The outside of your house makes a first impression on visitors, so you want it to look its best. Many homeowners hire professionals to paint their home’s exterior every few years to refresh the color and make it look new. But even then, they still don’t know what paint swatches to make them do.
Choosing the right color can be a challenge if you’re planning on painting your exterior soon. It requires careful consideration for both the style of your home and its location to ensure the paint will complement the architecture and the surroundings.
Here are some tips for choosing the right exterior paint colors:
Understand Your House’s Style
Understanding your house style is the first step in selecting an exterior paint color. Do you have a ranch? A bungalow? A Cape Cod? Is it colonial or Tudor-style? Does it have modern amenities like skylights or dormers? Do you live in a historic area that requires a historically accurate color palette?
Consider Your Climate
It’s important to think about the climate where you live when choosing exterior paint colors because they’ll be exposed to extreme temperatures, sunlight, and rain year-round. The temperature fluctuations from summer to winter can cause moisture problems on siding and trim unless the paint has enough durability for those conditions; otherwise, it will peel off prematurely or form cracks that allow water inside.
In addition to temperature fluctuations, ultraviolet radiation from sunlight also affects paint durability — which is why darker colors tend to last longer than lighter ones when used outside.
Think About Your Home’s Exterior Features
The material of your house can also have an impact on your exterior paint color choice. A light color will help it stand against the darker backdrop of trees and sky if you have brick, stone, or stucco. For wood siding or trim, consider using dark colors to make them pop against lighter backgrounds like sky blue or green grass.
Evaluate Your Existing Paint Job
Before you start shopping for new exterior paint colors, take a look at what’s currently on your house’s exterior walls and trim as well as any wood furniture or accents visible from the street — like mailboxes or planters — so you can make sure your new paint job will complement and enhance these features.
For example, if you have a lot of wood on the exterior of your home, you may want to consider going with some brown undertones — such as a light gray or even an off-white.
Select Quality Paint
You must also ensure you’re using quality paint for your projects. Cheap paints may not cover well or last as long as premium brands do. Ask your local paint store about their recommendations for quality paints based on your needs and budget requirements.
Conclusion
Hopefully, we’ve given you a few good places to begin your search. Remember to look through paint swatches in real life and take a walk around your neighborhood and nearby towns. Reading up on color theory and the basics of interior design and architecture couldn’t hurt either.
Our team of professional painters is here to help you choose the perfect color for your home. After all, it’s about more than just picking an exterior paint color; it’s about creating the home you’ve always wanted. If you need to hire professional painters in Davis, CA, contact us today!
