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Originally Posted On: https://www.scottsofthrapston.co.uk/blog/choosing-a-summerhouse-colour-scheme/
Choosing a summerhouse colour scheme
The practical decisions are made, and you have chosen the size and shape of your garden summerhouse. You know where it is going to be positioned and have agreed on the type of base that will best support your summerhouse. Now is the time to let your imagination run riot and have some fun thinking about the exterior paint colour for your garden building and how you will enhance it with furnishings and décor inside. We understand that these decisions involve a significant commitment as you will expect to enjoy your choices for years to come.
The colour you choose for your summerhouse paint finish will define the character of your garden building and inform your choices of interior décor. In our blog, we explore some of the factors that might affect your decision and influence your choices on the colour and style of your new summerhouse.
The latest trends influence designers in all applications of colour from fashion and clothing to garden and interior design. Predictions for the year ahead suggest that shades from the natural world will continue to influence colour trends as we continue to focus on protecting the planet. The colour consistency experts at Pantone have named Viva Magenta (a bold pink) as their latest ‘colour of the year’ and other commentators suggest that rich and warm tones are increasing in popularity. Consumer trend forecasters WSGN predict that shades such as Jade and Verdigris by The Coloro are set to dominate our choices. And House Beautiful suggests that jewel colours and warm neutrals will make their influence felt on our choice of colourways.
Whether you derive inspiration from the trends, or prefer classic and timeless shades, let’s look at the principal areas in which you will need to make decisions about how to use colour.
Exterior paint colour
Your choice of colour will be significantly increased if you select a summerhouse with painted exterior walls. Not only will you be able to choose exactly the right shade for your property and garden, but you will gain the peace of mind that your premium summerhouse creation will be well protected from the elements. Outdoor paint also provides protection from insects, mould, and fungus. All Scotts’ summerhouses are supplied with a super-silky matt painted finish in a wide range of appealing colours including classic and contemporary shades.
Take account of the roof type you have chosen before you decide on the colour of your summerhouse’s exterior walls. Scotts’ summerhouses are available with lead-effect and slate-effect moulded composite roofs in cool greys and many models can also be fitted with a natural cedar shingle roof in a warm tone from Grade 1 Western Red cedar. If you choose a bespoke summerhouse, you may decide to have window and door frame painted in contrasting colours.
Interior décor
Think about the furniture you plan to install in your summerhouse that will really enhance your enjoyment. Whether you are planning to use your garden building for work, fitness or leisure, your choice of furnishings should blend with the overall colour scheme and complement the exterior features including wall and roof colours. If you are planning to install your own furniture, take inspiration from any of its feature colours, whether you are adding traditional antiques crafted from wood, sleek Art Deco pieces, or clean, contemporary, and streamlined items. Whatever your style, think about how it works with the exterior paint colour and make your choice with care.
Scotts’ summerhouses are available with optional integral modular seating that will be painted in the same shade as the exterior colour. Seats can be upholstered in a choice of three colours that each complement one of nine standard and luxury fabric colourways for loose backrest cushions. Take account of the interior wall colour if you choose tongue and groove effect lining which is painted as standard in Off White.
Your colour choice will be augmented by any lighting that you install. Create a relaxing space with warm, yellow light or a place to focus with bright, white lighting. Scotts offer a solar lighting package that will light up your summerhouse world without the need to install mains electricity. Our 12v package will power a table and floor lamp with warm tone bulbs to create a snug and cosy ambience after dark. If you’re planning to work, study, or follow intricate creative hobbies from your garden building, you may consider bright or adjustable LED bulbs, glass shades or a high-quality desk lamp. The extensive colour range from Anglepoise provides scope for a selection that perfectly complements your summerhouse walls and furnishings.
Now let’s discuss the three main factors that you should consider before making a choice of colour scheme:
- The style of your property
Think about a colour for your summerhouse that will complement your house whether you live in a period property or more contemporary dwelling. What is the colour scheme for your exterior paintwork and how might the colour of your summerhouse tone with this? You may wish to take account of your location, whether you live in an urban or rural area, a conservation area, or National Park. Your choice of colour will contribute to the overall style and personality of your home.
- How you plan to enjoy your summerhouse
When you are thinking about colour and style, consider how you plan to use your summerhouse alongside its position within your outdoor space. If you are aiming to create a secret hideaway in a corner where you can pursue a cherished hobby in peace, or work undisturbed in your own home office, perhaps you will choose muted tones that blend in with the planting and greenery.
Alternatively, your vision may extend to a social space for entertaining friends and family, hosting a garden or pool party in the summer, toasting marshmallows around the firepit, or celebrating special occasions with a glass of fizz outdoors. In this scenario, you may wish to make a bold statement with a strong and striking colour choice that helps to transform your summerhouse into a stand-out feature. Think about the colours in your outside garden furniture and let that influence your choice of summerhouse paint shade. Or start with a clean palette and curate your decor with the new summerhouse in mind.
- The design of your garden
Depending on the style and layout of your garden, your colour scheme should take account of the planting, your garden walls or fencing, and whether you have a patio, timber or composite decking, paving slabs, or decorative tiles. If your summerhouse has a wooden base, you might wish to select a natural colour that blends well with timber. From the Scotts’ colour range, you might choose Birch, Sage, and Forest Green. If your garden is brightened by Mediterranean tiles or terracotta ornamentation, you might find that Scotts’ Aegean Blue or Lilac creates the perfect contrast. Current garden design trends suggest planting fire tones alongside pastels to achieve a striking contrast. Scotts’ options include Aubergine will come to life against a backdrop of brilliant floral shades.
Inside out: inspiration for colour combinations
Scotts’ summerhouse microporous paint finishes are all available in a choice of 11 stylish colours with two coats applied before installation offering robust resistance to the elements all year round. We offer four standard fabric colourways, four luxury options using contemporary and classic designs by Sanderson and William Morris designs, and a sustainable fabric range to reduce your impact on the environment.
If your preferred summerhouse style is neutral, subtle, and natural, you might choose from our Wood Ash, Putty, Slate or Duck Egg paint colours. Match these with understated and classic fabrics such as Kielder Dove Grey, Mapleton Charcoal, or William Morris Willowbough or Strawberry Thief in Slate/Vellum.
Perhaps you envisage making a big splash with your summerhouse creation and would prefer a bolder, standout colour option for the exterior walls such as Scotts’ Aubergine, Aegean Blue, or Forest Green. Colour like these can be complemented by fabrics that deliver a pop of colour such as our Sanderson Paradisia Orchid Grey, Honeysuckle Fig, or Sanderson Jackfruit Olive
We hope that this overview has helped to clarify the vital role played by colour in the design of your summerhouse and provided you with some ideas and inspiration. Whether you are already clear about your colour choices or need some help exploring the best combinations, our expert and experienced design team is on hand and happy to discuss your options. We can supply samples so you can review the true colours of our paint and fabrics before you make your choice.
Contact us via our website or call us at our headquarters on 01832 732366 for further information.
