Matching Exterior Paint Colors to Your Roof
The Art of Matching Roof & Paint
As you drive around charming towns like Goshen, Middlebury, Elkhart, or Millersburg, you've likely noticed certain properties that stand out beautifully. The secret isn't always obvious—sometimes it's the landscaping, the architecture, or even the season—but more often than not, it's the harmonious match between exterior paint color and roof that catches your eye.
This guide will help you with the process of selecting exterior colors that pair perfectly with your roof, ensuring your property turns heads for all the right reasons.
Why Your Roof and Siding Colors are the Dynamic Duo of Curb Appeal
Choosing colors that complement each other for your home or business exterior isn't just about looking good—it's about showcasing your attention to detail and your commitment to quality.
Northern Indiana's weather fluctuates from sunny summer days to snowy winters. Color choices need to accommodate these seasonal shifts, reflecting the local climate and architectural styles, from charming Victorian homes in Middlebury’s historic neighborhoods to contemporary commercial buildings in Elkhart and Goshen.
When done right, pairing your roof color with a complementary exterior paint increases your property’s charm, increases resale value, and creates a welcoming, polished look that visitors will remember.
Identifying Your Roof’s Undertones
Before you even glance at paint swatches, take a closer look at your roof shingles. Roof colors typically fall into two categories: warm or cool undertones. Warm tones include shades of brown, terracotta, and rust, while cool tones range from grays and blues to greens and purples.
A quick, practical way to identify your roof’s undertones is the "stark white test." Hold a sample of stark white paint (such as Sherwin-Williams’ Pure White or Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace) next to your roof. Does your roof suddenly look earthy and warm, or does it appear bluish or grayish? Knowing this simple difference will guide you confidently toward the right exterior paint colors.
Indiana’s Favorite Roof Colors (And How to Paint Around Them)
Northern Indiana homes and businesses often feature classic roof colors like brown, gray, and green. The key to beautiful curb appeal is choosing exterior paint colors that perfectly complement these roofing hues.
Here’s how you can confidently coordinate your paint with Northern Indiana’s most popular roof colors:
Beautiful with Brown (Cozy, Earthy Neutrals): Brown roofs are versatile and common throughout neighborhoods like Highland Woods in Goshen or Oak Hills in Middlebury. Warm neutrals such as Sherwin-Williams’ Accessible Beige or Benjamin Moore’s Natural Cream enhance the cozy charm of a brown roof. Soft, natural greens like Behr’s Sage Green also pair beautifully, offering a fresh yet timeless appeal.
Gorgeous with Gray (Sophisticated and Cool): Gray roofs, frequently spotted on modern homes and commercial buildings across Northern Indiana, pair well with cooler exterior colors. Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Gray elegantly complements gray roofs by highlighting their cooler undertones. Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster offers a crisp, contemporary contrast, while Behr’s Hush—a serene blue-gray—brings calm sophistication.
Graceful with Green (Harmonious, Nature-Inspired Looks): Green roofs are especially popular among homes surrounded by Northern Indiana’s wooded landscapes. Neutral colors like warm taupes and creamy off-whites beautifully balance green roofs, creating charming cottage-like atmospheres. For a more inviting, coastal-inspired feel, soft peaches and creams are excellent choices. To achieve a modern aesthetic, opt for cool, sophisticated grays that harmonize effortlessly with lush greenery.
Picking Colors That Reflect Your Property’s Personality
Every building tells a story. Historic Victorian homes in Middlebury’s quaint neighborhoods evoke a sense of nostalgia, while the sleek, contemporary office buildings in downtown Elkhart speak of innovation and professionalism.
For classic homes and commercial properties, timeless neutrals like whites, beiges, and classic navy blue never go out of style. These colors showcase architectural details and exude timeless elegance. Contemporary structures, on the other hand, lend themselves well to deeper, richer hues like dark grays, charcoal, or even black—offering drama and visual impact.
Accenting Your Home or Business with Doors and Shutters
Exterior paint colors set the stage, but details like front doors, shutters, and trims provide that perfect finishing touch. For homes and businesses across Northern Indiana, accent colors can significantly elevate the property's character.
Bold-colored doors—think Hale Navy, deep charcoal, hunter green, or even a welcoming red—can create an inviting focal point. Complement these doors with softer, neutral shutters and trims, or reverse the dynamic by using neutral doors and darker trims. Whatever your preference, accents thoughtfully coordinate your exterior, showing off your taste and attention to detail.
Practical Tips for Selecting Exterior Paint in Northern Indiana
When choosing exterior paint colors for your Northern Indiana home or business, aesthetics aren’t the only factor. Practical considerations—such as local climate, energy efficiency, and changing daylight—also play a vital role.
To guarantee your exterior colors look beautiful year-round, keep these guidelines in mind:
Consider climate: Darker colors absorb heat (ideal for chilly winters but potentially problematic in hot summers), while lighter shades reflect heat to keep interiors cooler.
Test your colors outdoors: Apply small paint samples to exterior surfaces and observe them at various times of day to see how Northern Indiana’s sunlight affects the color.
Think energy efficiency and comfort: Choose colors that align with both your personal preferences and the practical needs of your building’s interior climate control.
Words of Wisdom from Northern Indiana Painting Professionals
Our team knows the value of a thoughtfully chosen exterior paint-and-roof combination. They advise homeowners and businesses alike to avoid exact color matches; instead, complement your roof color thoughtfully. Consider permanent exterior elements, such as brickwork, stone accents, or landscaping, and aim for a cohesive look that showcases your property’s best features.
From Goshen to Millersburg, countless successful projects demonstrate that strategic color pairing significantly elevates curb appeal, enhances property value, and provides lasting beauty that Northern Indiana neighbors appreciate and remember.
Need Professional Help?
Choosing the perfect exterior paint to complement your roof may feel overwhelming initially, but armed with these tips, you’re more than ready to take the next step. Whether your property is a historic gem in Middlebury, a commercial standout in Elkhart, or a charming family home in Goshen or Millersburg, thoughtful color choices will pay off immensely.
If you need exterior painting services, be sure to give our team a call for a free quote!
