Why should I paint my home?
Probably the most important reason of all – other people see it. The inside walls of your home don’t get nearly as much “eye-traffic” as the exterior paint does. Not to mention you have to come home to it everyday, so painting it a color that you enjoy looking at comes with its own benefits. Furthermore, adding a fresh coat of paint adds sophistication and can completely change the look of a home — along with the rest of the street. It doesn’t hurt that it acts as a nice layer of protection from the elements, too.
I’ve decided to paint my outer walls. How do I pick a color?
Start by choosing your shade, but take your time. The last thing you want to do is rush through the process only to find out that you don’t really like that shade after all.
Light or dark tone?
Great question, this is entirely up to you, depending on your vision for your home. Again, don’t rush! Think about how the tone will look against your accent colors and your roof. Don’t be afraid to use paint swatches!
Feel of the street
Live in a suburban area? Neutral tones dominate the outer walls of most homes here, but don’t be afraid to stand out. A bold color speaks volumes about your character.
Consider how it will make you feel
In our humble opinion the most important aspect of any paint – exterior OR interior – is its effect on you. Keep in mind you’ll likely be looking at it for quite some time, so make sure it’s an accurate reflection of your personality.
Still having trouble deciding? That’s okay! The DIY Network wrote a nifty article that goes a little further in depth on choosing the right color, it’s definitely worth a look.
Does my roof matter when choosing a color?
Absolutely. Neutral shingles aren’t much of an issue, and will work with most colors – bold or pale. On the other hand, colored roof tiles or otherwise will require more planning. For instance, if you have red roof tiles, you may not want to choose a contrasting color — such as purple.
Here’s a link to an article that will help you decide
Use the Color Wheel.
This is the color wheel. It’s the number one tool of interior designers and decorators, and it’s usefulness knows no bounds. Click here to find out how to use it.
Lastly, It’s a good idea to take your accent colors into account.
Look at your windowsills, door frames and columns if your home is equipped with them. Also consider the areas of your home that will go unpainted. If you’ll have exposed wood, you may want to pick a color that plays well with the grain. Use the color wheel above to get it down to a science.
Your home showcases your personality. It’s the first thing visitors and passersby see. What’s more – it’s something you literally have to live with. Let it represent you in a way that makes you happy. – 🦈
Decided on a color? Let’s get to work!
Head on over to this blog post for some ideas on how to pick the perfect color.