How to Select the Right Exterior Paint Colors

Painting your home is a great investment in its curb appeal. Learn how to select the right exterior paint colors for your house in this Better Homes and Gardens video:

Your exterior colors should blend with your home’s roof color and any stone or brick accent work. Get inspiration from your neighborhood and note any color combinations that are appealing to you. Also, be sure to check whether your neighborhood has covenants that dictate house colors.

Another consideration is the style of your house. A nature-inspired palette with darker hues may be perfect for a craftsman home, while a classic farmhouse looks great in white with dark shutters.

A three-color scheme (one color each for body, trim and shutters) is the standard for most homes; a fourth color may be added if appropriate for the style of your home. To emphasize architectural features like decorative trim or a great front door, choose a color that contrasts with the surrounding house. Pair a warm colored door with a cool colored facade. For a more subtle look, pick a door color that blends in, such as a red door surrounded by brick.

Check out color combinations suggested by paint manufacturers. They pay designers to create pleasing pairings for many styles of houses.

When you’ve narrowed your color choices, invest in a few quarts and test the color in various spots. Be sure to look at different times of the day to understand how light changes the color.

The effort you put into choosing paint colors will pay off in your satisfaction and the value of your home.