Shingles
System Components
Specialized Components
Hip and Ridge Shingles Starter ShinglesRoofing Underlayments
Ice and Water Barrier Synthetic UnderlaymentVentilation
Intake Ventilation Exhaust Ventilation Low Slope Products Titanium® RhinoRoof® All ComponentsMore Products & Features
Asphalt
Trumbull® AsphaltWeather Resistant Barriers
PINKWRAP® Weather Resistant BarrierAdvanced Features
SureNail® Technology Nailing Zone Performance StreakGuard® Algae Protection Cool Roof Energy Performance Solar PROtectTM Program FORTIFIED RoofTM Program NEW
Login to OCConnect
Training & Development
Contractor Network
Contractor Resources
About Owens Corning
Roofing Programs
Brand Partnerships
Why Owens Corning
Designer Chad Esslinger explains how picking a roof color that is classic can help to keep your home exterior design looking timeless.
Homeowner Question: How do I pick a roof color that’s considered to be ‘classic’ or ‘timeless’?
Chad’s Answer: “Classic” and “timeless” are words you hear a lot when it comes to design. Classic design stands the test of time and does not appear “dated” – creating a look that is timeless.
Classic Roof Colors
The opposite of classic is trendy. Creating a classic home exterior design means that the look of your home is timeless and doesn’t look outdated once a trend has come and gone. Now you may assume that this means a white house, black shutters, and a red front door – it can, but it doesn’t have to mean that.
Navy, heather gray, forest green, almond, and creamy yellow could all be considered colors that have stood the test of time and are solid colors to bring into your palette.
And “classic” doesn’t mean boring either.
Dated vs Timeless
You know that feeling when you go into a home and you know with certainty that the kitchen was designed in the mid-’70s? While the kitchen may still be functional, it’s probably one of the first things you would want to update.
But then there are those homes that have a feeling of timelessness, in both their interior and exterior design and décor and you can’t quite pinpoint when it was built or decorated.
So when it comes to selecting a roof color that’s timeless you should choose something that you can see liking 10 years from now. A roofing manufacturer typically designs shingle colors to go with the trends, not to be the trends.
Light gray house with white trim and TruDefintion® Duration® Designer Architectural Roof Shingles in the color Pacific Wave
Blue-gray house with yellow trim and TruDefintion® Duration® Designer Architectural Roof Shingles in the color Pacific Wave
It may be hard to predict the future, but try to focus on colors that stand the test of time and bring a sense of calmness vs. chaos. Classic design is understated, not fussy. Choose a palette that belongs in the current and potential future exterior surroundings, not against them.
More from Chad Esslinger
Chad answers homeowners’ questions about their roofs and home exterior design.
Chad shares his thoughts and style board for our 2021 Shingle Color of the Year, Aged Copper
Design Inspiration from Owens Corning
Looking for design inspiration? Explore the many tools and content Owens Corning has to offer:
About Chad Esslinger Design
Chad Esslinger Design is a full-service design company focusing on residential interior design, decorating and remodeling. Chad loves partnering with homeowners to create beautiful and functional living spaces.
Chad Esslinger Design is committed to beautiful and creative design as well as unparalleled service. Chad believes that great design is contemporary but timeless, simple but elegant. The goal of any project is to create breathtaking beauty, innovative functionality, and a truly enjoyable design process. Learn more about Chad.