Repainting your home is an exciting project. You have the entire color spectrum at your disposal. That almost-unlimited potential, however, is exactly what can make an exterior house painting project so difficult. Choosing colors for the trim and accent that complement the main base can be tricky, but there are a few tips you can keep in mind to make the process easier.

How to Choose Trim & Accent Colors

1. Know the Three Elements

There are three main elements to any exterior house painting project. The base is the main body of your home. This color will take up the most space and is typically a neutral shade. The trim consists of smaller horizontal and vertical features such as fascia, soffits, and door and window frames. The third element, the accents, typically consist of the front door or shutters. Picking no more than three colors will create a visually pleasing contrast without looking busy. 

2. Let the Base Inform the Trim & Accent

Because the base color will take up the most space, it should be considered first when planning an exterior house painting project. Once you’ve picked the base color, use it to help guide you to the right colors for the trim and accents. There’s no exact science, but you’ll want to stick to colors that complement each other. Vary tones as well as color; a house painted vibrant aquamarine with bright purple trim and a sunny yellow door will certainly look distinctive, but may be too loud. A soft, muted beige base and white trim contrasted with a rich crimson door might provide a subtler, more sophisticated look that’s still impressive. Palette generators available online can help you narrow down your choices. 

3. Consider Your Neighborhood

Letting your personality shine through in your exterior house painting project is important, but be considerate of others. Use the other houses in your neighborhood as guides for sticking to appropriate colors that won’t irk your neighbors or make your home less appealing to potential buyers in the future. You can still be bold. The accent color is a perfect opportunity to make your home stick out from the pack without risking garishness. 

 

If you’re ready to give your home a new look, Bill’s Painting in Cincinnati, OH, will grab some brushes and get to work. As the go-to exterior house painting choice in the region for more than 35 years, this business takes pride in delivering exceptional results with each and every project.  Visit the website for more information on the painting services available or call (513) 742-3937 to speak with a friendly representative about getting a quote today.