Choosing Colours for a Character Home

Body, trim, highlight

Period homes are usually painted in three layers of colour. The body colour covers the weatherboards or walls. The trim colour goes on window frames, fascias, verandah posts and rails. A highlight or accent picks out details like fretwork, brackets, doors or the inside of the verandah ceiling. The detail on a Queenslander only shows if the scheme gives it somewhere to stand out.

Looking to the era

Paint companies publish heritage ranges based on colours used in different periods, from the federation era through to the inter-war years. A scheme that suits the age of the house usually looks right on the street and ages well.

Testing

Colour on a small card looks completely different on a whole wall in Toowoomba’s clear light. Paint large sample patches, at least A3 size, on more than one side of the house, and look at them in the morning and late afternoon. Check them against the roof colour, which you are probably keeping.

Heritage and character areas

If your home is heritage-listed or in a character area, changes to the exterior may need approval. Check with Toowoomba Regional Council before settling on a scheme.

Next step

When the scheme is chosen, Queenslander and heritage painting explains the job itself. Phone 0468 069 048 to request a painter.