If you’re considering selling your home or are ready to improve your curb appeal, there’s a few things you can do to make your home stand out. A major change could be repainting the exterior of your home.
However, it’s not a decision you’ll want to make lightly. An exterior paint job is an investment that can change the entire look of your home for years to come. Choosing the right colors can sometimes be the most difficult part of any paint project.
7 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Paint Color
You should decide on an exterior paint color for your siding first since that takes up most of the exterior surface of a home. When choosing an exterior color there are key factors to consider.
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The Roof
The color of your roof can help you decide which exterior color to choose. If your roof is brown, you may want to choose a warm color for your siding like tan or beige. However, if your roof is black or grey, a cooler tone like a blueish-grey color might blend better.
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Fixed Elements
Pay attention to the fixed elements of your home’s exterior. These are features that cannot be painted or you don’t plan to change, such as stone chimneys, copper awnings or landscaping. The exterior color you choose needs to blend well with these elements.
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Your Neighbors
Look at the colors of your neighbors’ homes, but do not repeat them. Choose a color that complements the house next to yours. Your home should have its own personality, but not stand out in a bad way.
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Check with Your HOA
If you live in a subdivision that is governed by a homeowners’ association, there may be restrictions on paint colors. Check with them before making a final decision.
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Consider the Region and History
Drive around your neighborhood or city to make sure your color scheme is appropriate for the region you live in. Turquoise would be perfect for a home in a coastal region but would stick out like a sore thumb in the Midwest.
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Scale and Depth
Colors can have different effects visually. Light exterior colors can make a house look larger. On the other hand, dark colors make a home appear smaller and further back from the curb.
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Test a Few Colors
Buy a few color samples to test on different areas of your home. Observe it at various times throughout the day. Natural lighting makes exterior colors appear lighter. Pay attention to how the sunlight affects the appearance of the paint color.
Classic Exterior Colors
Still not sure which color to paint your home? Here are some of the current most popular trends in exterior paint colors.
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Grey
Grey in both a light or dark shade. A light grey exterior can be complemented by black and white accents, giving your home a classic look. If you choose a darker grey, white trim will go well with it.
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Beige
Beige or any neutral color is the best choice when it comes time to sell your home. Neutral colors will never go out of style. Paint the trim and other accents white for a classic look.
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Brown
If you’re going for a rustic look, then choose dark brown for your exterior. A tan or light brown works as an accent color
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White
A white exterior makes the perfect backdrop for any color to stand out. It gives off a clean and elegant style for your home. Accent colors can be fun to play with here.
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Green
Light, sage green is the new color for home exteriors. This non-neutral color can be paired easily with many accent color options.
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Navy Blue
Navy Blue is a bold exterior color choice. White as an accent color pairs well with navy blue. Your home will stand out on your street.
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Red
Red is another bold color that should be complemented by neutral colors to even out the look of your home and make it warm and inviting.
Other Exterior Elements to Consider
While you may see your home as one whole item, when it comes to painting, there are many separate exterior items to be painted. Here are a few elements to consider:
- Siding: Should be your main color focal point.
- Window & Door Trim: Neutral accent colors work best here.
- Front Door: Make your front door pop with color.
- Railings & Spindles: Another area you can play with an accent color or neutral.
- Shutters: Some homeowners like to coordinate with their door or trim color here.
- Garage Doors: These can be the same color as the siding or coordinated with the trim.
Conclusion
Not sure what color scheme to choose for your home? Ask the professionals at Battle Born Painting. We specialize in exterior and interior painting. We have all the classic colors as well as the newest color trends available. Contact us today for a consultation.
