Mae on the Map

When it comes to giving your home a fresh look, one of the most impactful and cost-effective changes you can make is to update the exterior paint. When my husband and I bought our Victorian home, it was in desperate need of a paint job. Selecting the right paint colors can be a daunting task, but we learned a few things in the process. I hope these tips can help you in your painting journey!

1. Consider Your Home’s Architecture

Start by considering the architectural style of your home. Certain color palettes work better with specific architectural designs. For instance, our Victorian home needed at least four colors to show off all of the details, while a more modern home may look best as one color. Research the typical color schemes for your home’s style to get inspiration. It is best to decide how many colors you will want upfront.

2. Work with Existing Elements

Take a look at the existing elements of your home, such as the roof, brickwork, stone, and landscaping. Your paint color should complement these features, not clash with them. For instance, if you have a red brick exterior, consider earthy tones like greens, blues, or warm neutrals to harmonize with the brick’s natural warmth.

3. Observe Your Neighbors

While you don’t want your home to be a carbon copy of your neighbors’ houses, you also don’t want it to stick out like a sore thumb. Take a walk around your neighborhood and pay attention to the color schemes of nearby homes. This can help you choose colors that harmonize with the surroundings while still allowing your home to stand out in a tasteful way. It is also a good way to get some inspiration for your own home.

4. Test Samples

Don’t rely solely on paint chips or digital swatches to make your decision. Purchase small paint samples and test them on a discreet section of your home. Observe how the colors look at different times of the day and in different lighting conditions. This will help you see how the colors will appear once they cover the entire surface. I lost count of how many samples we went through during our process, but it was well worth it.

5. Balance Light and Dark

A balanced mix of light and dark colors can create a visually appealing contrast. Light colors can make your home look larger and more welcoming, while dark colors can add depth and drama. Striking the right balance is essential, and will make your home pop.

6. Visualize the Final Result

This tip is easier said than done for some people, but it’s an important step. Before making a final decision, use visualization tools or apps to see how your chosen colors will look on your home’s exterior. These tools allow you to experiment with different color combinations and see a digital preview of the finished product. For our home, we used a photo editing app to filter the photo to look like a drawing. We then printed it out in black and white and colored them with colored pencils to visualize our color scheme. A little crazy, but it helped.

7. Take Your Time

Choosing exterior paint colors is a significant decision, so don’t rush it. Spend time thinking about your options and, if needed, consult with a professional color consultant or an architect who specializes in residential design. They can offer valuable insights and help you make the right choice. Feel free to paint the swatches in an inconspicuous spot of your home, and think about it for a bit. Look at the swatches daily in different lighting environments and see how you feel about your choices.

In conclusion, selecting the perfect exterior paint colors for your home requires careful consideration of architectural style, existing elements, neighborhood context, and your personal preferences. It’s a decision that can significantly impact your home’s appearance and curb appeal. Take your time, experiment with samples, and ultimately choose colors that make you feel at home every time you pull into your driveway.

With the right paint colors, you can transform your house into a welcoming, stylish, and memorable home that stands out for all the right reasons. Happy painting!

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Remember that the colors you choose should reflect your personal style and make you feel comfortable in your own home while also enhancing your home’s curb appeal.

-Mae