Your home is only as happy as you feel when you're there. Do you often find yourself coming home and cringing when you pull in the driveway because you aren't a fan of the home's exterior?
Many people buy homes and decide to change the paint color, but keep postponing the project. Whether you waited a few years or longer, there's no time like the present to give your home a new look.
Check out some of the handy tips that will help you choose the best exterior house colors!
“In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision. – Dalai Lama
Consider Architectural Details
Start with a look at the top architectural details of your home, the ones that made you fall in love when you first saw it. This might include charming wood shingles on each window or a beautiful dormer with a picture window.
Architectural details can also include features that make your house stand out such as stone shingles on the roof or intricate brickwork on the front. You want to look carefully at those features and the colors they use. If you have roof shingles in a subtle blue color, you might choose different shades of blue for your home.
One thing to keep in mind is:
Choose one primary color that ties the whole house together and that works with any accent colors you choose.
Seek Pro Advice
You can drive yourself crazy looking at dozens of paint colors and still have a hard time making a decision. Consider talking with an exterior painting expert and asking for some advice. Not only can they recommend paint colors that work on your home, but they can help you find samples.
Applying those samples to your exterior walls will give you a good idea of how the colors work together and which ones make your house pop.
You can also try using a painting app. These apps often allow you to upload photos of your house to see how different paint colors look on it.
Get Inspired by Your Neighbors
No matter where you live, the chances are good that there are a few homes nearby that are similar to yours. Many suburbs feature homes that are slightly different but share a lot in common.
Take some time to drive down your street and nearby streets to look for similar homes. Pay attention to the colors they chose and look for homes that appeal to you. Keep in mind that the amount of sunlight can play a role in how those colors look. While natural light can make colors look brighter, less light can make those colors look dull or faded.
Think About the Age of Your Home
You don't need to live in a historic home to gain some inspiration from history. The style of your home can help you pick the right paint exterior of house to choose from.
If you have a Queen Ann with a large turret and wood shingles, you might snag some bright colors such as lavender and teal. These colors were common when your home was built.
Craftsman houses look great when painted in neutral and pale shades of brown and tan. You can look at guides to see the original colors used in your home's style.
Boost Your Curb Appeal
The exterior house painting cost you pay depends on factors such as how many colors you choose and the size of your home. In addition to that, you may want to spend a little more to boost your home's curb appeal as well, such as painting the front door and power washing the walkways.
When painting, you usually want colors that work and fit in your neighborhood but that also help your house stand out and give it a unique look. For example, you can go with a warm eggshell color if you live on a street surrounded by white houses, or you can combine a bold base color and a contrasting accent tone.
Don't Forget the Finishes
No matter what color you choose, don't forget about the finishes. This refers to the way the paint looks when it dries. While it can add some to the house exterior painting cost, it can also give you a home that you love.
Paints that dry to a high shine maintain their look for longer and can make your home more appealing to prospective buyers. If you try to save money with a paint that has less shine, you risk the paint fading and even looking dull within a few years, which can make finding a buyer much harder. With these tips, you can easily pick the perfect exterior paint colors for your home.
Want to know more about painting costs? Get free quotes from professional painters in your area today!
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