If you’re considering painting the exterior of your home, it’s advised that you take your time in making a decision. Exterior paint can be a costly investment particularly because of its permanence and the many factors that go into the decision. You want to take into account the durability of the paint you select, your home’s architecture, the era in which it was built, and your desired aesthetic. Perhaps most crucially, though, is selecting a color that will be appealing to yourself as well as a range of potential buyers. When done right, you’ll likely only need to make this decision once. Below we’ll expand on 4 additional tips that will give you confidence when choosing the exterior color of your home.
1. Choose several paint shades.
Because choosing the exterior paint color of your home is a decision that should be made right the first time around, you’ll want to choose from as many samples as possible. One of the best tools in the game is a visualizer, which helps you find the perfect color amongst many, and is a service offered by many popular retailers, including Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore. By uploading photos of your house, this tool allows you to see how different shades and colors will appear on the walls of your home, and truly allow you to visualize the end result before actually painting anything.
2. Plan to spend more money for a higher quality paint.
This is an especially important tip for exterior paint selection. When you invest in a higher quality paint, you ensure that your home will not need another paint job for a very long time, which is especially useful if you are about to put your home on the market. Make certain that the paint and primer you end up selecting will provide ample coverage, resist stains, and withstand harsh weather.
3. Select a color based on the other elements of your home.
According to Houzz, an exterior color scheme “…has three major parts: field color, which dominates; accent color, which brings doors, shutters and other smaller areas to life; and trim color, used for window and door casings, roof edging, railings and other trim.” With this in mind, you’ll want your trim color to contrast with your field color as well as your main hue. If you don’t want to use white as your trim color, choose a hue a few shades lighter from your main color. Should you desire a bold color anywhere in the exterior of your home, the best place to do this is in the accent shade, as it will produce a pop of color without going overboard.
4. Account for more permanent details surrounding your home and in your yard.
Think of the landscape surrounding your home, such as trees, flowers, and your lawn. The colors from these natural elements will help you choose a color for your home. For example, if you have beautiful, dark colored trees in the front of your home and they’re a main feature, you’ll want your home to be painted a light color in order to accentuate it more. Additionally, confirm that the color you select is in accordance with your home’s architectural style and the neighborhood your house sits in. Don’t stray too far from your neighborhood’s guidelines, but also maintain your personal flair. Many professionals specialize in this area and can advise you in maintaining this balance.
Ultimately, it’s worth the time, effort and money you invest in choosing an exterior paint color, as this ultimately serves to enhance your home and make it stand out amongst other homes on the market. When you invest your time wisely, it will show, quite literally.
Sources:
https://www.thespruce.com/exterior-paint-colors-with-visualizer-4071366