A “doubled colour” effect when the house colour matches garden material, like this yellow magnolia.

Does the garden shrub match the drapes, er, shutters? Or even a door? Let’s hope yes! Garden elements, like colours of flowers, shrubs or trees doubly compliment your front yard curb appeal when you provide a matching paint colour. It’s a effect that guarantees a pleasing colour harmony on your front step.

There are many effective examples of harmonious paint and plant pairings. Consider orange daylilies, or a Japanese Maple with orange bark against an orange door. While these opportune colour pairings may only last part of the season, they are worth keeping in mind when selecting either house paint or plants. This yellow magnolia comes into bloom with a sunny cheerfulness in early spring and warms the whole corner. The yellow flowers wouldn’t have the same satisfying effect against red brick.