How To Pick Exterior Paint Colors

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We're all proficient at some things, and should admit nosotros're not good at everything. Picking paint colors is not something I do well. So this article explains the basics nigh picking exterior paint colors, only yous won't become color recommendations. Just the opposite, as I promise to show you why a color consultation with an interior designer/decorator might be one of the smartest investments you ever make as a homeowner.

That'southward right, very few of united states can pick just the right colors without some help. If you're adamant to selection your own exterior paint colors, then in that location are some great tools you can utilise from Amy Wax, an artist and color consultant. She's written a book, Can't Fail Color Schemes, published by 1 of my favorite publishers for home related books.

Amy has too created The Color911 app, which Architectural Digest called a "tin can't live without decorating app", forth with rave reviews from many other home experts. In fact many interior designers employ this app which makes it easy to coordinate colors throughout your abode … or wardrobe.

Building Materials Can Influence Exterior Paint Colors

Picking outside paint colors isn't as easy as you lot think. A mutual mistake homeowners make is picking colors and other accessories in a vacuum. For example, you option a beautiful front door with beautiful carved glass, hardware and then the light fixtures fight the door for attention. I've also seen siding and roofing colors and textures that clash, and these aren't easy bug to set up. And of course most homes sit down virtually other houses and so y'all'll desire to consider how your house colors will fit with your neighbors.

So here are the features you lot need to consider when picking your exterior paint colors. You lot'll have more flexibility if you're edifice a business firm. If you desire to modify the color scheme for an existing house, you'll want to program the timeline for when you lot'll replace your roof, siding, etc. More than important, many materials have a limited number of colour choices which you need to consider in planning your home'south curb appeal.

Roofing color and texture as some shingles are a solid color, while others have quite a chip of color variation.
Siding color and texture, which can appear rather flat or provide visual interest with the materials used from wood (woods like), brick, stucco to decorative stone facades.
Windows can dress upwardly your abode, with trim effectually the windows and even shutters. The expert news is you can paint vinyl windows. You'll want to think long and hard about this decision, as painting windows isn't a one-time decision, as they'll crave maintenance to go along them looking great.
Outside doors from the front end door to the garage door, offering an opportunity to make a statement in a different color
Many homes have decorative trim, which can be painted to give your house more sizzle. The most common exterior trim features are the fascia boards but below the roof line and simple corner boards. There are lots more trim options like the ones shown here from Azek.com.

Ane final word of caution when picking exterior paint colors. Lighter colors reverberate more sunlight than dark colors, which absorb estrus and fade which makes impact ups more challenging. Just similar indoors, you'll demand to pick a paint sheen from flat to glossy. Most homeowners utilize flat paint for walls and semi-gloss/sleeky paint for columns, railings and other exterior trim.

How Many Exterior Paint Colors Does a House Take?

You might remember you're washed after you've picked one color, simply concord on … that's the easy part. Your house will appear flat and lackluster if it's only ane colour, then yous'll need to pick iii or 4 colors to requite it the curb appeal you want. To illustrate how large an bear on outside paint colors can have on your home's look, here's simply 1 example from Benjamin Moore'south website.

Information technology's the same house merely each one has a dissimilar palette of exterior paint colors. The top photo shows a darker dark-green house with light colored trim, and a contrasting door. The second photo uses a lighter color for the siding, and the trim is darker. The door stands out nicely and coordinates with the flowers.

So good luck picking your paint colors and don't be afraid to inquire for help, every bit it's the end outcome that matters. You're going to invest a lot of coin and/or time painting your abode, so you want to enjoy information technology for many years.

Tina helps women homeowners create homes they love, homes that back up how we live today. Leveraging her experience owning 15 houses and running a handyman concern, Tina offers a complimentary Savvy Homeowner Report.