Exterior paint colors often pull from a palette of commonly used neutral hues, though some homeowners experiment with bolder choices like deep green, bright red or rich black. When it comes to exterior home colors, there is a fine decorative line to walk. Step too far outside of the norm and your house can end up looking at odds with the neighborhood or downright ostentatious. Here are seven solid tips for getting exterior colors right:
Yes, you want to set your home apart, but don’t stray too far from the local palette. Choose a color that accentuates what’s nearby.
For instance, Craftsman-style homes get warm, muted earth tones such as ochres, browns, olives and terra-cottas, while a Cape Cod traditionally wears pale grays and blues along with white and accents of cranberry red or other rich shades.
On a wooded lot, any color is going to appear darker, according to paint experts. In this situation, you might want to stay away from green. Also to consider: garden areas and trees that change color with the seasons.
Use exterior paint color to set apart the main entry. This is the red-door concept (or use another bold hue) for your front entrance.
Major elements, such as the roof or stone features, form an existing color palette. Unless you want to spend big money, you’ve got to work with them.
Your choice of colors depends on the sun as well. Any hue you choose has to be able to stand up to the way the sun hits your home. Too pale a color and it’s wash-out city.
Exterior paint colors can actually make some of the not-so-pretty elements of your house – gutters, windows that have been placed unevenly or an unsightly garage door – look more crisp and cohesive as parts of the whole.