The selection of your exterior house colors is your chance to show your style, make a statement, and make a great first impression. The colors you choose for your home’s exterior paint matter a lot. They can tell a story, set a mood, and even affect how your house fits into your neighborhood.
While you might feel like choosing the perfect exterior paint colors for your home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make – it can be easy. In this blog post, I’ll break down the process into easy-to-understand steps. Whether you’re giving your home a major facelift or just freshening up its look, this post will help you make smart decisions.
Scroll on for more details and links to recreate this look in your home. Everything is linked at the end!
SELECTING A COHESIVE PALETTE FOR YOUR EXTERIOR HOME COLORS
When selecting colors and materials for your home’s exterior to create a cohesive palette, it’s crucial to consider the interconnected elements that contribute to your property’s overall look and feel.
First, start by choosing a primary siding color that complements your home’s architectural style and suits the surrounding environment.
Then, select trim and accent colors that harmonize with the main shade while providing a visual contrast. Or, you may decide to keep a clean, modern aesthetic by choosing your siding and trim colors to be the same. Keep in mind the gutters will need a color as well. Do they match your trim? Or are they an accent color?
Materials such as stone, brick, or wood can add texture and depth to your exterior, enhancing the overall palette. Also, pay attention to your roof color, as it should integrate seamlessly into the scheme.
Ultimately, a cohesive exterior palette is about balance, where each component complements and enhances the others, resulting in a harmonious and visually appealing home exterior.
Sounds easy, right? Not so fast. There are several common mistakes homeowners should avoid when selecting their exterior home colors:
Ignoring the Architecture: One of the most significant mistakes is disregarding your home’s architectural style. The exterior colors and materials should be in harmony with the style of your home. A modern palette may not work well with a traditional house, for instance.
Neglecting the Neighborhood: Failing to consider the context of your neighborhood can lead to an exterior that clashes with the surrounding homes. While you want your home to stand out, it should also blend in to some extent.
Overlooking Samples and Testing: Choosing colors and materials without testing them on your home’s exterior can result in unpleasant surprises. Always obtain samples and test them in different lighting conditions to ensure you’re happy with the final look.
Relying Solely on Trends: Trends can change quickly, and what’s fashionable today may not be in a few years. Don’t base your choices solely on current trends; consider timeless and classic options that will age well.
Forgetting About Practicality: Exterior materials need to be durable and low-maintenance. Choosing materials that require frequent upkeep or that don’t withstand the local climate can lead to costly repairs.
Ignoring Regulations: Failing to check local regulations, homeowners’ association guidelines, or historical district requirements can lead to costly changes and delays in your project.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your exterior colors and material choices result in a cohesive, visually appealing, and long-lasting home exterior.
INCORPORATING YOUR EXTERIOR HOME COLORS WITH brick or STONE ACCENTS
Selecting brick or stone materials for your home’s exterior, in coordination with choosing the right house exterior colors, is a critical aspect of achieving a harmonious and appealing look.
If you plan on using one of these materials, or your home has one of these already, this is the best place to begin. Start by considering the natural tones and textures of the brick or stone you intend to use.
These materials often have inherent colors that can guide your paint choices. If the brick or stone has warm, earthy tones, opt for exterior colors that complement those hues. Alternatively, if the materials have cool or neutral undertones, select paint colors that harmonize with them.
Testing paint samples against the brick or stone in different lighting conditions is essential to ensure a cohesive palette. Additionally, choose paint colors that complement, rather than compete with, the natural beauty of these materials.
The key is to create a balanced and unified exterior by allowing the brick or stone to influence your color choices, resulting in a visually pleasing and coordinated appearance for your home.
SELECTING WINDOWS THAT COORDINATE WITH YOUR EXTERIOR HOME COLORS
Selecting windows and their colors in coordination with your exterior home paint colors is an essential element in creating a cohesive and visually appealing facade.
The trend of using black or dark bronze windows has gained popularity for its modern and sophisticated look. However, for existing homes with white windows, achieving a harmonious transition during a facelift is entirely possible.
If you’re committed to updating your exterior paint colors while keeping your white windows, consider selecting a paint palette that complements white, such as soft neutrals or muted earth tones. These colors can work in harmony with white windows, creating a balanced and inviting aesthetic.
Alternatively, windows in a darker hue can provide a contemporary contrast to a lighter exterior. The key is to ensure that the window colors and the new paint scheme work together to enhance your home’s overall appearance and curb appeal.
Another often overlooked selection to consider is the window coverings for your home. Whether you plan to have blinds, shades, or curtains, you should carefully consider how the materials and colors you select will look from outside.
benefits of selecting light exterior home colors
When selecting paint colors for our house, there was no question I wanted to go for a light neutral shade of white. Not too white, but and not too creamy. Finding the right shade took some time, but I knew I wanted a light color for several reasons.
Choosing light paint colors for your home exterior has several benefits, which can make a significant impact on the appearance and comfort of your home. Here are some advantages of opting for light exterior paint colors:
Heat Reflectivity: Light colors, particularly whites and creams, have higher reflectivity and lower absorption of solar heat compared to dark colors. This can help keep your home cooler in hot climates, reducing cooling costs and energy consumption.
Enhanced Curb Appeal: Light colors often create a fresh, clean, and inviting appearance. They can make your home look larger, more open, and more inviting, which can enhance curb appeal and make a positive first impression.
Timeless Elegance: Light colors are classic and tend to age well. They are less likely to go out of style, making them a safe and timeless choice that can increase the resale value of your home.
Versatility: Light colors are versatile and can pair well with a wide range of stone, accent, and landscaping colors. They provide a neutral backdrop that allows architectural details and landscaping to shine.
Concealing Imperfections: Light colors can help hide minor imperfections in the siding, such as small cracks or blemishes, more effectively than dark colors.
Visual Expansion: Light colors have the visual effect of making spaces appear larger and more open. This can be especially beneficial for smaller homes or those with limited outdoor space.
Reduced Fading: Light colors are less prone to fading due to sun exposure than dark colors, which can help maintain the vibrancy of your home’s exterior over time.
Compliance with Regulations: Some homeowners’ associations or local regulations may have restrictions on exterior paint colors, and they often favor lighter, more neutral tones.
Easier Maintenance: Light colors tend to show dirt, dust, and stains less visibly than dark colors, making them easier to maintain and keep looking clean.
While light colors offer numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider your home’s specific location, architectural style, and personal preferences when selecting exterior paint colors.
Additionally, proper preparation and high-quality paint products are crucial for achieving the desired durability and appearance when using light colors for your home’s exterior.
SHERWIN WILLIAMS
URBANE BRONZE
SW7048
SHERWIN WILLIAMS
BASALT POWDER
HGSW2457
EL DORADO STONE
LEDGECUT33
BIRCH
In the realm of homeownership, the selection of exterior house colors and materials is far from a minor detail; it’s a pivotal decision that has the potential to elevate your home to a status of timeless sophistication and refinement. Your home’s exterior serves as a canvas to showcase your style, making it the highlight of the neighborhood.
With careful consideration and planning, you have all the tools you need to craft a facade that exudes enduring elegance. From classic color palettes that transcend trends to color choices that radiate sophistication, you can create a home that stands the test of time and captivates the neighborhood (in a good way). So, embrace this exciting opportunity to transform your home into a masterpiece that leaves a lasting impression. Happy painting!
X O X O , K A T E
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