Starting Exterior Color Coordination With Fixed Materials
Roofs, brick and stone cost far more to change than paint, so they should guide the palette. Exterior color coordination means reading the undertones in those fixed materials and choosing body, trim and accent colors that support them. A paint color that fights the roof can make a whole house look off.
Gather photos of the house in daylight from the street before choosing anything.
Reading Roof and Masonry Colors
Roofs may lean brown, gray, red or green. Brick often blends red, orange and brown, while stone may mix gray and tan. So identify the dominant undertone in each material.
Choosing the Body Color
The body color covers the most area. It should harmonize with the roof and masonry rather than match them exactly. Warm roofs often suit warm body colors, while cool roofs suit cooler tones.
Exterior Color Coordination for Trim
Trim frames windows, doors and edges. Contrasting trim highlights details, while matching trim creates a calm look. Then accent colors on doors and shutters add interest.
- Body color for the main walls
- Trim color for edges and windows
- Accent color for the front door
- Gutter and downspout colors
Light and Climate
Strong sun can wash out colors. So test samples on several walls and view them at different times. Colors often look lighter outdoors than on a chip.
Historic and Neighborhood Character
The National Park Service notes that materials and colors contribute to architectural character. In historic districts or HOAs, color choices may need approval. The article on HOA remodeling approval explains that step.
Exterior Color Coordination With Windows
Window frames often come in fixed colors. Choose paint that works with them. The article on window frame materials covers frame colors.
Testing Samples
Paint large swatches on the house and view them from the street. Then live with them for a few days. Because neighbors see the house too, consider how it sits on the block.
Maintenance and Fading
Dark colors may fade faster and absorb more heat. Lighter colors may show dirt. So balance appearance with upkeep.
Exterior Color Coordination and Front Doors
The front door offers a safe place for a bolder color. Because it covers a small area, a strong accent rarely overwhelms the house. However, it still needs to agree with the roof and trim.
So test the door color next to the body and trim samples. Then the entry stands out without clashing.
Pulling It Together
Start with fixed materials, test samples and keep the palette simple. Careful exterior color coordination makes the house look finished. The article on exterior refresh priorities helps decide what else to change.