Who doesn’t want 4 tips for choosing the perfect exterior color for your home?  After all, you don’t want to make a mistake on something that important.  And, while choosing painting colors is a personal matter – reflective of who you are and the personality you and your family want to project – you want to get it right the first time.  To make sure you are headed in the right direction, follow these tips to get started.

Tip # 1 – Consider the Permanent Elements

Every home has some permanent elements that will affect how different colors look on the exterior of the home.  For example, the roof of your home may be red tile, or light gray architectural singles, or any variety of colors.  The materials and color used to construct the roof can clash with different paint shades or tones.

4 tips for choosing an exterior paint color for your home

Additionally, things like a natural stone walkway, brick accents or ledges and even the color of your driveway need to be taken into consideration.  These permanent elements also affect the exterior look and feel of your home.  Make sure your choose a paint color scheme that compliments these existing elements.  So, we recommend taking a stroll around your property and taking pictures of all the permanent elements around your home before you make any decisions.

Tip # 2 – Choose the Exterior Areas of Your Home to Paint

Keep in mind that most homes incorporate three colors.  First, you have the main or dominant color which is the body or field (walls and large areas).   Need help getting ideas? Ride around your neighborhood and other neighborhoods you admire.  You should consider the color combinations that appeal to you and record them when you are beginning to make your initial decision about exterior colors. Next is the trim (edges and boards around the doors and windows). Finally, there is the accent color (corner boards, shutters, doors).  Using three colors depends on your vision for your home. You may opt for two colors If your home is brick or stone so that the overall effect is not too busy or overwhelming. 

Tip # 3 – Compliment the Architectural Style of Your Home

The architectural style of your home can be a great inspiration for the colors you choose.  For instance, Craftsman style is deeply influenced by nature, so you should choose rich, natural hues for the palette such as soft olive green, earthy browns and creams.  For a colonial you might want to stick to classic shades of blue, light yellow or deep red and classic white trim.

There are many architectural styles of homes.  If you are not really sure about your home’s style, check this out…architectural styles explained. This guide can help you make informed choices.  Sherwin Williams has already curated Exterior Home Style Color Palettes matching various architectural styles for you to browse.  So, let the experts help you, too!

Tip # 4 – Factor in Your Property’s Landscape 

Is your home tucked away down a long driveway or behind trees?  If so, darker colors will hide your home, making it appear smaller and harder to spot.  Similarly, if your home has a lot of sun exposure you will want to opt for lighter colors to maintain a lower indoor temperature.  

If you have flowering plants and shrubs, determine if they are “cool” colors or “warm” colors.  For a cool color palette choose blues, greens or purples.  Light yellow, pink or apricots harmonize well with warm colors.  However, most people have a variety of colors in their gardens, making the choice a little easier.  Here’s some thoughts on Matching the Colors of Your House and Garden.

4 tips

Trust Your Paint Professionals

Once you’ve selected your color palette the next step is to hire professional residential painters to bring your project to life!  Our experienced painters and our professional approach will let you relax while we do all the work.  Call Britt 803-603-6486 right now to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate.  Or e-mail ellisb@colatownpainting.com.  See our all 5-star reviews before you call to see what our clients are saying.  

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