How to Choose the Perfect Paver Color for Your Home’s Exterior

When it comes to boosting curb appeal and enhancing your home's exterior, color is critical - not only the color of your home, but the color of your paving stones as well. As both a functional and aesthetic element, paving stones can complement your home's landscape, architectural style and overall ambiance, so choosing the right paving stone color is critical. Whether you're designing a new patio, updating your driveway or getting ready to redo the walkway, Nicolock Paving Stones has a guide to help you choose the perfect paver color for your home.

Step 1: Consider the Architectural Style of the Home

The first thing you need to before picking a paving stone color is to think about the home's architectural style. The color you choose should blend harmoniously with the overall look of the house. Traditional homes pair well with earthy tones like reds and browns while tans complement classic designs. Modern or contemporary style architecture looks best with cool tones like grays, blacks or white. Colonial, mediterranean or cottage-style homes excel when paired with more rustic looking pavers in colors like terracotta.

Step 2: Match Your Landscape

Your landscape plays a significant role boosting your home's curb appeal and if you're not planning on redoing your entire landscaping, you should choose a paving stone color that complements what is already in place. Look at plants, flowers, trees and even your lawn for inspiration. If you see a lot of green, a neutral paving stone color will help plants stand out. If your landscape is packed with bold colors, choose a paving stone that contrasts without being overpowering.

Step 3: Factor in Climate and Weather

The climate where you live will impact your choice of paving stone color. Dark pavers in black or dark gray hues absorb more heat and are better suited for cooler climates. Lighter-colored pavers in tones like light gray or sand tend to reflect heat, making them better for warmer climates. Contrary to what you may think, lighter paving stones also do a better job of hiding dirt and stains, so they're great for patios and other high-traffic areas.

Step 4: Factor in Maintenance and Longevity

Some paver colors require more maintenance than others. Lighter pavers, for example, may show dirt, stains and wear more easily, unless you clean them more frequently and seal them more often. Dark-colored pavers, while offering a sleek, modern look, tend to show water spots, so they're not great for use around water features. When choosing a paver color, it's important to factor in how much maintenance you're willing to do over the years. For the least amount of maintenance, choose a fade-resistant paving stone, like one with paver-shield™technology from Nicolock Paving Stones.

Step 5: Complement Existing Hardscape

If you have other hardscaping elements like retaining walls, patios or fences, choosing a paving stone color that matches these features is essential. For example, if you have a wooden fence, choosing warm-toned pavers will create a cohesive finish. If your home's exterior is made of brick or stone, try to match the general color when choosing paving stones to enhance the beauty of these materials. Make sure paver and hardscape color flows from one area to the next.

Step 6: Test Samples

Once you've narrowed down your choices, getting a few samples can help you select the perfect paving stone color. Lighting can dramatically change the appearance of colors, so view the paving stone samples in different lighting conditions throughout the day to get a better sense of how they will look in your yard. Always test the samples in their intended location to visualize how the project will turn out.

Choosing a paver color for a big outdoor project can be intimidating, but the experts at Nicolock Paving Stones are here to help every step of the way. By carefully evaluating the different elements of your outdoor space, you'll be able to choose the right color to enhance your home's curb appeal while adding beauty and functionality to your outdoor spaces. Not up for the challenge? Let us connect you with a contractor who can help.