How to use Colorbond Southerly

Colorbond Southerly is a relatively recent addition to the family of colours for roofing, gutters, fascia, downpipes and garage doors.  Although I have recommended it for a few projects, it doesn't seem to have taken traction yet, which is a shame as it a lovely light neutral option to consider for your new home or renovation.  I have some background on the colour which may help you to decide if this is right for your next build.

What is the undertone of Colorbond Southerly?

Colorbond Southerly has a subtle lavender undertone, but don’t let that deter you. It’s a soft, delicate light grey that serves as an excellent alternative to Colorbond Surfmist—especially if you prefer a light roof without the creamy white tones. While Southerly is slightly darker than Surfmist, the difference is minimal and not immediately noticeable. This makes it a fantastic option for those seeking a pale grey roof without going as dark as the more traditional Colorbond Shale Grey.

While the mention of lavender might raise concerns for some, rest assured that when paired with the right colours, Colorbond Southerly is a beautifully understated choice for a clean, modern light metal roof.

Plunkett Homes

The colours to use with Colorbond Southerly

To create a cohesive look, it's best to choose whites with similar undertones to Colorbond Southerly. Dulux Casper White is an ideal choice for exterior walls, and using it at quarter strength works beautifully for trims, posts, and window frames.

If you're after a soft grey, Dulux Silkwort is a great option. Its warm tone and classic pale grey appearance make it a perfect fit for exteriors. For a darker accent, consider Dulux The Yang Yangs—its warm purple undertone complements Southerly nicely.

As a general rule, stick to whites, greys, and neutrals that share Southerly’s undertone, particularly if you are using this for garage doors or walling.   Avoid anything with green or strong creamy yellow tones, as these can clash with its subtle warmth.  Although there is some warmth present, it comes from the lavender undertone which can work well with some blue tones.

Consider the style of home too

Colorbond Southerly is a great choice for coastal homes thanks to its light, airy appearance. However, it’s important to note that Southerly is not available in the Ultra range, so it’s not suitable for properties in beachfront locations where sea spray regularly reaches the building.

When selecting a metal roof colour, always consider your roof’s style. Hip roofs with multiple gables will display more surface area—and therefore more of the colour—compared to simpler skillion roofs. Natural light is also a key factor: sunlight tends to wash out colours on north- and west-facing aspects, while roofs facing east or south (especially those visible from the street) will show the colour more strongly.

As you can see from the image below, Colorbond Southerly really is just a pretty, pale silver toned roof that will work in many situations.

Green Frog Roofing

How to partner this with other Colorbond colours

There are two main approaches to choosing metal colours for roofs, gutters, and fascias. One option is to use the same colour across all elements, which results in a sleek, modern appearance. Alternatively, you can choose a different colour for the fascia to coordinate with other trim colours on your home, creating a more classic and layered look. For instance, Colorbond Dover White is a crisp, clean white that pairs beautifully with Southerly and can be a great choice for fascias. If you're using white for posts or walls, you might also consider using Dover White for the downpipes to maintain a cohesive look.

Related:  How to select roofs, gutters and fascias

You can read more about the other Colorbond colours here.

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