6 Tips for Choosing Your Home Exterior Paint Colors
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Choosing the right paint color for your home’s exterior is an important decision that can have a lasting impact on its appearance. From traditional neutrals to bold hues, there are countless colors and combinations to consider. But it’s not just about the color itself – you have to think about the sections of the home you’ll be painting, the material of each surface, and how they will blend together.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about selecting exterior paint colors for your home. Let’s get started!
1. How to Choose the Main Color
The primary color of the house is the one most people will see first when they drive up to your home. Therefore, if a homeowner opts for a new shade, it should be one that they feel looks attractive during the sunniest and darkest times of the day.
It’s also important to pick a color that complements the surrounding landscape, as this will make it look more natural and inviting. Consider colors in the same family or shades already used on outdoor features like your deck, patio, or fence. Also, consider how colors might fade over time due to weathering and choose accordingly.
2. Identify the Undertones of Your Brick or Stone
If your home has brick or stone, you’ll want to consider its undertones when choosing a color. Brick and stone have a variety of undertones, ranging from whites and blues to yellows, oranges, and reds. To determine the specific undertone of your brick or stone, look carefully at the color when in direct sunlight.
By determining the underlying tones of your brick or stone, you’ll be able to pick an exterior paint color that will complement it. You should also consider the texture and shape of the brick or stone when selecting the right paint color. For example, if your brick or stone has rustic edges and a rough texture, you may want to choose a warmer-toned color. If it’s smooth with clean lines and round corners, you might opt for a cool-toned color.
3. Consider Your Interior Paint Colors & Design
Another factor to consider when picking exterior paint colors is the color of your interior.
You want to choose a combination that works well together, so it’s important to examine the interior spaces and how they will look with various shades of paint on the outside. Take into account how much natural sunlight comes through during different times of the day. Don’t forget to also consider the furniture, artwork, rugs, and other accessories inside the home, as they will all contribute to the overall look.
4. Select the Trim Color
Loosely translated, consider the trim to be ‘wood which is not a door.’ Soffit, fascia, gutters, and other structural or accent features are trimmed. If you are struggling to decide if something is considered to be trim, ask yourself if a traditionalist would paint it white!
Even for those who tend to stick more closely to neutral colors, a little lighter than the siding color for a complementary effect or something darker for a more dramatic look. Since some homes don’t have shutters, some painters will paint an area around the windows in a facsimile of trim.
5. Choose the Accent Colors
Accent colors are an often overlooked but important component of any home’s exterior. With so many color and design options available, it can be daunting to determine which shade will work best for your house. You don’t have to stick with neutral tones – some homeowners opt for an accent color that stands out and adds personality to the exterior.
When selecting an accent color, consider the other colors already present in your house and choose one that will provide a nice contrast. Earthy tones tend to look best when paired with neutral siding colors, while more vibrant shades can help to create a bolder look.
6. Keep Your Doors and Windows in Mind
Doors and sometimes windows, exclusive of the trim, are sometimes painted the same color. Using this rule of thumb will depend on the architecture of the home and the desires of the homeowner. Also, the garage door may be painted a similar color unless the contrast is too high. No one wants a bright red garage door!
By taking these areas into account, a homeowner can get a better feel for the types of colors which will play nice with his particular situation. Some homeowners want to keep their house the same color but may want to paint the trim. Or they may keep the primary color and trim the same but paint the doors a different color. Or they may choose an entirely new palette.
As a final note, a homeowner shouldn’t be afraid to take leisure when selecting paint colors, trying samples, and even trying an app like the one offered by Behr. While none of these options will give you an accurate representation of the finished product, you’ll be able to get a general idea of the finished product.
The Wrap Up
While there are variations for every situation, understanding the basic conventions will give a homeowner an understanding of how to choose paint colors for their exterior. As painting experts, we can also guide our customers through the details and options for their homes. The final product will be one that will protect their home and bring them years of enjoyment.
Premier Painting and Coating Services is here to help with all your painting needs. From interior to exterior, we have the experience and products to provide superior results in the Tampa Bay area. For a free consultation, call us at (727) 440-9393 today!
Firs published: Sep 20, 2019
Updated: Feb 13, 2023
