From Drab to Fab: Exterior Color Schemes That Wow
Not sure what color you should paint your house? Here are some ideas to inspire.
While many people focus on making the inside of their homes shine, it's the outside that can make a huge difference. Choosing your home's exterior paint color plays a key role in its appearance. Selecting the right color can enhance your home's architectural features, complement the surrounding environment, and leave a lasting impression.
In this post, we delve into the fascinating world of color psychology and its impact on the overall look of your home's exterior. We'll explore how different color schemes can influence the visual perception of your home for visitors and those passing by.
Factors that can affect your home's exterior
While it might seem like selecting the right exterior paint colors is not that big of a deal, there is an actual science to it. Several factors should be considered before deciding on a color, and they all have to do with the type of home you have.
Structural style
Your home's historical features should be taken into consideration when choosing the perfect paint colors. Whether you have a Victorian-era home, a modern farmhouse, or a sleek contemporary design, the colors should align with the architectural style to create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look. Take cues from the architectural details, such as trim, rooflines, and columns, to find colors that harmonize with your home's design.
Exterior materials
What your home is made out of also matters. Whether it's brick, wood, stucco, or stone, it can influence your color choices. Consider the undertones of these materials and opt for outdoor paint colors that complement or contrast in a visually appealing way. Each material has a unique texture and color undertone that should be considered when selecting the perfect paint colors.
Natural surroundings
Your home's environment plays a crucial role in color selection. The landscape, foliage, and neighboring buildings can influence your color choices. While a mountain retreat might benefit from earthy tones that blend with the landscape, a beachfront property could shine with airy blues and whites that reflect the sea and sky.
Let's now delve into the profound impact that different exterior color schemes can have. By understanding the psychology and visual effects of various colors, you can make informed decisions about your home's exterior. We'll explore some popular color categories and their specific applications to help you feel more confident in your choices.
Best exterior red house color combinations
Painting your home's exterior red can be a bold and eye-catching decision. Whether you want to make a statement or add a cheerful pop of color, explore the best way to incorporate red to enhance your home's architectural details. Choosing red for your home's exterior requires careful consideration. Consider the shade, surrounding environment and overall neighborhood aesthetic before settling on the final shade.
Go for the red barn house look
Barn red is an excellent choice for a rustic and charming look. This bold color adds character to any home's exterior and is versatile enough to pair well with a variety of architectural styles, especially those with natural surroundings. It goes well with siding and cottage-style homes.
Add a red roof
If you live in a warmer climate, consider a Spanish-style red tile roof for your home. This iconic style has been popular in some regions of the US, mainly in warmer states where the clay tiles are a perfect solution for reflecting heat and sunlight. Consider complementing it with neutral or muted colors on the walls to create a balanced and cohesive appearance.
Modern red house with white trim
Pairing a red house with white trim creates a striking contrast for a crisp and clean look. Adding more white elements can also enhance architectural details and make your home stand out. This color combination can work well in a modern design that uses bold color and architectural details to create a statement.
Best yellow home exterior colors
Yellow, a cheerful and inviting color, is more than just a hue. It's a symbol of positivity and energy that can brighten up any home's exterior. Depending on the style of your home and the look you want to achieve, you can opt for different shades of this emotionally impactful color.
Soft yellow vibe
Opting for a soft yellow exterior is a great way to make your home appear warm and welcoming. This particular color shade works well on siding and can complement different house styles, from Victorian to ranch and cottage.
Sophisticated mustard yellow
For a most sophisticated look, consider a mustard yellow for your home's exterior. This deep shade goes well with stucco and can be a great choice for luxurious homes and those in warmer climates.
Best blue home exterior color combinations
Blue is a popular color that is often used indoors, but it's also a great exterior paint color that can make your home shine.
Dark blue house with white trim
A dark blue house with white trim creates a classic and fresh look. This popular white and blue combination works well with various architectural styles and brings a sense of serenity and sophistication to your home.
Blue-gray house combo
Opt for a blue-gray color scheme for a more subdued and modern appearance. This combination exudes sophistication and can convey a modern yet serene ambiance. This versatile color works well with both contemporary and traditional designs.
Bright blue house
A bright blue house can add more airy vibes, especially if paired with white trim. This color choice works well with different styles, especially if you want a beachy or cottage vibe.
Gray home exteriors
Gray is a timeless and elegant color choice for many exteriors. It can range from light shades to dark charcoal tones and pairs well with other colors, including trim and front door.
Gray house with white trim
Gray exteriors exude elegance. Pairing gray with white trim creates a timeless, balanced look that works well with many architectural styles. Gray is a classic choice for many homes due to its versatility and timeless appeal.
Dark gray house
A dark gray house creates a dramatic and striking appearance. It pairs well with modern and minimalist designs, adding a touch of sophistication and a sense of adventure to any home.
Gray and stone combo
Pair gray with stone to add some visual interest. This creates a striking and sophisticated look that can elevate your home’s appearance.
Green color schemes for homes
Green is a versatile color that can evoke a sense of tranquility and connection with Green is a versatile color that can evoke a sense of tranquility and connection with nature. Its versatility allows for a range of options-from muted greens for a subdued look to vibrant greens for a lively and refreshing facade. This variety can inspire homeowners to get creative with their home's exterior.
Pistachio green
This happy and vibrant shade of green can make your home pop. Pistachio green is also a great color that can provide a great backdrop for flowery gardens and patios.
Bright green
A brighter shade of green can add playfulness to your home’s appearance. As green is the color of nature, it can make your home feel more in sync with its surroundings.
White home exterior color schemes
White, a timeless and classic color choice for exteriors, gives a clean and fresh look to any home. Its classic nature can reassure homeowners that they are making a confident and enduring choice for their home's exterior.
White with dark accents
If you decide to go with a white house, consider adding a dark accent like black or gray for a classic monochromatic scheme. Enhance your white home with a dark roof, dormers and dark stone insets to make it pop.
Cottage white and light gray
Pair your white house with a light gray roof and minimal accents for a less drastic look. Consider painting your garage door light gray as well to create a more seamless look. Small pops of color on doors and shutters will add visual interest while maintaining that cottagey vibe.
Modern farmhouse white
White is the perfect choice for a modern farmhouse home. Paired with wooden beams and gray stone, it can create a welcoming and cozy vibe for your home.
Taupe color schemes for your home
Taupe is a warm and neutral color that can create a welcoming and sophisticated appearance. It offers a warm and understated elegance. This neutral shade can be paired with various trims and accents to create a cohesive and inviting exterior.
Gray and taupe
Swap the white for a warmer taupe. When paired with gray, it creates a sophisticated yet more cozy and approachable look for your home. Taupe is softer than white, which can also create a less drastic appearance when paired with darker colors.
Off-white alternative
When considering a light shade for your home’s exterior, taupe offers a more exciting alternative to white. This option is great for modern homes with simpler lines and fewer architectural embellishments.
Different brick options for your home exterior
The combination of practical benefits, aesthetic appeal, and lasting value has contributed to brick's enduring popularity as a choice for home exteriors. Whether used for rustic cottages, stately mansions, or contemporary designs, brick offers a reliable and visually pleasing option that stands the test of time.
Orange brick houses
Orange brick houses have a unique charm and warmth. The right color combinations can enhance their beauty and architectural features.
Brown brick houses
Brown colors can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Brown brick houses can be complemented with warm and earthy colors to create a harmonious and inviting look.
Cream brick houses
Cream brick houses exude elegance and sophistication. They can be paired with darker accents for a more contrasting look or with other neutral colors for a more monochromatic combination.
Red brick houses
Red brick houses exude timeless appeal and are often associated with classic elegance. When choosing the shade of red for a red brick house, consider warm and earthy tones that bring out the brick's rich hues.
Best color combinations for home exteriors
Choosing the right color combinations can elevate the overall look of your home's exterior. Here are a few ideas:
A 3-color house paint combo
Using three colors for your home's exterior can add depth and visual interest. Consider combining a primary, complementary, neutral, or accent color to create a balanced and harmonious look.
Best exterior paint colors for homes with black windows
Black windows can make a bold statement on your home's exterior. Pairing them with contrasting or complementary colors can create a modern and eye-catching look and add a pop of color.
Houses with black roofs
If your home has a black roof, consider pairing it with lighter or neutral colors on the home's walls to create a balanced and cohesive appearance.
Modern house colors
For a sleek and contemporary appearance, opt for dark colors such as charcoal gray, deep blues, or even black. These colors can add a touch of sophistication and make a bold statement.
Best exterior colors for a ranch-style house
Ranch-style houses often have a low and horizontal profile. To enhance their architectural features, consider earthy tones, warm neutrals, or even muted pastel shades for a cohesive and inviting look.
Best exterior colors for a farmhouse
Farmhouse-style homes typically feature a combination of rustic elements with modern touches. To achieve a farmhouse look, consider using soft, muted colors such as light blues, pale grays, or creamy whites.
Best cottage-style home paint colors
Cottage-style homes have a charming and cozy appeal. Opt for pastel shades, soft yellows, or light greens to create a whimsical and inviting atmosphere.
Stucco house color ideas
Stucco exteriors offer a smooth and textured canvas for color choices. Consider earthy tones, warm neutrals, or even bold hues to enhance the texture and architectural details of your stucco home.
House trim color ideas
The color of your home's trim can greatly impact its overall appearance. When choosing trim colors, consider creating contrast with the main color of your home's exterior. White, off-white, or neutral shades are popular choices that provide a clean and elegant look.
Exterior colonial house color schemes
Colonial-style homes often feature symmetrical designs and traditional architectural elements. To enhance the classic appeal, consider using neutral or muted colors such as whites, grays, or soft blues.
Popular house colors for old houses
Old houses often have unique charm and architectural details that can be highlighted with the right color choices. Consider historical color palettes or period-inspired hues to maintain the authenticity and character of your old home.
Mountain cabin house color schemes
Cabin homes blend harmoniously with their natural surroundings. Consider earthy tones, deep greens, or rich browns to create a seamless connection between your home and its environment.
Victorian house color schemes
Victorian-style homes are known for their vibrant color palettes and intricate architectural details. Bold and contrasting color combinations enhance the ornate features and create a visually striking appearance.
Best lakehouse exterior colors
Lakehouses often have a relaxed and serene atmosphere. Consider using soft blues, greens, or sandy neutrals to reflect the tranquility of the surrounding water and nature.
Best beach house exterior colors
Beach houses evoke a sense of relaxation and coastal living. Opt for light and airy colors such as whites, pastels, or shades of blue to capture the essence of the beach and create a calming environment.
Conclusion
As you can see, selecting the perfect paint color for your exteriors involves considering various factors, such as the structural style, building materials, and natural surroundings. Understanding the psychology and visual impact of different color schemes can help create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look for your home's exterior.
Whether you prefer bold and vibrant hues or soft and muted tones, there are endless possibilities for showcasing your personal style and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
FAQ
What is the most popular color for a house?
Neutral colors such as white, beige and gray are among the most popular choices for house exteriors. These colors offer a timeless and versatile appeal, complementing various architectural styles.
What are the most popular exterior house colors?
Earthy tones like warm taupes, soft greens and muted blues gained popularity for exterior house colors. These nature-inspired shades create a soothing and inviting aesthetic.
How do I choose colors for my house?
When choosing colors for your house, consider the architectural style, surroundings and your personal preferences. It's helpful to gather paint swatches, visualize how the colors will look in different lighting, and consider any homeowner association guidelines in your area.
What colors are in style for homes?
Contemporary color trends for homes often include a mix of neutrals and subtle pops of color. Soft pastels, deep charcoals, and rich navy blues are currently in style. These colors can highlight architectural features and express individuality while maintaining a cohesive look.