How to Choose Exterior Paint Colors for Your Home

Choosing the right exterior paint color for your home is an important decision that can enhance its curb appeal and reflect your personal style. But let’s be honest, it’s also pretty stressful! With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which colors will best suit your home’s style.

Whether you own a grand Victorian, a sleek ultra-modern house, a breezy beach retreat, a cozy cottage, or a charming farmhouse, selecting the perfect palette can transform the look and feel of your home.

Let’s talk about the best color choices and combinations for different home styles and how you can make the right decision for your home’s exterior.

Victorian Homes: Embracing Bold and Rich Colors

I live in a Victorian home in Baltimore, Maryland. That’s a picture of it above, in the color Deep Ocean on Hardie Board siding. I knew when choosing exterior paint colors that I wanted to stick to a Victorian palette to retain my home’s historic charm. I also knew that I wanted our home to stand out, being on a main street, and not blend in to the street with a more muted color. Also, blue is my favorite color, so that helped in my decision-making.

Victorian homes are known for their intricate architectural details, ornate trims, and elaborate designs. These homes, built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, can handle bold and dramatic colors that highlight their historic charm.

Color Palette:

• Deep reds, rich greens, navy blues, and warm golds
• Earthy tones like olive green and burnt sienna
• Contrasting trims in cream, white, or dark accent colors
• Multi-color schemes that enhance the detailed woodwork

Tips for Choosing the Right Colors:

• Consider the historical accuracy of your home’s original colors, which can often be found in old photographs or through paint analysis.
• Use a combination of at least three colors to highlight the architectural details, such as the siding, trim, and decorative accents.
• If your home has intricate gingerbread trim, use a lighter shade to make it stand out against a darker primary color.
• Look at other Victorian homes in your area for inspiration and to maintain the character of the neighborhood.

Ultra-Modern Homes: Keeping It Sleek and Minimalist

Ultra-modern homes focus on clean lines, geometric shapes, and a minimalist aesthetic. These homes typically benefit from a simple and sophisticated color palette that complements their streamlined architecture.

Color Palette:

• Neutral shades such as white, gray, black, and taupe
• Cool tones like deep charcoal, icy blues, or metallic silvers
• Occasional pops of color in a single bold hue, such as a striking red or a deep navy

Tips for Choosing the Right Colors:

• Stick to monochromatic or complementary color schemes for a sleek and cohesive look.
• Consider using different shades of the same color to add depth and interest without overwhelming the simplicity of the design.
• Use textures like matte, satin, or glossy finishes to enhance the modern aesthetic.
• Incorporate materials like natural wood or stone in the design to balance the starkness of modern color palettes.

Beachy Homes: Soft, Relaxing, and Natural Tones

I’m from Florida, so I’ve seen and visited a lot of beachy architecture in my life. Homes located near the coast, or those just going for a beachy vibe, should reflect the natural beauty of their surroundings. Light, airy colors inspired by sand, sea, and sky create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere.

Color Palette:

• Soft blues, seafoam greens, and sandy beige tones
• Crisp whites and warm creams for trim and accents
• Subtle pastels like coral, peach, and aqua for a cheerful, beachy feel

Tips for Choosing the Right Colors:

• Take inspiration from nature, using colors found in the beach environment.
• Opt for lighter shades that reflect sunlight and keep your home feeling cool and breezy.
• Use white or light gray trim to maintain a fresh, clean appearance.
• Consider weather-resistant paint finishes to withstand the harsh coastal elements, such as salt air and humidity.

Cottage Chic: Cozy, Whimsical, and Pastel Hues

Cottage-style homes are all about charm, coziness, and a touch of whimsy. A soft, inviting color palette can enhance the quaint aesthetic of a cottage while adding personality.

Color Palette:

• Soft pastels like pale pink, butter yellow, lavender, and mint green
• Warm whites and antique creams for a vintage touch
• Muted blues and sage greens for a calming effect

Tips for Choosing the Right Colors:

• Stick to gentle, muted tones that create a warm and welcoming vibe.
• Use contrasting trim in bright white or a complementary pastel shade to enhance architectural details.
• Consider adding a pop of color to the front door, such as a cheerful red or deep turquoise, to add a focal point.
• Choose colors that blend with the surrounding landscape, such as garden flowers or stone pathways.

Farmhouse: Classic, Rustic, and Timeless Shades

Farmhouses are known for their timeless appeal and rustic charm. A classic, neutral color scheme with earthy undertones complements the natural surroundings and simple design.

Color Palette:

• Warm whites, soft beiges, and light grays
• Earthy greens, deep navy, or barn red for accents
• Black or charcoal for window trims and shutters for contrast

Tips for Choosing the Right Colors:

• Stick to a neutral base color that reflects the traditional simplicity of a farmhouse.
• Use black or dark trim for a modern farmhouse twist, creating a striking contrast.
• Incorporate natural materials like stone or wood to complement the rustic aesthetic.
• Choose colors that blend with the natural landscape, allowing the home to feel integrated with its environment.

What are the Right Exterior Paint Colors for Your Home?

Here’s the real truth about paint colors: you can choose whatever color you want for your home’s exterior. Don’t let anyone else’s rules dictate the color you choose. But, if you’re struggling to decide what you’ll like or what would look right, this list is a great place to start.

Your exterior paint color should align with your home’s style, surroundings, and personal preferences. Whether you own a grand Victorian home, a sleek modern structure, a breezy beach retreat, a cozy cottage, or a classic farmhouse, choosing the right color palette can enhance your home’s beauty and character.

To ensure the best results:

• Test paint samples on different areas of your home and observe them in different lighting conditions throughout the day.
• Consider your home’s architectural features and choose colors that highlight its unique elements.
• Look at neighboring homes to ensure your color choices complement the surrounding environment.
• Choose high-quality, weather-resistant paints to ensure longevity and durability.

By carefully selecting your home’s exterior colors, you can create a stunning look that reflects your style and enhances your home’s curb appeal for years to come.

I’m sending you all of my best paint-choosing vibes! If you use this information to help you choose a paint color you love, send me a picture. I love to see what you’re DIYing in your home.