How to Pick the Top Exterior Paint Colors for Your Home
Last Updated: August 9, 2017
Did you know it only takes us a tenth of a second
to judge whether someone is trustworthy based on their face?
While the outside of your home is not a human face, it is the face of your home. It’s the first thing guests will see and judge as they walk to your door.
Having the right home exterior paint colors can help you make a great first impression on your guests.
Picking Top Exterior Paint Colors for Your Home
In addition to picking the right exterior paint colors for your family, you’ll also want to select colors that have great resale value. Neutral colors like white and gray translate to “ shelter” or “safe haven” in a buyer’s mind while sandy colors translate to “warmth.”
Remember, you will need three colors: field color, the main color of the house; accent color, the color of the shutters and doors; and trim color, the color of the window trims.
Do Your Research
Researching the best color for your home is a crucial step, especially if you’re planning on selling in the coming years.
First, take note of the color palette in your neighborhood. Ideally, you will want to remain within that palette or not stray too far from it.
You should also note how the sun hits certain parts of your house throughout the day. You’ll want to select paints that don’t age quickly or wash out in the sun.
Plan Around Home Features That Are Hardest to Change
Unless you’re doing a full home renovation, the colors of your roof, driveway, pathways, and stonework will remain the same. As you consider new exterior paint colors, you’ll want to stay away from colors that clash with these unchanging features.
Search for an underlying tone in these elements to help you pick an exterior paint. You’ll notice either a warm or cool undertone, so select your field color based on that undertone.
What Visual Effect Do You Want to Create?
Different color paints can create certain visual effects in your home. You can use dark colors to make your home recede a bit or light colors to make your home stand out.
Consider how close your home is to the street and how covered it is by any landscaping or trees. For example, if your house sits among lots of greenery, you might consider painting it white or off-white to create contrast with dark trees and bushes.
Test Samples
Each paint manufacturer is different, so it’s important to test small samples on your home’s exterior to see how its color changes on the exterior’s surface. Test the field, accent, and trim colors to see how they look together.
Once you’ve made a selection, get in touch with a painting contractor to get a quote for your home.
Remember, Have Fun!
Choosing exterior paint colors shouldn’t be a daunting task. Your home should reflect your family’s personality while bringing you future value.
If you have questions about selecting an exterior color palette or about exterior painting in general, get in touch with us.
