Did you know that in 2016, painting your kitchen yellow could help your home sell for $1,300 more? In contrast, terracotta walls weren’t nearly as popular–those homes sold for $793 less.
These numbers tell you that color matters, and it’s the reason why you may be stressing over your exterior paint color today.
You’ll find that the best exterior paint colors are those that match your current aesthetic, help boost the property value of your home, and enhance the look of your home overall.
With this in mind, read on to learn how to choose optimal exterior paint colors for your home!
Stick With Three
Regardless of your exterior paint color combinations, it’s important that you remember to choose no more than three colors for the exterior of your home. This is because more than three colors will create a chaotic, unbalanced appearance that may resemble a clown house rather than your serene and modern abode.
It’s smart to use the 60-30-10 decorating rule for the exterior of your home as well. This rule states that 60 percent should be used for the main color of your home’s exterior. Half of the main color, or 30 percent, should be used for garage doors and trim.
Lastly, 10 percent is used for the accent color. This can be a bright pop of color that contrasts with your primary and secondary colors, such as a pop of red on shutters and your mailbox.
Choose Neutral Colors
If you’re not sure what colors to choose for your home and are open to anything that will look good in 10 years, we recommend sticking with neutral colors. These are usually shades of gray exterior paint colors, white, or tan.
Even though monochromatic colors for your home may seem boring at first, they also create a peaceful and modern aesthetic. This also makes it easier to pair exterior furniture with your home. The neutral colors create a blank canvas effect that pairs well with a variety of colorful patio furniture and decorations.
Here are a few popular neutral colors to get you started:
- Off-white
- Gray
- Blue-gray
- Taupe
- Wheat
- Brown
- Black
- White
Lighter colors typically make the exterior home appear larger, while darker colors such as brown or black will create a shrinking effect. However, darker colors can also look more stately depending on the architecture of your home.
Consider the Architecture
You’ll also want to consider the architecture of your home in order to find a color palette that suits it best. For instance, you can break the three-color rule if you own a Victorian home, as they were often referred to as “painted ladies.” These kinds of homes historically had six or more colors on the outside!
In contrast, Colonial Revival homes would be historically accurate with only two neutral colors on the outside. Craftsman-style homes, on the other hand, are known for their earthy and rich color schemes.
Once you’re familiar with the style of your home, this can inform even more of your future decisions, such as renovations and add-ons. When it’s time to sell, realtors will have an easier time describing your home in the listing description for prospective buyers.
Consider the Location
Of course, you don’t need to be limited by the style of your home if you’re not a fan of the historically accurate pairings. You can also take inspiration from where you’re located. For instance, homes in areas such as Miami, Key West, or anywhere near the ocean are known for their bright, colorful exteriors.
On the other hand, homes deep in forests or in the mountains usually favor colors that mimic the colors you can find in the environment, such as deep greens and browns.
Regardless of where you live on the map, you’ll find that your neighborhood may have a particular color scheme or one dictated by an HOA. If you do have an HOA, remember to ask if they have any regulations on the colors you can use. You can also take inspiration from your neighbors in order for your home to look like a cohesive part of the street.
Look Above
Last but not least, if you’re still struggling to find inspiration, take a look at your roof. With lifespans of 30 years or more, you’re probably not planning on changing the color of your roof anytime soon. If your roof is black or a neutral color, you’re in luck, as your roof will match almost any color you choose.
Neutral colors will always match your roof regardless of the color. However, if your roof is a cool color such as green or blue and you want some color in your home, choose colors that are also cool.
This is also true if your roof is a warm color such as red or orange. You’ll want to choose either a neutral color or one with a red undertone.
Once you choose colors, it’s important that you choose a professional that’s able to do the job right. Take a look at https://brushmastersxp.com/ for help applying exterior house paint colors.
Choosing the Best Exterior Paint Color
There are guidelines when it comes to choosing an exterior paint color, but it’s important to remember that your preferences matter too. If you’re not a fan of the 60-30-10 rule and want more creative freedom, you can do it.
Furthermore, the color of your home doesn’t have to be dictated by the architecture of your home if you’re not a fan of the historical color schemes. These guidelines are meant to give you a baseline for how to get started–as you consider and explore them, you’ll be able to find a color palette that’s perfect for your property that can give it a boost as well.
Ready for more homeowner tips that can increase its value? Keep reading our blog for more tips and tricks!