When choosing exterior house colors, one of the most important considerations is whether the roof color complements the siding or brick color. The roof is a major focal point of any home’s exterior, so you want to make sure the roof color enhances the overall look rather than clashing with it. A popular house color scheme is pairing a blue exterior with a brown roof. But does this classic color combo actually work well together? There are a few factors to consider when determining if a blue house goes with a brown roof.
The Shade of Blue
Not all shades of blue will complement a brown roof equally. Darker, more saturated blues like navy or cobalt tend to look better with brown than lighter tints like sky blue or powder blue. Deep blue has enough boldness to stand up to the strong earthiness of brown. But pale blues can end up looking washed out or drab next to rich chocolate or coffee-colored roofs. So when going for a blue and brown scheme, it’s usually best to opt for a dramatic royal blue, slate blue, or midnight blue house with deep brown roofing.
The Undertones of the Blue
Pay attention to the undertones of the particular blue you choose. Blues with cool undertones (hints of purple/violet) will pair more attractively with brown than blues with warm yellow/beige undertones. Brown already has plenty of warmth, so you want the blue to provide contrast with its cooler effects. Cool-toned blues like periwinkle, indigo, or steel blue will beautifully complement the warmth of a chestnut or mahogany roof.
The Shade of Brown
As with the blue, the right shade of brown roof color can make or break the combination. For a harmonious look, avoid super light tans and beiges, which won’t have enough presence compared to a strong blue house color. On the other hand, brown that’s too dark can appear overpowering or muddy next to brighter blue siding. A good option is a rich medium brown with a hint of red, like rust, cinnamon, clay, or terra-cotta. These shades provide nice contrast against the blue without clashing.
The Style of the House
Certain architectural styles lend themselves better to blue and brown color schemes than others. For example, Arts and Crafts style bungalows often have blue siding and brown roofing, an earthy yet cheerful combo befitting the era. Simple cottage or farmhouse styles also frequently use this classic color scheme since it has a cozy, down-to-earth feel. More formal house styles, however, may want to steer clear of brown roofs which can come across as too rustic or casual depending on the shade.
Nearby Foliage Colors
Consider how a brown roof will look alongside landscaping features. Blue and green plants provide a pleasant contrast. But if the plants have warm fall hues like orange and red, an additional brown roof may create too much autumnal color overload. Planning roof and siding colors around the existing plant palette can help strike the right balance.
Personal Preference
At the end of the day, there’s no single right answer about which colors go together. It comes down to your own tastes and what color scheme makes you happy when you look at your home. If you love how rich brown roofing pairs with your favorite shade of blue siding, that’s all that matters. Not everyone will agree on the most attractive color combinations. Trust your own instincts about which roof color complements your blue house best.
Factors That Make Brown Roofs Work with Blue Houses
Although a brown roof isn’t universally flattering with every style of blue house, there are certain factors that can help this color combination succeed:
– Deep, saturated shade of blue siding
– Blue has a cool undertone rather than warm
– Medium or dark brown roof color with red/orange undertones
– Casual architectural style like craftsman or cottage
– Mainly cool-toned vegetation around the home
– Personal preference for the earthy brown/blue scheme
When the brown has enough richness and the blue enough boldness, these two nature-inspired hues can complement each other beautifully.
Potential Issues to Avoid with Brown and Blue
Not all brown and blue combinations turn out well. Here are some potential problems to steer clear of:
– Pale, powdery blue with a dark brown roof will look washed out.
– Warm beige-blue siding will clash with reddish brown.
– Light tan roofs can fade into very light blue siding.
– Too much darkness between a navy house and chocolate roof.
– Formal house styles demand more elegant roof colors than basic brown.
– A contemporary blue dwelling needs a sleeker roof color than traditional brown.
Most issues can be avoided by selecting the right depth of shades and considering the overall style of the home. An attractive blue and brown combo is achievable with some forethought.
Examples of Pleasant Blue and Brown Color Schemes
Some examples of blue and brown exterior combinations that work in harmony together include:
– Midnight blue house with rust-colored terra-cotta roof tiles
– Periwinkle blue siding with cinnamon brown asphalt shingles
– Royal blue brick walls with chestnut brown roofing
– Navy blue lap siding with mahogany roof shingles
– Slate blue Craftsman home with clay roof tiles
These pairings demonstrate how the right tones and hues of blue and brown can complement each other when done thoughtfully. The colors have enough visual interest without competing or clashing.
Using Accent Colors to Make the Scheme Pop
To add some extra flair to a blue and brown house exterior, consider incorporating some accents in bolder colors. Here are some ideas:
– Bright white trim around the windows and doors
– Intense yellow front door for the blue house
– Cherry red brick chimney or flower boxes
– Shutter colors like emerald green, purple, or black
– Metallic copper gutters and light fixtures
Splashing in a few dramatic accent colors allows the blue and brown combo to really stand out and pop. It also provides additional color dimensions so the scheme doesn’t feel one-note.
Interior Color Scheme Ideas to Match
To extend the exterior blue and brown theme indoors, here are some suggested interior colors:
– Chocolate leather furniture against blue walls
– Blue porcelain tiles paired with dark espresso vanities
– Colbalt kitchen accessories like canisters against brown cabinetry
– Periwinkle bedspreads with chestnut bed frames
– Distressed wood furnishings with navy area rugs
Repeating some of the same earthy brown and cool blue tones provides a cohesive flow between the indoor and outdoor palette. Keeping these colors in mind for furnishings, textiles, and decor is an easy way to pull the whole house together.
Conclusion
Does a blue house go with brown roofing? The answer is – it definitely can! As long as you pay attention to the specific shades and tones involved, select colors that complement rather than compete with each other, and choose suitable architectural styles, blue siding and brown roofing can be an attractive pairing. To create extra visual interest, include some vibrant accents and continue the earthy color scheme indoors. Trust your own tastes when deciding on exterior colors for your home. If you love the look of rich chocolate brown shingles against your favorite azure walls, then that combination will work wonderfully for your property. With the right hues and tones, blue and brown can be a timeless, classic exterior duo.
| Blue Siding Color | Complementary Brown Roof Color |
|---|---|
| Navy | Mahogany |
| Royal Blue | Rust |
| Periwinkle | Cinnamon |
| Indigo | Chestnut |
| Midnight Blue | Chocolate |
