Best Ways to Help You Choose Your Exterior Paint Color

Choosing the right exterior paint color for your home is an important decision that can significantly impact its curb appeal, value, and overall aesthetic. The perfect shade not only complements the architecture and surrounding environment but also sets the tone for the entire house. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed choice when selecting your exterior paint color.

1. Consider Your Home’s Architecture

Different architectural styles lend themselves to different color schemes. For example:

• Colonial Homes: These classic homes often look best with traditional and elegant colors such as whites, creams, and soft pastels. You can also opt for deep, bold shades like navy blue or dark gray.
• Victorian Homes: Victorian homes are known for their ornate features and vibrant colors. Bold hues like bright yellows, turquoise, deep reds, and forest greens are great choices. These homes often have multiple colors on different elements, like trim, siding, and the front door.
• Craftsman Homes: Craftsman-style homes often benefit from earthy tones like warm browns, olive greens, soft tans, and muted yellows, which match their natural materials like stone and wood.
• Modern or Contemporary Homes: For more modern homes, you can go for clean, minimalist colors such as white, black, or neutral shades like light gray, taupe, or charcoal. Bold accent colors can be used to create a striking contrast.

2. Examine Your Neighborhood

The surrounding homes and the overall aesthetic of your neighborhood should play a significant role in your decision-making process. You don’t want your house to clash with the homes around it, but you also want it to stand out in a positive way. Try to observe the common color palettes used in your area and choose a color that complements but doesn’t necessarily match them exactly.

• Complementary Colors: If most homes in your neighborhood are painted in muted tones, you might consider a color that complements the existing palette while still being unique. For example, if your neighbors have beige homes, a rich brown or olive green might stand out beautifully without being too dramatic.

3. Test Samples on Your Home

Before you commit to a final color, always test samples directly on your home’s exterior. Paint a few swatches on the side of your house and observe how the colors look at different times of the day. Light plays a significant role in how paint colors appear, so it’s essential to check the color under various lighting conditions (morning light, afternoon sun, and evening shadows).

• Larger Test Areas: When testing, don’t just apply small swatches. Use a larger area to get a better sense of how the paint will look when covering a more significant portion of the surface.

4. Factor in Climate and Weather

The local climate and weather patterns can impact how your chosen paint color will look over time. For example, homes in areas with a lot of sunlight will often fade more quickly, so you might want to choose a color that holds up well in the sun. Earthy tones like tans and soft browns tend to withstand harsh sunlight better than bright colors.

• Hot Climates: Lighter colors, like soft whites, beiges, and pastels, tend to reflect heat and can keep your home cooler.
• Cool Climates: Darker colors like navy blue, charcoal, or deep green absorb more heat, which can help keep your home warmer in colder months.

5. Consider the Roof and Landscaping

When selecting your exterior paint color, always consider the color of your roof and any large landscaping features such as trees, bushes, or fences. You want your paint color to harmonize with these elements.

• Roof Color: If your roof is a neutral color like gray or brown, you’ll have more flexibility in choosing your exterior color. However, if your roof is bold, like red or dark brown, you may want to pick a complementary or neutral exterior color to balance it out.
• Landscaping: Think about the greenery around your home. If you have a lush garden or a lot of trees, you might choose a color that blends naturally with the environment, such as muted greens or earthy tones. Conversely, if you live in a more barren area, you may want to choose a color that pops, like a bright blue or rich yellow.

6. Test Your Trim and Accent Colors

Don’t just focus on the main color of your house – consider the trim, doors, and other accents as well. These elements offer an opportunity to add contrast and personality to the overall design. For example, if your home is a neutral beige, you might choose a contrasting dark color like charcoal gray for the trim. Accent colors like red, black, or teal can also be used for the front door, shutters, or railings.

• Cohesiveness: Ensure that your trim and accent colors complement the main color without overwhelming it. If in doubt, you can always choose shades that are within the same color family.

7. Think About Durability

The durability of your chosen exterior paint is crucial. High-quality paint will not only ensure your home looks great for years to come but also save you money on repairs.

• Exterior Paint Types: Opt for paint designed specifically for outdoor use, which is formulated to withstand harsh weather conditions, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations. Brands that offer weather-resistant or long-lasting paints will help maintain the vibrancy of the color.

8. Seek Professional Advice

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure, consider seeking advice from a professional color consultant or a painter. A professional can offer helpful suggestions based on your home’s architecture, environment, and style preferences. They can also provide valuable insight into the latest trends and color combinations.

9. Look for Inspiration

Sometimes the best inspiration comes from other sources. Browse through design magazines, Pinterest, or exterior home design websites to see how different color palettes look on various homes. Pay attention to photos of homes with a similar architecture and landscape to yours.