If it’s time to spruce up your home’s exterior, there are many elements to think about for a new paint color. Exterior painting can affect the rest of the street, so you want something that complements neighbors’ homes but still reflects your style. Here are a few tips to help you choose a hue for the property’s exterior. 

Deciding on a Shade for Exterior Painting

1. The Rest of the House

Other features of the home, such as roof shingles, driveways, and stonework, will most likely stay the same unless you’re renovating the entire property. Make sure the new hue works with the existing surfaces. Narrow down palette choices by looking for similar undertones. Does the property have warmer tones, such as brown and beige, or cooler tones, like blue and gray?

Pick a hue that complements the existing features. For example, a dark brown roof with a blue or green paint job will clash. Use a color wheel that matches up complementary colors for you, or ask a professional. To define features, contrast dark colors with lighter shades and vice versa. 

2. The Home’s Architectural Style

If you live in a historic neighborhood, there may be restrictions in place for the types of colors you can use for the property. Similarly, Victorian homes and New England residences have a specific style and benefit from a hue that matches their aesthetic. For instance, a Cape Cod house has a simple design and may not look appealing with a cotton candy color scheme.

If you need help finding a shade that fits with the property’s style, contact a color consultant to walk you through a few options. The best selection will enhance the architecture without looking too jarring. 

3. The Lighting 

Like interior hues, the color you see on the paint swatch may not be what it looks like in person. The shade can vary significantly, especially if your home gets a lot of sunlight or foliage coverage. Make sure you test it out on the property before selection. Buy a quart of paint and apply it to a small area of the home that isn’t noticeable to passersby. Check throughout the day to see how the shade appears in different lighting. If the color looks lighter than the paint chip, consider going a shade darker until you find the hue that works. 

Are you ready to get started on an exterior painting project? Contact the professionals at Archer Exteriors in Saint Paul and Minneapolis, MN. These contractors will help you find a shade that works for your style and property. They also offer installations and replacements for roofing, gutters, siding, and windows, as well as storm damage restoration. For a painting estimate, call (651) 493-4156. Visit them online to learn more about their offerings. Follow them on Facebook for updates.