How to Update Your Home with Exterior Paint

Exterior painting is an easy way to alter the appearance of your home. Whether your current paint is old and flaking or you’re just ready to give your home a facelift, there are many options when it comes to exterior paint. Choose from a wide variety of colors and textures to find the best shades for your home. Read on for a few general tips and current trends that could inspire you to update the outside of your home.

Factor in the general aesthetic of your neighborhood. Are the houses historical or modern? Does a homeowners’ association have rules about acceptable exterior paint colors? Even if there are not regulations in place, you might want to consider how you would like your home to look in the context of the other houses on your street or in the surrounding area. Do you want to blend in or stand out?

Several recent trends in exterior painting involve incorporating unique colors as main shades or accents. Darker shades like black or charcoal gray are in style. If you opt for one of these colors, you might consider setting off accents with a gloss finish or in bright white. In general, you might want to restrict very bright colors to accents or interiors. This can help to make your home eye-catching without risking becoming an eyesore.

If your home is more traditional and features beautiful woodwork, you might look for ways to integrate softer colors like pastels on the shutters or trim. These shades can make your home appear brighter and more cheery. You can still go for bolder colors, but they may draw attention away from other features.

Focus on ways to emphasize the best architectural features of your home as you prepare for exterior painting. Paint should harmonize these elements rather than detracting or distracting from the appearance of your home.