When it’s time to paint your house, picking the correct color scheme can be the most daunting task of all. You want to choose colors that are inviting to guests and passersby. You should also consider colors that will make you smile every time you pull into the driveway.
We’ve put together a few color scheme ideas for you to think about as you make your color choices. Ultimately it’s your preference, but a few ideas to help you make a better decision never hurt, right?
Going With The Classics
There’s a lot to be said for keeping it simple. You can choose the simple, classic colors like white, off-white, and beige. Colors that are subtle and simple and don’t attract a lot of attention can be great choices.
Should you choose to go a more subtle route, you may end up spending a little more due to more coats with the lighter colors. You’ll end up getting more bang for your buck due to less fading, but with lighter colors you may also need extra coats of paint.
Lighter colors also tend to need to be cleaned more often. White and lighter colors can show dirt and erosion faster than primary colors. You’ll need to keep the extra cleaning time in mind should you choose a lighter color paint.
Using Contrasting Hues and Colors
If you’re going to use multiple colors, there are several great options. One option is using just 2 colors opposite of each other. You could have one color on the trim and the other color be the main color.
This is commonly done using a darker color, a brown, blue, or green and then using white for the trim. It’s an excellent way to add contrast to your colors and bring out both the white and whichever other color you use.
You can also use two different hues from the same color family. You could use a darker color for the main area of the house and lighter hue of that color for the trim. It can be a subtle change that makes a big difference.
Using Color Schemes for Exterior Paint
If using just one or two colors isn’t going to work for you, then it’s time to start exploring color schemes. There are several resources available out there, and we’ll cover a few here.
Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. HGTV put out a great article with over 60 color scheme ideas and the picture to go with it. You can see the color schemes here.
Pinterest is also a great resource for color scheme ideas. Benjamin Williams put together a great board of pins for you to peruse. You can view those color schemes here.
One option may also be to use a color wheel. This Old House posted a great example of a color wheel on Pinterest. You can view the color wheel here.
There are many great resources for color wheels and color palettes. You could even visit your local paint store and ask to see a color wheel there as well. Most paint stores and several options for viewing different color palettes.
Which Color Scheme Should You Choose?
The options can seem nearly endless, so which color scheme should you choose? That decision can really come down to your personal preference in most cases. If you’re looking for curb appeal, you may want to research the current trends.
Sticking with the classics can be a safe route if you are looking to sell. Using lighter colors can be easier to paint over, and interested home buyers may like that. Classic colors are also usually easier on the eyes.
Another option to think about is landscaping. You want your house to fit into the terrain around it. Do you have a lot of lush green grass that makes up your front yard? Are there a lot of trees surrounding the house? Are the trees deciduous or evergreen? Are there a lot of flower beds and different colored flowers that are more prominent?
You can also take into consideration any man made architecture that is on or near your house. If there are any large objects that are prominent, you may want to take those colors into consideration as well.
We hope we were able to help put some color scheme ideas together for you, or at least provide a resource to get you on your way. If you have any questions, or you have a paint project you want to discuss, please call us at 541-699-2940 or use our contact form to reach us.
