Your home’s exterior colour plays a major role in its overall look and feel. It shapes your home’s style, enhances street appeal, and influences how it interacts with its surroundings. The right colour can highlight architectural details, complement natural materials, and even impact energy efficiency.
Recently, more homeowners have been choosing bold, statement-making colours, with dark hues becoming a standout trend. Among these, COLORBOND® Monument® has become a favourite for its modern, sophisticated appeal and versatility across different home styles.
If you’re considering Monument® for your home, this guide will help you decide where and how to use it for the best effect.
Monument® vs. Basalt® and Woodland Grey®:
Understanding the Differences
Monument® vs. Basalt®
Basalt® is a mid-tone grey with a softer, cooler appearance. It offers a modern yet understated look, while Monument® is darker and more defined. If you prefer a bold, high-contrast exterior, Monument® is the better choice. If you’re after a subtler, more muted grey, Basalt® may suit your style.
Monument® vs. Woodland Grey®
Woodland Grey® has earthy green undertones, making it ideal for natural surroundings and traditional home styles. Monument®, on the other hand, is a neutral grey, giving it a more contemporary, urban feel. If you want a sleek, architectural aesthetic, Monument® is the way to go. If you’re aiming for a colour that blends seamlessly with natural landscapes, Woodland Grey® might be the better fit.
Monument® is the best choice for homeowners looking for a strong, defined exterior with bold contrast.
How to Use COLORBOND® Monument® in Your Home
Roofing
A Monument® roof makes a statement. It works particularly well in modern and contemporary designs, adding depth and definition. It pairs beautifully with lighter walls for contrast or matching trims for a seamless finish.
Recommended Lysaght profiles:
- CUSTOM ORB® – Classic corrugated finish for versatility
- KLIP-LOK® 700 – Sleek, concealed-fix option for a modern look.
Best colour pairings:
- Light walls in Dune®, Surfmist®, or Shale Grey™ for contrast
- Timber or stone accents to soften the look
- Monument® gutters and fascia for a cohesive appearance.
Wall Cladding
Using Monument® for external cladding enhances a home’s architectural features. It works well for full facades, feature walls, or as part of a mixed-material design with timber, brick, or render.
Recommended Lysaght profiles:
- ENSEAM® – A bold, vertical cladding for strong lines
- LONGLINE 305® – High-rib cladding for added depth.
Best colour pairings:
- Warm materials like natural timber or stone to balance the depth of Monument®
- Matt or textured finishes to prevent the façade from looking too flat.
Fencing
A Monument® fence offers a contemporary, low-maintenance solution for privacy and security. It works well in modern homes and contrasts beautifully with landscaping.
Recommended Lysaght profiles:
- NEETASCREEN® – Strong, durable boundary fencing SMARTASCREEN® – A slatted design for a contemporary touch.
Best design pairings:
- Light paving or decking to break up the dark colour
- Timber gates or stone pathways to add warmth.
Gutters, Fascia, and Downpipes
Monument® is a great choice for gutters, fascia, and downpipes, whether you want a monochromatic, all-dark look or a contrasting feature against lighter walls.
Best design pairings:
- Monument® gutters with a matching roof for a seamless finish
- Monument® gutters with a Surfmist® or Dune® roof for contrast.
Is a Dark Exterior Right for You?
If you love the bold, modern appeal of a dark exterior but have a few concerns, you’re not alone.
A common concern is whether a dark roof will make your home hotter. Thanks to COLORBOND® steel’s Thermatech® solar reflectance technology, heat absorption is minimised, helping to keep your home cooler and more energy-efficient. Combined with good insulation and ventilation, a Monument® roof performs well in various climates.
Another concern is fading over time. COLORBOND® steel is designed with advanced coatings to protect against fading, chalking, and weathering. With minimal maintenance, your home will maintain its deep, rich colour for years.
And what if you’re worried that Monument® might feel too bold? The beauty of this colour is that it can be dramatic or subtle, depending on how you use it. A full Monument® roof or facade makes a strong statement, but you can also introduce it in smaller ways—fencing, gutters, or feature walls. Pairing it with timber or stone softens its intensity, creating a stylish, balanced look.
Who Should Choose COLORBOND® Monument®?
Monument® is a great option for homeowners who:
- Want a modern, sophisticated exterior
- Prefer low-maintenance materials that last
- Like strong contrasts and bold architectural aesthetics
Want a colour that pairs well with timber, stone, and other natural elements.
How to Take the Next Step
- Order COLORBOND® steel samples to compare shades in different lighting
- Consult with a builder or designer to explore how Monument® can enhance your home
With the right pairings and applications, Monument® can bring a contemporary edge and lasting style to your home.
