A lot of different factors come into play when you’re choosing exterior paint colors for your home. It’s a decision that carries with it a lot of pressure for homeowners who are trying to maintain the resale value of their property, while also desiring to live in a home that is pleasing to the eyes and has great curb appeal.
If you’re planning on painting your house and aren’t sure what to do when it comes to choosing your exterior paint colors, here are a few things you may want to consider.
#1: Your landscape. This includes your lawn and hardscape, driveways, pathways, stonework, and other elements that will likely not change (save a few colorful plants that you can use to spruce up your lawn during warmer seasons. You’ll want to be sure and plan around these elements since they are hardest to alter.
Think about your overall color palette from your lawn to your roof shingles. Is it comprised of mostly warm or cool hues? Choose a main color that will tie in each element in a cohesive, yet interesting way. You don’t want to blend in too much, but you also don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb and elicit scowling stares from your neighbors. Which brings me to the second consideration.
#2: Your neighbors. Their houses are part of your palette too, so be sure to take them into consideration, whether you live in a neighborhood with an HOA or not. If you do have an HOA and must stick to your organization’s standards and bylaws, be sure you read up on the subject matter before hiring a professional painting company to change the entire color of your home. Otherwise, you’ll feel like a teenager who tattooed a photo of a misspelled word on his forehead.
#3. Trim colors. Trim adds architectural interest to your home and makes certain elements “pop” off the exterior in a pleasing way (if chosen carefully and executed well.) From the shutters to the door frames, your home can have up to 10 colors—though I don’t recommend it unless your designer has a really keen eye and thinks it’ll work out well. We suggest using no more than 3 or 4 colors, so your home doesn’t look too gaudy. In any case, as mentioned above, it’s important to consider your overall color palette as a whole, taking into consideration your landscape, roof, and surrounding homes.
It’s never a bad idea to enlist the help of a professional painter when choosing exterior paint colors. Research local painting businesses in your area and take advantage of the free consultations that many companies offer to get a good idea of what will work well for your home. A new paint job can work wonders in terms of enhancing curb appeal and increasing the value of your property!
