Exterior Home Color Schemes: Choosing The Right Paint

Choosing an exterior paint colour for your home can be a daunting task, but it's an important decision that can impact the look and feel of your home, as well as its curb appeal and resale value. The exterior colour scheme you choose will highlight the unique architectural details of your home, add character, convey a mood, and update an old facade. Here are some tips to help you select the right exterior paint colour for your home.

First, consider the style of your home and the surrounding environment. If you live in a historic home or a neighbourhood with specific style guidelines, you may want to choose traditional or neutral colours like white, beige, or grey. On the other hand, if you want to add a pop of personality, you can go for bolder colours like blue, yellow, red, or green. You can also take inspiration from the natural surroundings, such as the colours of the sky, trees, or flowers.

Next, think about the lighting conditions and how the paint colours will appear at different times of the day. Paint colours can cast differently under various lighting conditions, so it's important to test out samples and observe how they look in direct sunlight and shade.

Finally, don't be afraid to add accents and contrast. Combining three to four colours in your exterior colour scheme can create a balanced and interesting look. You can use a darker or lighter shade of your primary colour for window frames, shutters, or the front door to add depth.

Remember to consider the overall atmosphere you want to create and choose colours that reflect your personal style and taste.

Choosing a colour scheme: Consider the style of your home and the colours that would complement its architecture

When choosing an exterior colour scheme, it's important to consider the style of your home and select colours that complement its architecture. Here are some tips to help you choose the right colours for your home's exterior:

• If you want to highlight the unique architectural details of your home, use a colour combination that accentuates those features. For example, if you have a symmetrical home, a lighter-coloured palette with darker accents can add elegance and sophistication.
• Consider the undertones of your siding colour and choose two or three other shades that complement it. For example, if your siding has blue undertones, you can pair it with white trim and a turquoise front door for a modern look.
• The colour of your roof can also guide your choice of exterior colours. For instance, a slate roof and navy paint on the siding, paired with white trim, create a classic and elegant look.
• If you live in an area with lush greenery, consider using cool grey or green shades for your exterior to make your surroundings pop. These colours can also blend seamlessly with the natural environment, creating a harmonious look.
• When selecting colours, take into account the lighting conditions and how they will impact the appearance of the paint. Colours may appear darker in shaded areas or under certain types of lighting. It's a good idea to test colour samples in different lighting conditions before making a final decision.
• If you want to make a bold statement, consider using dark hues such as charcoal, navy, or black for your exterior. These colours can give your home a modern and sophisticated look, especially when paired with white or light-coloured trim.
• For a timeless and elegant look, classic colour combinations such as white, grey, and black are versatile and can be used on various architectural styles, from historic colonial homes to contemporary new builds.
• If you have a brick facade, consider painting it with a light beige or warm-toned paint to update its look while maintaining its warmth. Complement the undertones with cream-painted door trim instead of stark white for a subtle contrast.
• When choosing colours, don't forget to consider your own personal preferences and style. Whether you prefer warm or cool hues, there are a variety of options available to create an exterior that reflects your taste.

Warm vs cool colours: Opt for warm colours like red, orange and yellow or cool colours like blue, green and purple

When it comes to choosing exterior paint colours, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the style of your home. If you have a historic home, you may want to choose more traditional colours, while a modern home could be a great canvas for something more contemporary. You should also take into account the colours of the other houses on your street—do you want to stand out or blend in?

Another thing to consider is the emotional response to different colours. Warm colours like red, orange, and yellow are stimulating and can make people feel passionate and playful. Cool colours like blue, green, and purple are calming and soothing. So, if you want to encourage socialising, choose warm colours, but if you want to promote calmness and privacy, go for cool colours.

You can also use warm and cool colours to affect how large your house looks. Warm colours tend to make things look closer, so they can be used to make a large house seem more intimate. Cool colours have the opposite effect, making things seem further away, so they can be used to make a small house seem bigger.

If you're not sure whether to go for warm or cool, you can always do a bit of both! Just remember to follow the 80/20 rule and use strong colours sparingly. You can create a feature wall with a mural or pattern that incorporates both warm and cool colours, or add some colourful accessories like toss pillows or an upholstered chair.

• Ivory, white, and aqua
• Black, white, and ruby red
• Gray and mustard yellow
• Navy blue, white, and yellow
• Hunter green, muted sage, and white
• Beige, white, black, and cobalt blue
• Black, white, and aqua
• Off-white and peach
• Navy, white, and turquoise
• White, black, olive green, and natural stone
• Warm gray, red, and black
• Off-white and light blue-gray
• Pearl gray, slate blue, and white
• Sage green, cream, and yellow
• Red, white, light blue, and beige
• White, black, and gray
• White, black, and key lime
• Cream, pear green, and striped awnings
• Sand, forest green, and brick
• Lavender, white, and purple
• Soft lime, powder blue, and white
• Forest green, white, and lime
• Charcoal and navy blue
• Cocoa, olive, off-white, and russet
• Seafoam green and white
• Iron gray and arctic white
• Buttercream yellow, white, and black
• Light gray, copper, and beige
• Red brick, navy blue, and white
• Salmon, sage green, and cream
• Apricot, white, and smoky gray
• Stormy gray, paprika red, and bright white
• Salmon, jade, and rusty brown
• Buttermilk yellow, mahogany, and dark green
• Chocolate, chartreuse, and sand
• Pine green, red-brown, and white
• Brick red, gingerbread orange, and brown
• Olive, celery, ivy, terra-cotta, and cream
• Taupe, camel, periwinkle blue, and eggplant
• Gray, white, and cobalt blue
• White, aquamarine, and tangerine
• Country blue, white, and black

Exterior accents: Pick colours that complement the exterior accents of your home, like window frames, gutters and the front door

When it comes to painting your home's exterior, it's important to consider how your siding, trim, front door, and other elements work together. Choosing colours that complement the exterior accents of your home, like window frames, gutters, and the front door, can make a huge difference in its overall appearance. Here are some tips and ideas to help you pick the right colours for these exterior accents:

• Consider a contrasting colour for your front door: A bright front door hue, such as red or yellow, not only adds a pop of colour but also serves a practical purpose by signalling to visitors where to enter. A red front door, for instance, creates a classic and elegant look, especially when paired with white window trim and black shutters. Alternatively, a softer approach can be taken with a pale blue door, which adds a hint of colour without overwhelming the exterior.
• Play with different shades of white: White is a popular choice for exterior accents due to its ability to highlight unique architectural details and create a clean, elegant look. However, there are many shades of white to choose from. Consider a crisp, bright white such as Sherwin-Williams' Pure White or Valspar's Ultra White for a striking contrast against darker siding colours. If you prefer a softer, warmer feel, off-white shades like Behr's Cameo White or Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee can add a touch of warmth while still providing contrast.
• Explore dark and moody hues: Dark colours like charcoal, navy, and black are becoming increasingly popular for exterior accents. These colours provide a modern and dramatic look to any home. For example, black window frames and shutters paired with a white exterior create a chic, monochromatic aesthetic. If you want to add depth without going too dark, consider a rich grey like Sherwin-Williams' Anchor's Aweigh or Benjamin Moore's Kendall Charcoal.
• Incorporate natural hues: If you're looking to create a more organic and harmonious feel, draw inspiration from your natural surroundings. For a home surrounded by lush greenery, a cool grey siding can make the landscape pop. Benjamin Moore's Cloud Cover is a great option for siding, paired with their Concord Ivory for the door and Gray Owl for the trim. For homes with stone or brick exteriors, consider colours that complement these natural elements, such as Benjamin Moore's Stoneington Gray or Behr's Sandstone Quarry.
• Add a pop of colour: While neutral colours like white, grey, and beige are versatile and timeless, adding a pop of colour through exterior accents can inject personality and curb appeal. Teal or turquoise is a fun choice for a front door, especially when paired with white or grey siding. Yellow is another vibrant option that brings a cheerful and welcoming vibe to your home's exterior.
• Experiment with classic combinations: Some colour combinations have stood the test of time and can be a safe bet when choosing exterior accent colours. For example, the classic red, white, and black trio creates a crisp and elegant aesthetic. Navy blue and white are another timeless pairing, especially for a Cape Cod-style home. You can also try beige and white, which is a tried-and-true combination, and then add a pop of colour through a cobalt blue door.

Lighting: Colours cast differently under various lighting conditions, so test out colours in different light

When choosing an exterior paint colour, it's important to consider how lighting affects the appearance of paint. Colours may appear differently under various light sources, and this phenomenon is called illuminant metamerism.

Natural light plays a significant role in how paint colours are perceived. The direction of natural light can impact the intensity and tone of the light in a room. For example, south-facing windows provide intense natural light, which can be harsh and cause pale colours to appear faded or dull. In contrast, north-facing windows offer indirect natural light, resulting in a warm and soft tone. East-facing rooms receive ample natural light in the mornings but may appear darker later in the day. On the other hand, west-facing rooms are bathed in warm, yellow or golden light in the late afternoon, which can cause red or yellow colours to become overwhelming.

Artificial lighting also influences the appearance of paint colours. Standard soft white incandescent or LED lights make bright colours appear more intense and cooler paints seem duller. Vintage "Edison" bulbs, which are even warmer than incandescent bulbs, add a warm hue to a room. Fluorescent lights, on the other hand, emit a bluish, cooler light that pairs well with cooler paint colours.

To ensure you select the right paint colour for your home's exterior, it is recommended to test paint swatches or small squares of drywall in different areas and observe them under various lighting conditions throughout the day. This will help you see how the paint colour changes in different lights and choose a shade that suits your desired aesthetic.

Neighbourhood style: Pick colours that complement the colour schemes of homes in your neighbourhood

When it comes to choosing an exterior colour for your home, it's important to consider the colours used on homes in your neighbourhood. While you don't have to stick to the same palette, choosing a colour that complements the surrounding homes will create a sense of cohesion and ensure your house fits in with its surroundings.

Take a walk around your neighbourhood and look at the colour schemes of the other homes. Are there any dominant themes or colours that seem to be popular? If you live in an area with a lot of historic homes, you may want to choose a more traditional colour scheme that reflects the character of the area. On the other hand, if you live in a newer suburb, you might want to opt for more modern and trendy colours.

Another thing to consider is the style of your home. If you have a ranch-style home, for example, you might want to search for inspiration specifically for that style. This will help you find colours that will enhance the unique features of your home.

Remember, you don't have to copy your neighbours exactly, but taking inspiration from their colour choices can help you create a palette that fits in while still reflecting your personal taste and style.

Frequently asked questions