Tips for Picking the Best Exterior Paint Color

Selecting the perfect exterior paint color can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. The right choice will enhance your home's curb appeal and reflect your style. If you're looking for professional Painters in Winter Springs, FL, contact Lakestone Painting today for a free consultation. Here are some expert tips to help guide you in picking the best exterior paint color for your home.

1. Understand Your Home’s Architectural Style

Every house has a unique architectural style that influences which colors will work best. Classic homes, such as Colonial or Victorian styles, often look great with traditional color palettes. Modern homes, on the other hand, can handle bolder, more contemporary colors. Study your home’s architecture and consider colors that either highlight its natural beauty or complement its design.

Tips:

Colonial homes generally look great with neutral colors like whites and grays.
Victorian homes can often carry off deeper, more vibrant hues.
Modern homes lend themselves to minimalist, clean color schemes.

2. Consider Your Home’s Surroundings

Look around your neighborhood and take note of the natural landscape. The surrounding environment can play a significant role in your color choice. Homes near the beach might look best in pastel shades, while those in wooded areas could benefit from earth tones.

Tips:

If your home is in a forested area, consider greens, browns, and rust colors.
For homes near water, blues and grays can complement the scenery.
Urban homes might benefit from bold, striking colors to stand out among a sea of buildings.

3. Create a Color Scheme that Includes Three Main Colors

A well-designed exterior color scheme typically includes three main colors: a dominant color for the walls, an accent color for trim, doors, and shutters, and a contrasting color for smaller details. This triadic approach ensures a balanced, cohesive look.

Tips:

Dominant Color: Choose a color that you love and that will work well with your home’s style and surroundings.
Accent Color: This should complement the dominant color and be used sparingly to highlight architectural features.
Trim Color: Often the most neutral of the three, trim colors are usually whites, grays, or blacks, giving a clean, crisp outline to your home.

4. Test Paint Samples Before Committing

Paint colors can look different once they’re actually on your home, influenced by factors like lighting and surrounding colors. Always test samples on different sides of your home before making your final decision. Paint a small section and observe how it looks at different times of the day.

Tips:

Paint large swatches on each side of your home to see how the color reads in different lighting.
Consider both natural and artificial lighting effects.
Look at the paint during different times of the day to ensure it consistently appeals to you.

5. Take Cues from Permanent Materials

Your home’s roof, stonework, and other permanent materials should play a significant role in your color palette. These elements are often costly to replace, so it’s wise to choose paint colors that harmonize with them.

Tips:

If your home features natural stone, choose a paint color that complements the stone’s hue.
Roof color can significantly influence your paint options. A red tile roof, for instance, might look great with warm, earthy tones.
Brick homes often benefit from shades that contrast with the red-brown tones of the brickwork.

6. Be Mindful of Your Home’s Size and Shape

Certain colors can affect the perceived size and shape of your home. Lighter colors can make a home appear larger, while darker colors can make it look smaller and more intimate. Consider how you want your home to be perceived from the street.

Tips:

Light colors can make a small home appear larger and more welcoming.
Dark colors can add drama and sophistication, particularly to larger homes.
Use contrasting trim to add dimension and accentuate architectural details.

7. Keep Resale Value in Mind

While you may love a bold, unique color, potential buyers might not. Neutral colors tend to have broader appeal and can help when it comes time to sell your home. If you plan to sell in the near future, it might be wise to opt for a color palette that is universally appealing.

Tips:

Stick to classic neutrals like taupe, beige, gray, and white if you plan to sell soon.
Subtle blues and greens can also be appealing without being too bold.
Avoid overly customized colors that might not suit a wide range of buyers.

8. Consult with a Professional

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. Professional painters and color consultants have the experience and expertise to guide you in making the best choice for your home. They can provide insights into color trends, durability, and application techniques that you might not have considered.

Tips:

Consult with a local painting company like Lakestone Painting for personalized advice.
Color consultants can offer tailored recommendations based on your home’s style and location.
Professional painters can also provide high-quality samples and mock-ups to help you visualize the final result.

Conclusion

Choosing the best exterior paint color involves a balance of personal preference, architectural style, and consideration of your home’s surroundings. By following these tips, you can make an informed decision that enhances your home’s curb appeal and reflects your unique style. If you’re looking for professional Painters in Winter Springs, FL, contact Lakestone Painting today for a free consultation. Our team of experts is here to help you achieve the perfect look for your home.