Vicky Sanderson Natural tones, organic materials, textured finishes; these are the elements that, as the kids say, are currently crushing any metric of home and design consumption. I can say that Around the House, a fondness for shades inspired by stone, forest, sand, and sky has even extended to roof colours. Don’t worry, it’s a small roof, for a work-room/bunkie on my cottage property. The structure itself is a pale grey wood that fits right into the stoney, wooded landscape, and I keep thinking about how lovely it will be to replace a stark black shingle with something more nuanced.
I’m not the only one, according to roofing and building material company BP Canada’s marketing director Nathalie Lambert. “Consumers are opting for calming, organic interior decor and these choices are extending to their homes’ exteriors,” she says, pointing to a customizable new line from BP Canada called Signature that features toasty roof colours, with names like Cumin, Mesquite, Arabica, and Quinoi. You get the idea – warm, cozy, almost roasted shades.
These rich, nuanced tones-inspired by earth’s ancient colours-will be a modern twist on the dull black, grey and brown roof colours that have topped homes for decades, predicts Lambert.
Signature shingles can be merged with one or more colour to create striking contrast, or subtle complimentary shades. Personally, I would always go for the latter. I like roof colours that stay in the same family as the home’s exterior.
Given that you want any roof job to last for decades, think carefully before committing to roof colours or style. It’s a really good idea to take advantage of a visualizer like the one BP Canada has that lets you upload a pic of your house or use a stock image and play with colours for roof, walls, and trim. Even if you don’t buy a roof, it’s good clean fun.
There’s also a handsome line called Manoir, which replicates the look of artisanal slate, as well as a saucy red called Sangria in the Mystique format, which has three-dimensional shadow bands to create an elegant form. These come in several adaptable vintage colours and soothing earth-tones.
“Home decor is an expression of people’s personalities,” says Lambert, “and now they can affix their signature to their roofs with unique natural looks.”
PRO TIP: Fall is a great time for a roof replacement. It’s neither too hot or too cold, producing an optimal environment for adherence of the shingles.
All illustrations from BP Canada.
