Example of a trendy second story deck design in New York

Up close now you can see the true teal blues of the area rug and how it adds a lively grounding the this multipurpose space. A true eclectic mix of old and new and high and low end pieces, all balanced to create a unique and distinct space. Photo: Rikki Snyder

DARIS BROWN, WRITER If you think choosing the right shingle color is hard, you are not alone. With an endless array of colors to choose from, getting started can be difficult. But don't worry – we’ve got a great system to help you pick the perfect shingle color. If you are ready to look at shingles in a way you probably never have before, our three-step process can help you choose the color that works best for your home. Choosing By Style Before you can start flipping through a collection of earth-tone samples, you need to determine which shingle style best fits your home — and your price range. You don’t want to waste time falling in love with a beautiful shade of brown (let’s say hickory) if it’s not available in a style you like. Most homeowners are not aware that shingles come in different styles, including three-tab, architectural and slate-look. Three-Tab: These shingles have a traditional, flatter look and are considered the most affordable. They also are available in a wide range of colors. Slate: These asphalt shingles, as the name reveals, are meant to mimic the look of slate but offer the easy care and affordability of asphalt. They come in a variety of colors. Architectural: Also known as laminated or dimensional shingles, architectural shingles are manufactured with aesthetic appeal in mind. Layered to resemble wood shake, they are thicker and provide a more dimensional, interesting look than traditional three-tab shingles. Choosing By Features By comparing the available features, you can systematically narrow down your options to determine the best shingle available. Here are a few features to consider: Class 4 Impact Resistance – Do you live in an area of the country that experiences regular hailstorms? Class 4 impact resistant shingles deliver superior impact resistance to help protect your home during hail season. Algae Resistance – How humid is your region? Do you see roofs all around you with black streaks? Shingles manufactured with Scotchgard Protector help resist those ugly black streaks caused by algae. High Wind Rating – Do you get nervous anytime a strong wind blows? Shingles with high wind resistance, up to 130 mph wind speed coverage, are designed to stay put – and look good in the process. Comprehensive Warranty Protection – Do you want to feel secure with your investment? For maximum protection and warranty coverage, have a full roof system installed and receive an enhanced Premium Protection Period for total peace of mind. Extensive Color Palette – Are you tired of plain black shingles? Get ready for an explosion of color, as there are many different options available. Woodland Green, Desert Shake, Burnt Sienna and Pristine Oyster are a few of the many great colors you can explore. Choosing By Color By choosing shingle style and features first, you can significantly narrow your list of colors. Now go through your shortened list and pick the best color for your home. You could match the shingle color to your shutters or door. If you want to enhance your home, lighter-colored shingles can help make it look bigger. Finally, opposites attract. If you have a light-colored home, you can go with a dark roof, and vice-versa for a dark-colored home. The contrast will help your entire home pop. Don’t be afraid to spread out your sample boards and make a side-by-side comparison to help with your selection process. Likewise, don't hesitate to lean on the advice of your roofer. Years of experience and thousands of homes roofed make them a valuable resource for homeowners trying to choose the best shingle color. Choosing By Heart While many homeowners will go straight to color, taking a methodical approach often provides better results. Take a step back. Decide what style you truly like and what features are available, and the best color for your home will fall right into your lap. Visit AtlasRoofing.com for a quick start to your shingle selection process. Atlas offers a broad range of beautiful designer colors and styles, which makes it easy to find an exceptional shingle to boost your home’s curb appeal.

Mastic Vinyl Siding, Harvey Windows, and a Therma-Tru Entry Door look beautiful on this Lakeville, MA colonial! The homeowner chose a combination of Mastic Cedar Discovery and Carvedwood 44 Vinyl Siding in the historic color, Russet Red. Cedar Discovery mimics the look of painted cedar shingles and Carvedwood 44 replicates the look of painted cedar clapboard siding. With realistic wood textures and shadow lines, these homeowners have a durable and affordable siding option that looks beautiful without the worry that comes along with wood siding. With a 230 mph wind rating and an lovely collection of colors, textures, and styles, our customers enjoy both the durability and beauty of professional grade siding. We also installed Harvey Classic Double Hung Vinyl Replacement windows. The Harvey Classic is our top-selling, energy efficient replacement window. Homeowners enjoy tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning, customizable colors, hardware, and grid patterns. As one of the area’s select Harvey Elite Window Dealers, Care Free customers can also choose from exclusive package upgrades and warranties that can’t be offered by ordinary contractors. A Therm-Tru Fiberglass Entry system is factory-finished in the color, onyx. This Smooth Star door welcomes guests with a pair of coordinating sidelites featuring decorative glass and grids. Care Free Homes is the preferred contractor of thousands of homeowners. Past customers and referrals are responsible for over half of our business each year! Once you become a Care Free customer – chances are you’ll stay a Care Free customer and invite your friends and family to become one, too! We ask for absolutely no money until the project is complete and have financing options for qualified homeowners. Get started on your project with a FREE Quote by calling (508) 997-1111 or contact us online and we’ll follow up with you! Make your house a Care Free home!

Bryan Clayton
Photo of a farmhouse landscaping in Nashville.

Mike Kaskel
Transitional home design photo in San Francisco

Donna Dotan Photography
Example of an eclectic family room library design in New York with gray walls, no fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Example of a transitional living room design in Los Angeles with gray walls

This modern organic kitchen blends rift white oak cabinetry with warm white uppers and a spacious island topped in quartz. Woven rattan counter stools introduce natural texture, while black dome pendants add bold contrast. A vertical picket marble backsplash and brass fixtures complete the light-filled, inviting space.

Tessa Neustadt http://tessaneustadt.com
Inspiration for a scandinavian entryway remodel in Los Angeles

Creating an inviting, comfortable spot in your home for overnight guests can be tricky. While some homeowners dedicate a spare bedroom for this occasional use, others opt to utilize space in a basement or room over the garage. When the team at Legum Design in Bend, Oregon, was tapped to create guest space for a client’s home in nearby Tumalo, their starting point was a 100-year-old barn.

Designed by Growsgreen Landscape Design: growsgreen.com.
Example of a trendy patio design in San Francisco

Mom retreat a relaxing Master Bedroom in soft blue grey and white color palette. Paint color Benjamin Moore Brittany Blue, Circa Lighting, Custom bedside tables, Custom grey upholster bed, Lili Alessandra Bedding, Stark Carpet rug, Wallpaper panels thibaut, Paper Flower Etsy, Custom chair, Z Gallerie Mirror

Photo: A Darling Felicity Photography © 2015 Houzz
Example of a mid-sized eclectic enclosed medium tone wood floor living room design in Seattle with white walls and no tv

Inspiration for a transitional open concept light wood floor living room remodel in Miami with beige walls

They almost did their kitchen with BODBYN doors in off-white…but at the last minute they changed their minds and went with GRIMSLÖV off-white doors. “The BODBYN felt too traditional, we realized.” The IKEA handles really vary in size, which means the place where the holes are drilled varies, too. So the handles are not so easy to swap out. Choose carefully. For example, the LANSA handles look nice, but Irene finds they find that the little edges tend to catch things like shirts and towels.

Eat-in kitchen - light wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Omaha with a farmhouse sink, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped dark wood floor kitchen remodel in New York with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

A deep blue for a bold statement. Sink in -- this yarn-dyed cotton duvet welcomes you to linger longer. That's because it's made from soft woven 100% Portugal cotton that gets more snuggly every time you wash it. Better find that snooze button. Varied textures and graphic elements can really make a room. Choose carefully, mix and match, discover your vibe. Then let it shine.