(508) 472 . 8105 barbara@integralcolor.com

Creating Custom Color Schemes for Your Community

“Case Study…” Description of the HOA Color Project

I worked with a committee of about 8 members and one point person for communication. Our goal was to create a new color plan for all 126 residences — with options residents could choose from for their own homes. I also prepared around 7 door color options, so homeowners could add a personal touch without changing the overall look of the building.

In the end, the community chose to group similar body colors throughout, paired with white trim for a cohesive look — while front door color variations gave each home its own personality.

Where we Started..."Before" Gallery

This first group shows the neighborhood with its original colors — a mix of siding styles, plus stucco buildings in white with dark brown trim.

Based on the community's input and color direction, I created several new palette options for them to consider, shown in the Inspirations gallery below.

Thanks to the HOA management for providing the initial images, marked A, B, C, and D.

ShelterMarked_8x4_100d_MarylynCirColor-B
ShelterMarked_8x4_100d_MarylynCirColor-C
ShelterMarked_8x5_100d_MarylynCirColor-D-copy
House with garages and trees, showcasing residential design by Barbara Jacobs Color and Design.
ShelterMarked_8x5-5_100d_MarylynCirColor-A
45

HOA Color Concepts - Inspirations Gallery

These DCP digital color views show some of the inspirations I created to spark ideas about what was possible.

Stucco home variations are shown together, followed by standard siding homes. While there was plenty to choose from, the goal was to show how a relatively limited palette could be applied in different ways — repeated across body and trim — to create a cohesive yet distinctive look throughout the community.

Elegant black multi-family home with attached garages and lush greenery.
Brightly painted houses with vibrant color schemes and well-maintained landscaping.
8x4_100d_MultiHouse_v2-example
Showing an example of exterior color on Stucco.
HOA_Mockup of prospective colors for Stucco homes - v6
HOA_Another Mockup of prospective colors for Stucco homes
HOA_Another Mockup of prospective colors for Stucco homes - V8
HOA_Mockup of prospective colors for Stucco homes
45

"After" Gallery - Some Residents' Final Color Selections

While the group appreciated the inspiration images, they ultimately chose a single-color, block-style approach with white trim throughout the community — and the difference was striking.

These images walk through the neighborhood, showing the range of color combinations residents selected.

8_Siding-adajcent-colors_IMG_3093-1
7_Stucco-also-Other_3091
Modern blue house with lush greenery and garden.
HOA_Final colors painted. Two colors shown here.
Beautiful suburban house with contemporary architecture and lush landscaping.
Beautiful suburban house with contemporary architecture and lush landscaping.
45

Our HOA needed to repaint 126 residences and a clubhouse using an entirely new color palette as our existing colors were very outdated.

To ensure that that this ambitious project would conclude on time and on budget with sufficient buy-in, Barbara’s contribution was an important early strategic piece in the Board’s project plan to put color decision-making in an objective, professional context.

—SLMesser
Director and President
Shelter Hills Townhouses Association
Petaluma, CA