When selecting colors for European-inspired homes with Old-World influences, my eBook series is for you. I’ve taken my years of experience selecting colors for hundreds of homes and put it into easy-to-follow steps that you can download for FREE in the DaVinci Roofscapes Color Studio.

The latest eBook, FRESH Color Schemes for Your Home Exterior, includes step-by-step color guidance for seven home styles. You will see how I use a “top-down” approach, giving you insights on adding eye-pleasing color palettes to your home exterior, starting with the roof and then working your way down to consider your siding, window frames, front door, and trim. As you see how I create these looks, you will quickly learn how to do the same for your home.

FRESH Colors for European-inspired homes

As you will do for your home, I considered each part of “FRESH,” the homeowner’s likes and dislikes, personal style, and vision for their home. Below, you see the colors for European-inspired homes. These are the steps I took for each home. You can see examples of the other six styles in FRESH Color Schemes for Your Home Exterior.

Most homeowners prefer a scheme that enhances the unique mix of materials that make the home special. They need a clear understanding of selecting exterior colors that achieve that goal.

My recently revised ebook, FRESH Color Schemes for Your Home Exterior, provides step-by-step color guidance for creating color schemes for European and other home styles. Many of these homes can also benefit from the advice in FRESH Colors for Homes with Brick or Stone. The eBook takes the guesswork out of enhancing the appearance of a house with brickwork or stone on its exterior.

Even if your home doesn’t fit precisely into the European or any of the styles, don’t worry. My explanations and illustrations will show you how to adapt the same thought processes to your home’s unique characteristics, empowering you to choose the right color.

My ‘top-down’ approach will give you the confidence to add an eye-pleasing color palette to your home exterior. I start with the roof and then work my way down, considering your siding, window frames, front door, and trim. This comprehensive approach should ensure you look at every detail while creating your ideal home exterior.

How to Select Colors for European-inspired homes

Colors for European-style homes with Old-World Influences are generally larger, elegant-looking homes rich in exterior detailing. Brick, stone, and stucco are commonly combined to create a look reminiscent of Old-World influences.

Most of these style homes are 1-1/2- or 2-story structures inspired by Italian-, Italianate-, French Country-, Mediterranean-, or Tudor-style homes.

Here are examples of palettes for a European-style home. As you will do for your home, I considered each part of “FRESH” when creating the color scheme.

Start at the Top

DaVinci Slate Brownstone mixes light to dark shades of gray-brown. It is beautiful with Cultured Stone Hewn Stone in Foundation. Classical White quietly connects the different textures and materials.

Selecting Colors for European-inspired Homes Requires Identifying the Fixed Features

A mix of fixed features like stone and brick is standard for a European-style home. DaVinci Slate Aberdeen and Eldorado Stone Wheatfield Roughcut stand out against Irish Cream. French Roast connects the roofing to the body of the house.

Choose Your Main Color

When an exterior has several textures and patterns, the primary color usually looks best if it is neutral, like Classic Gray, which picks up on the tone of DaVinci Slate Castle Gray.

Select Color for Windows, Trim & Shutters

Use this same philosophy when selecting a window or trim colors. Unless you want to highlight the windows or trim, look for a color that adds to a cohesive look. DaVinci Shake in Black Oak and dark window grids are an excellent combination. Black Magic repeats the brownish black, unifying the color scheme.

Find Your Front Door

Often, European-style homes sport a stained or painted door with prominent hardware to maintain the natural feel created by stone or brick, which is especially attractive when DaVinci Mountain Shakes and Eldorado Stone Ashland TundraBrick pair with deep blue Naval.

Is Any Other Color Needed?

Old-world European-inspired homes primarily use variations of the same colors rather than adding contrasting colors.

Home styles included in the ebook FRESH Color Schemes for Your Home Exterior:

• Colonial-style homes are known for their symmetrical design, with the front door in the center. The windows are aligned horizontally and vertically. The architectural detail varies depending on when and where the builder constructed your home.
• The type of home known as a Ranch or Rambler is an architectural style that originated in the United States. A ranch has a horizontal, close-to-the-ground profile and minimal exterior and interior decoration. The Ranch originally epitomized the idea of a casual lifestyle.
• Bungalow is a term that originated in India and found its way into English. Bungalow was first used in the late 19th century to describe large country or suburban houses. The color schemes for bungalows showcase the Arts and Crafts or other Western vernacular styles.
• The nature-inspired colors historically highlighted the details of Victorian-style homes. Paint colors ranged from light browns, tans, and greens to darker, muddier colors not seen in today’s schemes.
• A Spanish Mission home has solid Latin influences and fosters a connection to nature—these homes often have thick stucco walls and clay tile roofs. Enclosing the courtyards extends the home’s living area and merges it with the environment.
• The colors for European-inspired homes are generally classic neutrals. These larger and more elegant houses are rich in exterior details. Brick, stone, and stucco combine to create a look reminiscent of Old-World Europe. Most of these style homes are 1-1/2- or 2-story structures inspired by Italian-, Italianate-, French Country-, Mediterranean-, or Tudor-style homes.
• The New American style combines the best of many different elements to create a home design that is uniquely ours. Born during the affluent years of the 1990s, it originally celebrated living life “large” with sizeable homes on oversized lots. Today, the New American style encompasses homes of all sizes that can fit into any neighborhood, budget, or lifestyle choice. A mix of architectural influences brings together easy living and technological innovations.