The question of what color to choose for your home exterior can be daunting for so many people. Choosing your home’s exterior color is a big decision, as it will last for years to come and can’t be redone as easily or inexpensively as a bedroom or bathroom. There are several factors a homeowner must take into consideration, but the most important is the style and architecture of the home and the colors of the neighborhood and region.
The easiest place to start for choosing exterior color is to take note of the colors that already exist in the roof, masonry, and other architectural accents.
- The Craftsman style became popular during the Arts and Crafts period during the early 20th century and typically includes a low-pitched roof and tapered square pillars that frame a recessed porch and entry. Handcrafted wood and natural stone are often present inside and out. Craftsman-style homes look best when the main color of the home echoes those mixed materials, whether it’s a shade of taupe, graphite or forest.
- Spanish-style homes are popular in the west and southwest and are known for their stucco exteriors, tile roofs, and arched passageways and windows. Preserving this style means choosing a paler shade of cream that can have subtle undertones like yellow, brown, gray, or a hint of olive. Take a look at our neutral colors.
- A Tudor is known for its high-pitched roof, recessed entryway, and stone or brick chimneys or accents. The trim or main color is traditionally a shade of medium to dark brown but any earth tones will enhance this Old English style.
- Elaborate Victorian-style homes demand a more colorful palette to accent the intricate architectural moldings or gingerbread details. With these homes, anything goes! There really is no right or wrong if you stick with three to five complementary hues. Take a look at these color combinations.
- A classic colonial is often a clean crisp white with contrasting shutters in a deep shade of blue, green, or gray, which is the easiest color combination of all. Try choosing a bold color for the front door. Regardless of how neutral the rest of the home is, the front door need not be so. Consider painting just the front door a fun color to create an attractive, welcoming entry.
When choosing your home’s exterior color, keep the following things in mind.
- It’s important to make a timeless choice that not only adds curb appeal and increases resale value, but also shares some similarity with the homes in your neighborhood.
- Emphasize architectural details and windows with a complementary accent color but choose colors that are related.
- Simpler homes require as few as two colors, but elaborate homes can use up to five.
- Use the style of your home as your ultimate guide.