Deciding which color to paint the exterior of your home can be a fun and exciting experience, but it is not a choice to be taken lightly. The color of your home is one of the biggest design decisions you will ever make and one that everyone who walks or drives down your street will notice. The possibilities for outdoor color combinations are endless (unless you have a strict HOA), but paying homage to your favorite sports team or choosing colors that rival Barbie’s dream home will not only devalue your property, but leave your neighbors wondering what in the world you were thinking. If you are having trouble deciding on the perfect colors to paint your house, then follow these simple tips to ensure the best results.
Consider the home’s architecture
Certain architectural styles look best in certain colors. For example, Ivy Green exterior paint may look fantastic on an ornate Victorian home, but would probably not work on a modern contemporary design. Most styles have suggested color palettes that can enhance architectural features and even improve resale value.
Draw inspiration from the neighbors
Drive around your neighborhood and see what everyone else has done. You don’t have to be a complete copycat, but you also don’t want to stand out like a sore thumb. Choose a couple of homes that you like and use their color palettes to inspire your own.
Pay attention to existing structural features
The roof, brick, and stone of your home make up an integral part of your overall design and should therefore be factored into your color scheme. Brick or stone can come in a variety of hues from peachy brown to rusty red to smoky gray, so select exterior paint that matches or complements the undertones to avoid clashing.
Pick your trim and accent colors at the same time
An exterior color palette involves more than just the color of your siding. You need to pick at least two other colors to complete your house painting project. One color will highlight the windows and roof lines while the other will accent the shutters, architectural accents, and doors. Once you have settled on a main color, choose a hue that perhaps is a few shades lighter or darker for the trim. A complementing accent color would be another wonderful choice. Accent colors have a little more flexibility, so you can play with different colors until you achieve the desired effect.
Choosing an exterior color palette has never been easier than with Benjamin Moore paint and MidSouth Lumber & Supply, Inc. We have done a lot of the hard work for you by providing suggested trim and accent color options when you select a color for the main body of your home. If you would like some more information, stop by one of our locations and talk with our exterior paint experts!
For help choosing an outdoor paint color, contact our friendly team today!