6 Dos And Don'ts Of Choosing Exterior House Colors

Choosing exterior house colors sounds easy until you realize just how many colors you have to choose from. With such a dizzying array of color combinations at your fingertips, many homeowners find themselves paralyzed with indecision.

Still, it's important to choose wisely, especially if you're thinking about selling your home in the not-too-distant future. Of course, even if you have no intention of selling, these tips should help you make a great color choice that you'll be happy with for years to come.

1. Look at the Whole Block
   When choosing paint colors, it's important to think of your house not just as an individual structure but as a part of a larger environment. Look at your entire street and consider all the color schemes you see. You don't want to paint your house in a way that will stand out like a sore thumb, but you don't necessarily want to blend in completely, either. Find a set of colors that will compliment other homes on your block while still maintaining some individuality.
2. Consider Era and Architectural Style
   It's important to carefully weigh the architectural style and the time when your home was built and select colors that feel appropriate. For example, a house built in the Queen Ann Victorian style can lend itself to high contrast and bold color choices, while a house with classic Federal-style architecture typically works best with a more conservative palette. Some paint companies offer collections of historically accurate colors, which is a great place to start if you're looking for inspiration.
3. Plan Around Fixed Elements
   Unless you're planning major renovations, certain colors on your house aren't likely to change. Look at the colors you see on surfaces like roof shingles or tiles, stonework, brick walls, pathways, and driveways. These elements are hard to change, so work on creating a color palette that will tie these fixtures together or blend in harmoniously with them.
4. Borrow from Nature
   If your house has some natural scenery around it — and almost every house does, to some degree — use it as a source of inspiration. A house surrounded by lots of trees may inspire you to use earthy tones and shades of green. Beachfront homes often look great when the paint job incorporates tones inspired by the sand and sea. You can even borrow color combinations from your garden beds and blooming shrubs.
5. Understand the Effects of Light and Dark
   Light and dark colors have very different effects. Light shades have a way of making a house appear larger. That's why white is such a favored color for grand estates and traditional classical architecture. Dark colors can make your house appear smaller if you use them in large areas, but dark tones also add drama, which is why they're great for trim and accents.
6. Choose a Color Family
   While it is not strictly required, painting with several related shades often creates a harmonious look. Using contrasting colors, on the other hand, can leave you with a clashing, disorganized appearance. Start with a basic color you like, and pick three related shades for different parts of your house: one for large dominant areas; one for doors, shutters, and other smaller areas; and one for trim like window and door casings, roof edging, and railings.

Choosing the right color combination can make your house the envy of the whole block and may even help your home sell more quickly if you ever decide to put it on the market. One thing is for sure — the right colors will make your house a better place to call home!

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