Choosing the right exterior paint colors can be overwhelming. You need to consider your home’s architectural style, neighborhood landscape, and the colors of nearby homes.
Your HOA guidelines also play a role, as some neighborhoods have strict rules about what colors are fair game. Lastly, remember that paint colors appear four to five times brighter outdoors than inside or on paper.
Style
When deciding on exterior paint colors, consider the color of permanent elements such as stone or brick accents and roof shingles. These should complement the home rather than clash with them. For example, choose a cooler home color for the body if you lean toward cool-toned hardscapes and plants, like pea gravel, bluestone, or sage.
Off-whites are still popular exterior paint choices, but they’ve evolved from pure white to warmer options with subtle hints of gray. It’s a soft choice that modernizes exterior brick or traditional clapboard siding and contrasts nicely with charcoal front doors or dark roof shingles.
Light grays can be an excellent background shade for a flower garden or red brick patio, while darker shades add depth to a wood deck or herb garden. When choosing the correct shade, apply sample paints to a large section of your home and observe them under varying lighting conditions throughout the day.
Location
A home’s location significantly impacts the color it looks under different lighting conditions. This includes the direction in which sunlight strikes your home throughout the day, and any shade trees or buildings might add to the landscape.
For example, light colors work well in warmer climates, reflecting the sun and keeping homes more relaxed. In contrast, darker colors are suitable for colder regions because they better absorb and retain heat.
The weather can also impact exterior painting Burlington, as bright sunny days make them look more intense than in cloudy conditions. So, before you fall in love with a color, test it on an inconspicuous area of your home at varying times of the day.
Even if you aren’t doing a complete renovation, it’s a good idea to pick paint colors that complement existing hard finishes like brick and stone so that your house is harmonious with its surroundings. And, if you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association, be sure to find out which colors are fair game before getting too invested in any particular shade.
Materials
The color palette you choose for your home should be influenced by the materials used to create it. Look at the colors of hardscapes (pea gravel, bluestone, or concrete) and plants in your yard to guide your color choices. For example, if you like cool-colored hardscapes and plants, green exterior paint colors complement them; grays could also work well.
It’s also important to consider the colors of any fixed elements, such as the roof, stone or brick accents, and window trims. These should appropriately tie into your paint color scheme for the home’s style and location. Finally, remember that outdoor light can dramatically influence a color’s appearance, so it’s best to test it under different lighting conditions and at various times of day before making a final decision.
Undertones
Some aspects of the home’s exterior can be kept the same, such as stone and brick, roof shingles, and railings around steps and balconies. These fixed elements should be considered when choosing paint colors. They need to complement or harmonize with these finishes, not fight them.
One way to choose the right color for these features is to evaluate them in natural sunlight, not just on a cloudy day. Sunlight can wash out or alter a shade, so it’s essential to consider how the color will look on your home under different conditions.
Another way to select the best undertone is to use a white color card when viewing paint chips. The stark contrast of the card helps to highlight undertones that the sample’s base color may hide. This makes it easy for designers to find the perfect undertone for their clients’ homes. For example, if the home has stone on the lower front, designers can help their clients choose an off-white with a pink-beige undertone that will coordinate well with the existing stone.
