If you're gearing up to redesign your home's exterior, you're probably excited to make updates that boost the property's curb appeal and resale value, but you might not know where to start. Rest assured you're not alone.
At the outset, updating designs, materials, and colors can feel daunting. Not only do you have to consider your area's climate and what's possible for your home's construction, but you also have to envision the final product before work even begins. This is where an exterior mood board can help.
What Is a Mood Board?
A mood board is a visual collage that conveys a project's general vision and aesthetic. It can be used for many purposes in interior design, fashion, marketing, and branding but is especially useful in exterior design-like when choosing a new roof. An exterior mood board provides a way to visually brainstorm possibilities and find the styles, textures, patterns, and colors that appeal to you when looking to make changes to your home.
How to Create an Exterior Mood Board
While there are no official rules for creating a mood board, these strategies can help you create one that supports your exterior home design project.
Cast a Wide Net to Gather Options
Begin by collecting all the visual elements that appeal to you. Images can range from very specific, like particular design elements, to ones that convey a feeling and vibe.
Identify Your Preferred Home Style
As you contemplate your mood board, you'll begin to understand your personal aesthetic more. Are you drawn to modern, neutral features? Or is your aesthetic bold and colorful? Do you prefer something subdued but traditional? A successful visual board gives you a better understanding of your personal style.
Narrow Your Vision
Next, consider each visual element to identify which aesthetics you want to replicate for your home versus images that are just personally appealing. Are you drawn to the actual components of a certain design, or does the feeling it creates draw you more?
Asking yourself some of these questions can help streamline your mood board. Discard any images that aren't feasible or practical. For example, say you live in the mountains but have an image of a cactus against an adobe-style home. Those elements aren't realistic or viable in your zone, so remove them from the board.
Hone the Details
Once you've narrowed your vision, it's time to add in some of your home's practical components. Add paint swatches of your home's exterior, including siding, shutters, front door, and fence colors. If you have a large garden or other notable features, pull in elements from that too. Also, add textural components. For example, if your home's siding is brick or stone, grab a snapshot of that siding. It's important to get a holistic representation of your home.
Once you've narrowed and edited your mood board, it's complete. It should give you a concise vision of what you want and what's feasible for your home.
How an Exterior Mood Board Can Help When Designing a Roof
A mood board is a fun way to experiment with various design elements. Once you've created a vision for the updates you want to make to your home, you can use it to design your roof. You want your roof style and color to complement your home's exterior so it doesn't look like an afterthought or disjointed from your home's existing design.
Compare Styles and Budget
Look at your mood board to understand your desired roof color and style. Then, figure out what's feasible for your budget and scope. It helps to start with the type of roofing material you'll use, as this can inform your color options and overall cost. Review the three types of asphalt shingles, all with varying features and functions, to understand what might work best in your situation. Metal roofing is also worth consideration, as it's durable and attractive.
Choose Color Schemes
Once you've selected the roof material and style, play around with colors. To do this, you can use the GAF shingle color guide. For instance, if you want something timeless and classic, opt for charcoal or gray shingles. If you envision something rustic and romantic, go with brown or red shingles. For a balanced and neutral look, stick with beige or gold shingles. For a rich, soothing appearance, choose blue or green shingles. Make sure the color balances and complements your home's architecture and setting.
Once you've narrowed down your selection of shingles, use the GAF Virtual Remodeler tool to digitally bring your vision to life. This tool allows you to upload a picture of your home and play around with your top shingle selections to narrow down and choose the right one for you.
Moving from the Mood Board to Reality
Whether you're seeking a complete reroof or just updating your home's curb appeal, an exterior mood board can be a valuable tool for envisioning your ideas. Also, speak to an expert to make sure you've considered all possibilities and prospects.
Ready to speak to a roofing professional who can help guide your home project? Use the GAF contractor locator to find and connect with experienced professionals in your area.
