Choosing a color for your home’s exterior is more than a mere design choice. It can also significantly impact your home’s curb appeal and value. For most homeowners, choosing exterior colors can be the scariest part with the overwhelming array of colors, shades, and finishes.

At Custom Painting, Inc., we understand the importance of finding the perfect color for your home’s exterior. Read this detailed guide to choosing a color that complements your home’s architectural elements and surroundings, complies with your neighborhood’s HOA rules, and withstands local climate, among other crucial factors.

1. Look at your home’s surroundings

One of the best ways to start your color search is by observing your home’s surroundings. The landscape, neighboring houses, and even regional elements can guide your decision.

Natural landscape

If your home is surrounded by greenery, such as trees, bushes, or grass, you may want to choose colors that complement the natural hues. 

• Earthy tones like olive green, warm beige, or soft brown blend well with nature, while cooler tones like slate gray or pale blue can create a contrast that makes your house stand out. 
• Homes in more arid environments might benefit from warmer, sun-bleached shades like sandy taupe, terracotta, or warm whites.

Neighborhood homes

Your home’s color should suit the other homes in your neighborhood, especially if they have a distinct style. While you don’t want your home to be an exact match, finding a balance that complements neighboring houses can create a cohesive, inviting feel in the community.

Geographical region

Different regions tend to favor specific color palettes. For instance, coastal areas may lean toward breezy pastels like pale blues, soft yellows, and whites, while homes in colder climates might look great with deeper, bolder tones like navy, burgundy, or charcoal. Consider what is commonly used in your region, but don’t be afraid to make your home unique.

2. Consider your home’s architecture

Your home’s architectural style is crucial in choosing the right exterior color. Different styles of homes have historical or aesthetic ties to specific color palettes.

Colonial, Victorian, or Craftsman homes

These styles often look best with traditional, rich colors. For example, colonial homes are well-suited to neutral tones, deep blues, or classic whites. Victorian homes, with their intricate detailing, can pull off multiple contrasting colors for trim and accents, often using bright or pastel hues. Craftsman homes usually favor earthy tones like forest green, clay, or natural wood tones to highlight their connection to nature.

Modern or contemporary homes

For modern designs, minimalist color schemes work best. They could include monochromatic palettes, such as varying shades of gray, white, or black, with a bold accent color like red or cobalt blue for doors or trim. This style emphasizes clean lines and simplicity, so the colors should reflect that.

Mediterranean or Tuscan homes

Homes with Mediterranean or Tuscan architecture often incorporate warm tones, such as terracotta, ochre, or muted yellows, and pair well with natural materials like stone. Earthy and sun-kissed shades add a sense of warmth and luxury.

Always aim to choose a color that enhances and respects the character of your home’s design rather than overpowering it.

3. Don’t forget the local climate

Climate can affect not only how your color will look but also how it will wear over time.

Sunny climates

In regions with intense sunlight, colors can appear brighter and may fade faster. Lighter shades like whites, pastels, or soft grays are ideal as they reflect more sunlight and keep the house cooler. These colors also fade less quickly than darker tones in direct sunlight.

Cold or cloudy climates

In colder, cloudier climates, darker colors like deep blue, forest green, or rich brown can create a sense of warmth and coziness. These colors also help a home stand out against a snowy or overcast backdrop. Additionally, the UV exposure is less intense, so dark colors are less likely to fade.

Wet climates

If you live in an area with a lot of rain, you’ll want to consider colors that pair well with a wet environment. Greens, blues, or even deep reds can complement the lush greenery that rain brings. Consider the maintenance of your exterior as well—moisture can accelerate wear, so a high-quality, weather-resistant paint is a must.

4. Consider your home’s materials

Different exterior materials react differently to paint, so remember this factor when selecting a color.

Brick

Many brick homes have an earthy red, brown, or orange tone, which you should consider when choosing trim or accent colors. Neutral colors, such as beige, taupe, or gray, complement brick well. On the other hand, bold colors like navy or forest green can offer a striking contrast.

Wood siding

Wood tends to look great with natural, earthy tones that bring out its beauty. Stains that allow the wood grain to show through can provide a timeless and rustic appearance, or you can opt for solid paint colors if you want a more modern look.

Stucco

Stucco homes often have a Mediterranean or Southwestern feel, so colors like soft beige, light tan, or even soft coral or peach work well. Stucco absorbs paint differently than other materials, so consider how the texture will impact the final appearance of the color.

Vinyl or aluminum siding

Due to their texture and how they react to paint, these materials are more limited in terms of paint choice. Stick to lighter colors if possible, as darker tones can cause vinyl to warp over time due to heat absorption.

5. Think about light’s Impact on color

Light can dramatically alter how a color appears, so test out your color choices in different lighting conditions before making a final decision.

Natural light

Colors tend to look lighter in direct sunlight and darker in the shade. When choosing a color, it’s a good idea to paint a small section of your home’s exterior and observe it at different times of the day. What looks like a warm gray in the morning light might appear almost white in the afternoon sun.

Seasonal changes

Consider how your home will look in different seasons. A color that pops in the bright summer sun might look dull in winter. Testing your color choices in various lighting conditions can help ensure you’ll love the color year-round.

6. Consider your community’s HOA guidelines (if any)

If you live in a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association (HOA), there might be specific rules governing the colors you can choose for your home’s exterior.

HOA restrictions

Some communities have strict guidelines about what colors are allowed to ensure a cohesive look throughout the neighborhood. Before settling on a color, check with your HOA for any restrictions or recommended palettes. You may need to submit your color choices for approval before painting.

Blending with the community

Even if your HOA doesn’t have stringent rules, it’s still a good idea to consider the overall aesthetic of your neighborhood. While you want your home to reflect your style, it’s also crucial to maintain harmony with the homes around you to avoid creating an eyesore or potentially affecting property values.

Parting words

Choosing the right color for your home’s exterior is a significant decision that can enhance its curb appeal and overall value. Think carefully about how your chosen colors will harmonize with your surroundings, your home’s architecture, and other crucial factors. So, take your time to explore different options, and always test colors in real-world conditions before committing.

Otherwise, seek professional advice and help. Custom Painting, Inc. is here to help you make wise decisions and achieve the beautiful and long-lasting exterior paint job you envision for your home. Contact us today at 925-686-0903 or on our contact page. We offer color consultation for every free estimate we provide.