Quick Tips on Exterior Color

Here's a little list you might want read if you are considering painting the outside of your home.

Illustration by Donna Frasca

There are so many factors to consider when choosing an exterior color but here are some basic guidelines that you can follow to start you off.

So do a little research, get the correct prep work done, use a good quality paint or stain and buy the proper materials and you'll be on your way to a gorgeous home!

I've listed a few points to get you pointed in the right direction. But keep in mind, don't cut corners because you don't want to gamble with the exterior of your home. Like anything else, plan well and reap the rewards. If you're not a DYIer, hire the professionals. It's a good investment!

The first step is to take a quick drive through your neighborhood and see what other colors are already on your block. For instance, how many homes are blue, green, beige or white? You may see a color that you like and colors you may want to avoid. Here are some other FYI's you will need to think about when choosing a new color for your home.

So grab your pencil and paper and let's go!

Bring your camera too! Hopefully you're neighbors won't mind you taking a few pictures - just for reference.

Take a quick look at the homes on the surrounding streets. How old are the homes? Are they 5 years old? 10 years old? 30 years old?

It's good to find out the approximate age of the homes. Here's the reason why. Picture your Aunt Lucy walking around with short shorts on, pony tails and pink sneakers. It would look a little odd don't you think?

Now picture Aunt Lucy with a black pair of capri shorts on, a classy inverted bob haircut and a nice pair of leather Clarks to match. Paints a nicer picture doesn't it? It's just more appropriate, a better fit.

The same goes for homes. It would look silly for a home that is 40 years old to have a white composite fencing, a light blue exterior color, stylized shutters and stream line accent lighting - unless the rest of the homes on the block looked similar. Try to keep the color and accents age appropriate. 

The point is, you want your home to blend with your neighborhood, not stick out. Older home? Make sure you don't have any historic restrictions. When I had a home in the beautiful historic Port Jefferson, Long Island, there were specific colors you were allowed to paint your home and they had to be approved by the historic board first. So do your research before you begin your project. Newer home? You may have HOA restrictions as well. Color, outdoor lighting, fencing, roofing - these are all factors that need approval first. It's a lot of work but it would be a nightmare if you painted your entire home only to find out you're "not allowed to have that color" on your house. I've seen it happen and it's costly and a horrible waste of time.

Light or Dark

Black or White

Yes or No

We're talking opposites here. If your home is mostly in the shade, consider a brighter, warmer color. You may want to avoid grays, muted greens and darker colors that will just add to it's dreariness.

No trees? Full sun? Stay away from those creamy beiges, light yellows and whites. You'll be glowing!

Well not really but your home may seem so much brighter if you choose a lighter hue. Now would be a good time to consider earth tones, taupes, muted greens, slate blues - you get it!

If you update the look of your home by painting, you may find that suddenly your shutters and front door will look a bit drab.

Since you're changing the look of your home, think about touching up the shutters and front door as well. If your budget allows for new shutters, get them. With literally hundreds of colors and styles to choose from, think about a new look for them as well.

Small budget? You may be able to keep the ones you have just repaint them. You can tell your neighbors there're new. No body has to know they've been recycled. 

TIP: if you are updating your old shutters remember your prep work. Clean, prime, paint. Do it right the first time so it looks it's best and lasts. The same goes for your home. It' has to be cleaned (power washed with TSP or siding cleaner, primed (fixed any holes, dents etc) and painted or stained (use the best quality at all times for best results).

Front door not so welcoming anymore? You'd be surprised how a coat of paint can transform a door. Did I mention it has to be the right color? If you need help choosing colors for shutters, doors or even your home, contact a Color Specialist ( that would be me) to help you with these crucial decisions. It's really a good investment!

As silly as it sounds, don't forget about the back of your house. Most of the attention is usually in the front but there are considerations for the back as well.

It's not that you are going to choose a different color for the back of your house but make sure the color that you do choose, looks good there as well. The lighting and landscape will be different so a taupe that looks great in the front may look like a band aid color in the back - or visa versa.