Exterior Paint Colors

Started by PaulaR5 • 5 replies • 167 views

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PaulaR5
Posts: 1

Posted:

Trying to understand the governing documents on paint.
Guidance says no bright colors; ok I understand no standout yellows or bright reds. Then it says muted tones for the main color and the trim should coordinate. Front doors and shutters are allowed to have accents of uplifting color.

Question is- What is a muted tone? What is an uplifting color?

ElleN (Idaho)
Posts: 1,336

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By PaulaR5 on 04/09/2025 11:45 AM
Question is- What is a muted tone? What is an uplifting color?

These are phrases that lead to massive disputes and often expensive litigation.

The HOA's safest approach is for the board (consulting with the ARC) to write rules defining these terms; be consistent in enforcing the rules; and then hope someone does not sue.

DeanJ
Posts: 1,786

Posted:

I think they desire pastels.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,061

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By PaulaR5 on 04/09/2025 11:45 AM

Question is- What is a muted tone? What is an uplifting color?

something to ask your board as they will be the ones who approve or disapprove the color.

One definition on the internet:

Muted tones, in the context of colors, refer to hues that are less saturated and more subdued, often achieved by adding gray, black, or a complementary color to a base hue, resulting in a softer, less intense color palette

"Uplifted colors," in the context of color psychology, refers to hues that are generally associated with positive emotions, such as happiness, optimism, and energy, and can have a stimulating or energizing effect.

MarshallT (New York)
Posts: 414

Posted:

Without details or specific paint color samples, this type of confusion is bound to occur. Sorry you are in this position. You could take a look at Sherwin Williams to get some clearer ideas (https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/hoa), or select colors you think match the description and submit the exact color swatches to your Architectural committee or whoever is responsible for approving colors.

LoriM15 (Florida)
Posts: 1,009

Posted:

Don't know where you are located, but in Florida your association would never be able to successfully pursue a violation against you if all they say are "muted" colors. Case law here has proven that. Your association really needs to create a list of acceptable colors if they want to regulate the color someone paints their home.

The colors at Sherwin Williams have a color reflective value on the back of the card. You could look at ones for low or medium to see if those seem to be muted colors.

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