Choosing Exterior Paint Colors: A Guide To Selling Your Home

Choosing the right exterior paint colour can be a daunting task for homeowners. It is a long-term commitment and can be costly to fix if you get it wrong. There are several factors to consider when choosing an exterior paint colour, from the style and era of your home to the surrounding landscape and neighbouring houses.

One of the most important things to consider is the architectural style of your home. For example, a classic Federal-style home or a New England saltbox home would look out of place in a bright colour like burnt orange or pale mint green. Instead, opt for historically accurate colours or consult an architect or colour consultant.

Another factor to consider is whether you want your home to blend in or stand out. Take a look at the paint colours of neighbouring houses and the surrounding landscape. If you live in an area with a lot of white and grey houses, for example, you might want to choose a navy blue to make a statement. Or, if you live in the desert, you might choose a creamy sand colour to blend in with your surroundings.

It's also important to consider the fixed elements of your home, such as the roof, stonework, and pathways, and choose a colour that ties these elements together harmoniously.

When choosing a colour, be sure to test paint swatches and look at them at different times of the day and in different weather conditions, as exterior colours can appear very different outdoors in natural light.

Finally, don't be afraid to have fun with your exterior paint colour! Choose a colour that reflects your personality and showcases your style.

Consider the style of your home and the character of your neighbourhood

When choosing exterior paint colours, it's important to consider the style of your home and the character of your neighbourhood.

First, take stock of the architecture of your house. Some houses have distinct design styles that are hard to ignore when adding your own personal touch. For example, if your house is ultramodern, with glass walls and open floor plans, a cozy, homey style may be challenging to achieve. On the other hand, a log cabin in the woods will naturally lean towards more rustic styles.

Next, consider your neighbourhood. Do you live in an area of historic homes or a newer suburb with dominant themes? Use these as a starting point for your colour palette. For example, an exuberant collection of pastels may not suit a ranch-style home, while bold hues may feel out of place on a Victorian-style home.

Additionally, pay attention to the fixed colours of your home, such as brick or stone on the foundation, window trims, and even the roof. These should serve as a base for your colour scheme. For instance, a house with earthy stone and bright white vinyl windows will look out of place. Instead, opt for beige vinyl windows and coordinate your trim colour accordingly.

Finally, be mindful of the impact of sunlight on your chosen colours. Colours look much brighter outside, especially in direct sunlight. So, if you're considering a white or off-white colour, choose a shade that is two or three steps down from a bright white on the paint strip.

By taking these factors into account, you can select exterior paint colours that complement the style of your home and the character of your neighbourhood.

Take inspiration from other houses

When it comes to choosing the right exterior paint colour, it can be a good idea to take inspiration from other houses in your neighbourhood. This can help you decide whether you want your house to blend in with the others on your street or stand out with a unique colour.

If you live in an area with a lot of white and grey houses, for example, you might want to choose a navy blue colour to help your house stand out. Alternatively, if you live in an area with a lot of natural elements, like a desert or the woods, you might want to choose a colour that either blends in with the surroundings or stands out against them. For instance, a house in the desert could blend in with a creamy sand colour, while a house in the mountains could stand out with a rich black exterior.

In addition to the colours of other houses in your neighbourhood, you should also consider the style of your house and the surrounding landscape. For example, if you have a ranch-style home, you might want to avoid choosing very bold hues, while if you have a Victorian house, you might want to choose more traditional colours. Likewise, if you have a lot of greenery in your yard, you might want to choose a cool grey paint colour to make the surroundings pop.

Remember, the colour you choose for your house exterior should ultimately be something that you like and feel represents your style and personality. Don't be afraid to add a pop of colour or choose a unique combination to make your house stand out!

Don't follow trends

When choosing an exterior paint colour, it is important to remember that, just like clothing, sofa and interior paint colours, they are subject to passing trends. While it may be tempting to follow the latest trends, it is important to remember that, in a few years, you may be left wishing you had opted for a more timeless option.

For example, in recent years, charcoal has been a popular colour for home exteriors. However, colour expert, design blogger, author, decorator and stylist Maria Killam warns against following this trend. She argues that, just as most people would not be interested in painting their houses brown – a colour that was once trendy but is now considered outdated – homeowners should also avoid following the charcoal trend. While you may love it now, as soon as the grey trend is over, you will wish you had opted for a different neutral.

Instead of following the latest trends, it is better to opt for a colour that complements the style of your home and the colours that already exist on your home's exterior. For example, if you have a ranch-style home, you might want to opt for a different colour scheme than if you had a Victorian home. Additionally, if your home has existing stone or brick areas that won't be painted, you will need to choose a paint colour that complements these materials.

So, when choosing an exterior paint colour, remember to think long-term and don't be too swayed by passing trends. Opt for a colour that complements your home's style and existing features, and you'll be more likely to be happy with the result for years to come.

Look at the fixed colours of your home

When choosing a colour to paint the exterior of your house, it's important to consider the fixed colours that are already there. This includes brick or stone on the foundation, window trims, and even the roof. These should be used as a base for your new colour scheme.

If your home has existing stone or brick areas that won't be painted, these will have more of a say in your exterior colour choices than you do. These unpainted surfaces must be taken into account when selecting a paint colour, as they will influence the overall look of your home. You'll need to determine the "undertones" of these natural materials, which can range from pink-beige to blue-grey to taupe.

To identify the undertones of your brick or stone, examine them in natural light and compare them to colour chips or paint swatches. This will help you choose a paint colour that coordinates with the undertones of your brick or stone.

If you want to paint your stone or brick, it's generally best to stick to small accent areas rather than the entire house. Brick exteriors can be painted, and this has been done for centuries. However, it's important to select a paint colour that either shares an undertone with your brick or stone or has an undertone that coordinates well with it.

In addition to brick and stone, other fixed elements that can influence your exterior paint colour choice include the size of your home, the landscape, and the style of your home and neighbourhood. For example, a ranch-style home may not suit an exuberant collection of pastels, while bold hues may feel out of place on a Victorian-style home.

Test, test, test

Testing your paint colour is an essential step in choosing an exterior paint colour. It is a long-term commitment, so you want to get it right. Here are some tips on how to test your chosen paint colours:

• Get at least three sample colours and paint them onto poster boards.
• Put your poster boards up against your brick or stone and view them in both shade and full sun to evaluate them.
• View the paint colours at different times of the day and in different weather conditions.
• If you are still unsure, hire a designer or get a friend to take a look.

It is also important to remember that exterior paint colours can appear several shades lighter when applied to the entire house, so be sure to test the paint swatches.

Frequently asked questions