Understanding Your Home’s Architectural Style
Your home’s architecture should heavily influence your color choices. A Victorian-era home, for example, can handle multiple colors and intricate detailing, while a modern ranch might benefit from a simpler, more minimalist palette. Research the typical colors associated with your architectural style.
Consider the existing elements of your home that won’t be painted, such as brick, stone, roofing, and windows. These are fixed elements that need to be considered as part of your overall color scheme. The paint colors you select should complement these existing features.
Considering Your Surroundings
Your home doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Take into account the surrounding landscape and neighborhood when deciding how to choose the right paint colors for your home exterior.
The Landscape Connection
Think about the colors of your landscaping. Do you have a lot of green foliage? Browns and greens from the surrounding trees and shrubs can influence your color choices. You want the house to blend harmoniously with its surroundings, not clash.
Neighborhood Harmony
Look at the colors of the homes in your neighborhood. You don’t necessarily want to copy them, but you also don’t want to be the only house with a wildly different color scheme. Aim for a cohesive look that complements the overall neighborhood aesthetic. HOA regulations often have guidelines related to color selection.
Exploring Color Palettes
Now comes the fun part: exploring different color palettes! Here are some tips for selecting the right colors for your home.
The Importance of Undertones
Colors have undertones, which are subtle hues that can affect how they appear in different lighting conditions. A seemingly neutral gray might have blue, green, or even pink undertones. Always test paint colors in various lighting conditions to see how the undertones appear.
The 60-30-10 Rule
This decorating rule is a great guideline for exterior painting. Choose a dominant color (60%), a secondary color (30%), and an accent color (10%). The dominant color is typically used for the main body of the house, the secondary color for trim and shutters, and the accent color for doors and other small details.
Using a Color Wheel
A color wheel can be a helpful tool for understanding color relationships. Complementary colors (opposite each other on the wheel) create contrast, while analogous colors (next to each other) create a more harmonious look.
Testing Your Choices
Never commit to a paint color without testing it first! Testing is critical to determining how to choose the right paint colors for your home exterior.
Paint Samples are Essential
Buy small sample cans of your favorite colors and paint large swatches on different areas of your house. Observe the colors at different times of day and in different lighting conditions.
Consider Sheen
The sheen of the paint can also affect how the color appears. Higher gloss sheens reflect more light and are more durable, but they can also highlight imperfections. Matte or flat sheens are more forgiving but less durable. Consider using a different sheen for trim than for the body of the house.
Testing in Various Light Conditions
It is imperative to view the paint samples during different times of the day. Natural light can change the appearance of a color. Morning light is often cooler, while afternoon light is warmer.
Evaluating the Samples from a Distance
View the samples from the street or across your yard to see how they look from a distance. This will give you a better sense of how the colors will work together and how they will impact your home’s overall curb appeal.
Seeking Professional Advice
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Color Consultations
Many paint stores and design professionals offer color consultations. They can help you narrow down your choices and create a cohesive color scheme.
Hiring a Painting Contractor
A professional painting contractor can not only handle the painting itself, but they can also offer valuable advice on color selection and application techniques. Getting a professional’s opinion could be useful when deciding how to choose the right paint colors for your home exterior.
Conclusion
Choosing the right paint colors for your home exterior can be a challenging but rewarding process. By considering your home’s architectural style, surrounding landscape, and neighborhood context, exploring different color palettes, testing your choices, and seeking professional advice when needed, you can create a beautiful and lasting result. Remember that how to choose the right paint colors for your home exterior depends on your individual tastes and circumstance.
