Find the right exterior color for your home

Large American grey house front exterior with green landscapeThe warm weather is here, and that means lots of home improvement projects. Is painting the exterior of your home at the top of your to-do list? Read on to learn how to do it right the first time around.

The first order of business is to take inventory of the fixed colors of your home. That means brick, stonework and the roof. Color themes should complement, not clash with, the existing infrastructure. One factor to consider is the environment. For example, is your home situated in a woodsy area? Are there lots of colorful trees? Earth tones are always a good choice for sylvan settings, but they may not be the best choice for homes with more urban backdrops.

Red Paintbrush isolated on a white backgroundNext, give some weight to the architectural style of your home. Formal Colonial or Greek Revival homes call for subtle exteriors, while Victorian styles can really shine with bold hues. If you’re not sure what type of house you have, this article from Better Homes and Gardens might shed some light. When in doubt, use white, beige or another neutral color on the siding and a darker accent color on the trim.

The right color can really make your home pop and boost curb appeal. Don’t surprised if the neighbors get jealous!