it is safe to said that almost all major style and color selections will have been set. The rest of the decisions flow directly out of this, narrowing our choices to those that are aesthetically pleasing. After all, you would not put a gold tile next too cool tone carpet would you? If you answered yes, you need help of a professional.

What to Expect When Building to Order

Although we often just see the final product, it is imperative to learn what is involved in building a home to your specifications

When considering building a home for the first time, there is responsibility on the part of the builder and the buyer to explain and understand expectations, procedures and timelines. Making assumptions can lead to tension and hinder the enjoyment of the building process. This has more to do with understanding when decisions need to be made, when they are final, and when there is possibility of changing our minds.

Most builders have an outlined process. Some do it better than others depending on whether the majority of their business is completed inventory or build-to-order sales. The majority of what we do at Newmark Homes Houston is build-to-order and over the years, we have created a concise way to set proper expectations. But in general, you can expect similar from most builders.

1. A general expectation is that all options that affect the foundation, roofline and any structural elements including the lot have been decided and are finalized at the beginning. Elevations also affect all of the above. Permitting and developer approval depends on these so typically, these are decided by the time your initial sales agreement is drawn up. When building custom homes this process may be lengthier and may involve more than one initial agreement, with change orders added as necessary. Once finalized, remember that any desired changes may affect the start time and cost to the builder as there are fees incurred to permit and approve.

2. It is wise to obtain a pre-approval so you and the builder and comfortable entering into a mutually beneficial relationship. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with loan parameters so you have some general ideas of upgrade budgets for decorative options.

3. The exterior design may include selecting brick, stone, stucco textures, colors, accent, stains, shingles, etc. Look around at your site and try to find something that matches the aesthetic feel of the streetscape, but different enough to add variety to your neighborhood.

4 . Interior design can be tricky. It is best to design smart. Balance personal taste with timeless choices to ensure maximum value over time. Most builders will require deposits for personal choices, usually at 50% for regular options and 100% for custom options.

5. Initial contract price plus exterior and interior upgrades will determine the final sales price of the home. Some interior options like floor plugs, pest-defense systems, mud-set showers do affect the foundation, plumbing and structures, so it is typical that interior selections and finalized prior to the start of the construction of the home.

6. Expect a meeting with construction team. You should be able to review blueprints and electrical diagrams. Builders generally do not give these out, but can be referenced in the sales or construction office. This “redline” meeting is a time to look at the design clarify anything selected.

7. Typically, a meeting is set up prior to the sheetrock stage in order to verify selections. Also, it is wise to be educated on what is behind the walls of your home. Ensure all cables, phones and any additional electrical and plumbing options are installed in the proper place. Changing their locations is much more time consuming and costly, not including the mess of redoing sheetrock and mechanicals to accommodate late adjustments.

8. Upon completion, you will have an opportunity to learn all about the home. Builders generally introduce you to the home, teach you how to properly maintain it and how it operates. If necessary, a list of items is created to be addressed prior to taking possession of the home. Although I have been in a few cases where there was  no need for an items list, most lists contain cosmetic details. Although 3rd party inspectors are hired by the builder at this stage (county, city, energy star, engineer, etc), some clients prefer to hire their own. It is required that they carry liability insurance. Inspection reports can vary, and any resolution is based on building codes and manufacturer’s installation requirements.

9. You will be given a chance to review any items outstanding and accept the home as completed. Accepting the home does not relieve the builder of their responsibilities, but rather is acknowledgement that the home is built to professional standards. Warranties are in place of course.

10. Closing is a time when ownership and possession is transferred form the builder to the client. Unless a construction loan is secured by the buyer, closing happens at the title company whether it is a cash or financed transaction. If financed, home owner’s insurance is required and strongly recommended for cash buyers.

Hope you find this helpful.

Institutional Branding and Personal Development: Social Media ROI

Is the topic of social media becoming a little tired? Perhaps. Although there hasn’t been major innovations on usability, studies certainly support advocacy towards employing such a tool to build brand awareness, fire-up fans, build a strong referral base, and encourage customer loyalty.

As a consumer, I am more inclined to make a purchase decision if I can stand behind the company as a whole, as well as the person who sells me the product or service. Think of purchasing a car. When we arrive at the dealership, we probably have enough information to select the brand. But it is perhaps the individual providing the service that will make or break the sale.

The same is true when purchasing a new home. Most clients have preconceived notions of the builders. Whether accurate or not, the reputation of each company can help begin the process in a positive of negative paradigm. The responsibility shifts to the specific person handing the unique transaction.

Social media has the ability to help both the individual and the company begin a conversation. Actually, what I enjoy most about engaging in social media, is that it equals the playing field between a large and a small enterprise, and between the individual and the corporation. Savvy wins over budgets and size.

“Specifically, the study by Chadwick Martin Bailey and iModerate Research Technologies found that consumers are 67% more likely to buy from the brands they follow on Twitter, and 51% more likely to buy from a brand they follow on Facebook. Moreover, they’re 79% more likely to recommend their Twitter follows to a friend, and 60% more likely to do the same on Facebook.” – Mashable Social Media Guide

Technology has enabled social media channels to be active, real time and engaging. Starting a conversation is immediate and it happens at the individual level. There is true return on investment. Below is how Newmark Homes Houston started a conversation through Hot on Homes at our realtor kick off event at the Houston Museum of Natural Science in Sugar Land, TX.

Thought you may like it.

Smart Design II

Main Selection Room at Newmark Homes Houston Design Center

Building a home is quite different than buying a completed one. Although there are some strategies and priorities that overlap (size, price range, location), building a home is as much process as it is about product. There is old saying that circulates in and through the industry that states that “if your marriage can survive the building of a home, it can survive anything.” I would imagine the same thing can be said about raising children, and anecdotal parallels can be drawn between the two.

Process: a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end. Clients are preview to the steps in between as their concept goes from implicit to explicit. Can you think of other purchases where there is this level of transparency from purchase, manufacturing to delivery? There are some of course, but not at this financial and emotional level combined.

I understand the level of stress. Most sales people contract more homes in a month that most will build in their lifetime. We see the pretty stages and the messy ones. As the new HGTV show “Tough as Nails” calls it, “this is construction, we are not making dolls.”

But there is a part of construction that is attuned to making dolls: design. And the ability to create something unique, personal, lush, and what I tend to call delicious is directly related to the design facilities and selections available. I have seen the same home sell for $280K and for $800K. The difference, obviously location (although both in Houston), size of property, and exterior/interior design selections. Same square footage, different appeal, different client.

Design smarts has to do with balancing personal taste, timeless appeal, and smart budgeting. Designing exclusively around personal taste may narrow your resale clientele. Picking every upgrade available may satisfy your personal taste, but may not yield value for the next buyer. With Houston’s steady and conservative real estate appreciation, it is wise to be design prudent.

This is how we do it:

Choosing Exterior Brick, Stone and Colors

Cherry Hill Brick by Acme, one of their best selling perfect to create a gorgeous Southern Colonial Exterior

Unless you are purposely trying to create a Southern Colonial look for your home, it seems that most clients have graduated from red brick to one that includes warmer earth tones and tumbled antiqued textures. Do not misunderstand me, red bricks are beautiful in the right home with the right style. But lack of imagination sometimes makes people choose the familiar rather than the sublime.You will not find many people describe choosing brick as having any sort of sublime attributes. But like a physical make-over, some folks needs a home style make over. Now.

When choosing exteriors, think style first, texture second and colors third.

Style: Determine what you would like. Mediterranean, old world, Tuscan, French Colonial, French Country, Austin Hill Country, etc. There are a myriad of different exterior styles and they will help you determine what type of materials (texture) you will use.

An example of an unbalanced elevation. Almost "tipping over", heavy elements should always highlight important areas and appear below lighter textures.

Texture (Materials): It is common in some inner loop homes to see additional materials such as metal, wood, concrete, copper and more. But for construction in the suburbs, it is wise to keep our materials to our basic four including brick, stone, stucco and siding. Depending on the style, metal and shutter accents may or may not be appropriate.

In order to create balance, heavy elements should highlight essential areas and serve as a base. Stone is heavy, brick is medium, sidding/stucco is light. Ever seen a home with stone over the brick? Now you know why it looks rather odd.

Colors: Since we have already dealt with stucco colors in a previous entry  (Ten Easy Steps When Choosing Stucco Colors), lets explore selecting brick, stone and trim colors. Brick is available in many different colors, textures, and sizes. The larger is called king, while the smaller (and more expensive) queen size gives the home a more sophisticated look by using more brick and showing more mortar (the material in between the bricks). Determine what colors would work better with your style. Here are some ideas:

• Tudor – typically red and lightly red variegated bricks
• Old World – Earth tones, more browns grays
• Country French – Warm tones of orange, peach, neutrals, some white and gray flurries
• Hill Country – Lighter neutrals with warm accents and flurries

In picking stone, there MUST be a unifying color between, preferably in the majority color of the brick. Do not pick yellow speckled stone if the brick does not have any warm tones. Gray or cooler colored stones work better with brown and earth toned bricks. Fine a common element and play on that, or else you will create what we affectionately call a clown or giraffe exterior. In some instances more is more. In the case of exteriors, less is more.

Peach color brick with white flurries. Contrast Gray Mortar and White.

Mortar is perhaps a selection most people gloss over but deserves more attention. It is the material that binds and fills the spaces in between the bricks. The “standard” color of the material is gray as it is an aggregate material of sand, cement and water. It is everywhere and gives the exterior an overall hue. Colored mortars are available at a premium, as the material needs to be bleached and mixed with a color additive. Sometimes, gray mortar is acceptable. Sometimes. Rarely.

Gray versus white mortar on a darker brick. The effect? Separates each brick giving the home a more sophisticated style.

Do you really mean to put a glaze of gray outside your home? Think about how much mortar there is and with colors available like white, buff, khaki, brown and others, it is foolish not to consider this seriously.

White mortar on a dark blends delineates each brick. White mortar on white bricks is essential or else the home will look like it was built in the 70s. Buff mortar gives an overall aged feel, while khaki lends itself well to old world styles. Darker mortars are employed with darker stones typically.

Trim colors: White? Really? Why do we always have to pick white (or a version of white) for our trim (siding, fascia, soffits, porch ceiling, door trim, garage doors, etc)? Be daring, create a character. Here is an example.

Bringing colors together. Brick, Stone, Mortar, Trim and Flooring.

In this home, we started by choosing a queen size brick, meaning smaller than most so we would have quite a nice amount of color and texture variation. Although the majority color was orange, we shifted the look by using a khaki mortar. This separated the bricks while bringing out the the medium neutrals. The stone used was a colorful flagstone as you can appreciate in the summer kitchen. Picking up some of the colors of the bricks, we also used the same khaki mortar as a unifying factor. The trim and ceilings were a dark rich brown, giving the impression of real wood. The dark brown trim has the same effect as the mortar: it brings out the earth and neutrals in the materials surrounding it. Delicious? I think so.

Treat shutters like you wood jewelry or a scarf. Add a touch of color related to the home. Choose a minority color or a woods stain for a more rustic look. If you don’t like it, its only paint, and only in a small area of the home.

In the next few days I will be choosing exteriors for the model home. Stay tunned!

Super Bowl and Commercials

Everybody wants a deal. I do. You do. Your mom and dad do. We want to feel good that not only have we purchased something we love, but that we negotiated down to the penny. Marketing departments and sales people’s job is to educate and build value. Commercials help with branding, name recognition and communicating new, exciting things, and of course, to promote sales and drive consumer traffic and increase business.

Yes. Some folks watch the Super Bowl strictly for the commercials. This may be a sacrilegious thought for sports fanatics, but truthfully, if a company is willing to spend $2 million dollars on air time, one would think that the sponsoring companies would put their best foot forward.

For marketing and communication professionals, this is an incredible opportunity to see what money can buy. Money can perhaps buy time, buy the best professionals in the field, but does not necessarily buy creativity, street smarts and uniqueness. Social media allows the average joe small company to craft something with viral capabilities that may have more impact than television. So, to honor this, I have crafted a small little commercial to wet your appetite of our generous February incentives, on a beer budget.

I do have to admit. When budget and ingenuity meet, some can create something so fantastic, I still remember it years after. This is the case the with Honda commercial exemplifying perfection, engineering, and ingenuity.

Or perhaps the Heineken commercial, which blends real estate dreams and beer, which perhaps ties nicely to today’s Super Bowl activities.

And the less known follow-up:

Curious as to what your favorites will be today?

Style Without Breaking the Bank – Design Smart

Thank you for all that responded to the poll! Most of you decided that a model home needs to show design style without breaking the bank. So, I allowed myself a mid-upgrade budget, without over improving the home where the appraisal would be compromised and standard features would be disguised.

Ok, we want style: Traditional, Tuscan, Mediterranean, shabby shic, minimalist, French country, ethnic fusion, modern, wild, mission, Moroccan, ghetto fabulous, gaudy, etc. Some I listed purely to illustrate the wide range of choices. Our current model is tropical-esque created by using red, golds, and leafy themed accessories and wall art.  I think I even noticed some disguised pineapples. That was great 3 years ago. It’s gotta go.

The operative word today is transitional. It’s much hotter than traditional or contemporary, as it combines both styles to create an updated sophisticated feel in a relaxed environment using uncomplicated earth and natural tones. Retail furniture stores like Create and Barrel and Restoration Hardware exemplify transitional design to their core.

If you are wondering what floor plan we are building, click here: AVALON

When designing interiors, it is best to begin in the kitchen. Why? Because most of the color palette will be established there in the juxtaposition of the cabinets, countertops, tile and backsplash. Everything radiates from there. The kitchen after all, has grown from a segregated dirty room, to the showcase of most homes. We are all self-proclaimed gourmet chefs and some, like me, even have a chefs jacket to validate our skills.

Rich Espresso Cabinetry

We begin by choosing rich espresso color (a dark brown/black) cabinetry with a simple detail. This is one of our included cabinetry door design, with a very conservative upgrade glaze. The dark and neutral color is very easy to work with and somewhat universal. We can go in a variety of different color directions from here.

Granite countertops are next. Although some inner loop homes are using creative materials like concrete, stainless steel, butcher block, copper, zinc and limestone, granite is timeless and durable. The new granite technologies also have a stain shield that lessens the maintenance usually associate with this material.

Copper Silk Granite Countertops

Copper Silk granite color is an ideal match. It has a beautiful consistent blend of earth browns, with dark espresso type colors showing through, coupling beautifully with the cabinetry. In addition, the minority colors include grays, blues and subtle purples, allowing to pull these colors in accessories. Copper Silk being a mid-level granite, it lowers the budget from the marbles, travertines and some of the exotic and pricey granites usually found in model homes.

Mowhawk "Mirrodor Brown Pearl" Porcelain Tile 20x20

Floor tile is next. Although sometimes we are tempted to use natural tile flooring like travertine, marble or slate, some ceramic and porcelain tiles are so beautiful, much easier on the pocket book, and their look is more consistent, achieving a sophisticated look. Some porcelain have profiled edges allowing for 1/8″ grout line in lieu of the typical 1/4″ grout line in tile installation. This gorgeous 20×20 tile picks up the beautiful neutrals of both the cabinetry and the countertops, allows for the flexibility of colors as we continue this into the family room and foyer, showing subtle grays and a hint of olive. Our options are open.

Natural Tumbled Travertine in a subway 1"x2" brick pattern

Most models show very elaborate backsplash patterns including natural materials, metal inserts, cooktop medallions, patterns, listellos and more. This is a place where a lot of impact can be made, showing off many high end options. Even the most minute of details can increase one’s budget immensely. Conversely, the kitchen is the most important in terms of value, meaning, upgrading this area is perhaps wise. We will take the other approach of less is more.

A simple 1″ x 2″ tumbled travertine subway backsplash is elegant, timeless, and adds a hint of texture needed to enhance our transitional style. We have chosen a light color to contrast the medium/dark countertops and the rich dark espresso cabinetry.

This combination is what I believe to be the universal “little black dress” of design. It works now, and it will always work. And like the little black dress, a couple of accessories will take it form timeless to delicious fabulousness. Our two accessories:

Metal Listelle by Arizona Tile - Old Ferro (Burnished)

1. A simple geometric listelle (flat moulding/molding used as separation between larger mouldings) that picks up the simplicity of the cabinetry, the minority colors of Copper Silk countertops, as well as adding some texture wit a hint of contemporary design. Think of this as your signature necklace. It will sparkle and make a strong statement. It will be installed across the backsplash in between the tumbled travertine.

Tubular Handles for all cabinets and drawers

2. Satin stainless tubular hardware is inexpensive and an incredible way to breakup the otherwise regular and consistent cabinetry. By using stainless, we tie in the metal of the listelle, the sparkle of the appliances and the plumbing fixture. This accent also adds a geometric almost industrial feel to our previous pseudo traditional design. Combining elements of yesteryear and today, we create this much sought out transitional style.

Yes, money does allow us the freedom to choose whatever we would like in our homes, but it does not necessarily dictates taste. A home is a home and also an investment vehicle. Design smart.

Designing a Model Home

 

HG TV's Design Star Winner Antonio Ballatore and his infamous pink birds adored by the judges

 

I am going to give you a blank check with a challenge. Build a new model home. At first, the excitement of the design savvy begins to tingle and warm our creative juices like that first taste of a rich Cabernet, and we start thinking and acting like a design diva. We want to put our “pink birds” a la Antonio Ballatore (for those of you who followed the last season of HG TV’s Design Star), meaning our own signature that says: yeah, I did that. And most importantly, you want it, but you cannot have it. Just yet.

Think exotics. Think colors, textures, delicious open spaces, lounge-style oversized furniture, the most exquisite shower for 12, outdoor living spaces, rich hardwoods, mosaics, rich natural materials, perhaps the latest in technology, a killer loud media room (with sound insulation) on the most beautiful natural surroundings. A lake with fountains to hear the splash of the water as it falls. Beautiful big trees (but not too close in case we have another Ike).

There is a catch. It’s not for you. It is not for someone you know or will meet during design. Actually, it’s not for a specific person, even though you will eventually sell it. It is to represent the homes you intend to build in a community.

What do you do? Our thinking changes completely. We are now not building a home, but a marketing product. Something to help our clients understand what we do, how we do it, and how much it will cost to do it.

As a client, what would you prefer? Let us know.

Ten Easy Steps When Choosing Stucco Colors

One of my favorite combinations on a 1907 plan with the Mediterranean Stucco Option.

Colors in generally are tricky. They look one way in the sample, another way on the wall, and they change according to the type of light, the amount of light and the colors of items surrounding them. The human eye can distinguish about 10 million different colors, so it is to not surprising that understanding color selection is a daunting process.

When it comes to our homes, choosing the right colors has ramifications outside of just the aesthetic. We are judged on our style and our sense of design. An unpleasing combination not only is embarrassing, it can also hurt you in terms of resale value of the home. I have worn many hats for Newmark Homes Houston, one of them is a self-imposed exterior color dork. I love to choose bricks, stones, colors, accents, shingles, etc, as there is a large palette of styles that one can create simply by choosing something a little this way or that.

Here are a few things I have learned:

1. Choose colors outside. This may seem like a simple suggestions, but we are often comfortable in our offices, not realizing that the color will be viewed in natural light and not the yellowish tone emitted by incandescent bulbs which is then influenced by the neutral beige of the walls, the earthy color carpet and the creamy trim. Sun light is different. Go outside.

2. Drive around and explore what catches your eye. Light colors of dark tones? Cool or warm? Do you like subtle contrasts or dramatic ones? In exploring what you like, also be able to determine what you do not like.

3. Look not just for the color, but the underlying tone. Yes, that color is brown. But does it have more pink? Gray? A hint of gold? Truth is these little variations are seemingly subtle, but on a large scale, they make a huge impact.

4. Go for subtlety. Beige with a hint of green will look green. Green will look radioactive green. A hint of gold is warm. A color that looks yellow gold will look like an egg yolk.

5. Follow the rule of 3. Unless you are going for a white home look, using no more than 3 colors and no less than 2  works very well. Stucco body, stucco banding, and trim (soffits, fascia, door trim, garage doors etc.) allows for a nice contrast.

6. When choosing colors that are close in hue intensity, pick them from the same color family. Once you have the main body color, go one or 2 shades lighter or darker for the banding. You can veer off this rule if you are using an accent color that is extremely dark, or extremely light.

7. Remember the shingles. Most developers allow only one color, which is typically either black (black onyx), or a medium-dark gray with a hint of green (weathered wood). A black shingle wont pull out any particular color but will give the home a slightly darker feel. Weathered wood shingles tend to pull cooler tones out of the paint.

8. It’s only paint. Do a little sample. Look at the sample in the morning, afternoon, and evening. The color will change.

9. Would you like a richer effect? Try antiquing. Almost like a faux effect, a “glaze” color is added on top of a base body coat. This gives a spongy and deeper effect to the color. Be prepared to spend some additional dollars though. It’s practically like painting the home twice. In this case again, choose colors from the same color family, one or two shades lighter or darker.

10. Be daring. Don’t copy, unless you must. Imagine you show up at a great party, and someone is wearing your same dress, tie, shoes or jewelry. Yes, imitation is the highest form of flattery. However, wouldn’t it be more fun to come up with something others will imitate?