When building a new home, an interior designer often gets brought in when the first real colour and design choices need to be made. Usually that is around the time when the homeowner needs to pick the roof. This certainly isn’t the glamourous part of building a home, but roofs are critical decisions. They are 25+ year investments, so the colour choices need to be made knowing that they will go with any future changes.

So where do you start? First, take a look at your neighbour’s colour palettes. Sometimes if everyone on the street has a dark gray roof, you may want to choose something browner. Blend in, but not be matchy matchy. The roof colour is also dictated by the architecture of the house. I’ve seen beautiful dark red roofs on traditional homes that look absolutely lovely with a gray siding. The exterior siding or rock colour must also be a factor, a dark neutral roof can look great with lots of natural stone. There are many other considerations when choosing a roof colour, most importantly – look at your whole exterior when deciding.

Parker Johnson is a 60-year-old Vancouver Island company. Their solid reputation is widely known in both residential and commercial applications. I have often had to go out to the Saanichton showroom and pick up samples, and am always met with a smile. They have a great choice of products and my clients are always happy with the service.

Proline Roofing is another well-established Victoria company. Again, I have had to get samples for clients or builders from them and all my questions were answered. Finding the right product was easy. I also like their handy location on Quadra near Cloverdale.

Roofs aren’t sexy, but obviously necessary. So make guided choices considering all exterior elements.

Sheri Peterson has been an interior designer for 22 years in Victoria. She designs for commercial, residential and hospitality clients.