There’s nothing like a fresh coat of paint to revive the look of your home. Choosing the right colors can seem like a daunting task, but these easy tips will ensure that you pick the best colors for your house.

Look to the neighbors

Check out the neighbors for inspiration. It’s likely that there is a common color scheme in the neighborhood. If neutrals and muted tones are de rigueur, then you may want to reconsider that sunshine yellow paint you’ve picked out. Instead, opt for a pale yellow and bump up the color with brightly colored flowers in your landscaping. You want your home to stand out without becoming the eyesore of the neighborhood.

Reflect the environment

Homes in more tropical locales can introduce bright, bold colors that mimic the lush plants and flowers in the area. For example, those with homes on St. Croix are lucky enough to have Bird of Paradise flowers in their backyards. The beautiful orange color of the flower can be carried throughout the property not only in the landscaping, but on the house itself in the trim and shutters. Beachfront homes in any climate can echo the ocean by pairing shades of blue with sandy neutrals. Properties on the east coast can boast their famed autumn foliage all year long with their exterior paint colors. Choose colors like rich reds and warm golds.

Stay true to tradition

If you own an older home, a great way to choose an exterior color is to use the original paint color. Historically accurate color schemes a tried and true way enhance the look of your home. If you don’t know the original colors, check out a few period books to find a palette that would work with your home. You could also check with neighbors or your realtor for any old photographs from way back when.

Match your home’s features

Whatever palette you pick, be sure to match your home’s features. Choose colors that go well with the color of the roof and anything that won’t be painted, like fieldstone or brick. Be sure to consider any detailing on the home, such as wrought iron balustrades or copper awnings.

Play it safe or go bold

Staying within a single color family creates a sophisticated look for any home. Consider tints and shades of a single color for different parts of the job (walls, shutters, trim, etc.). This is a fool-proof way to get fantastic results. If monochromatic isn’t for you, go bold! Playing with a few different colors, dark and light, subtle and bright, will add drama to your residence. Be careful not to overload the palette, or you may end up living in a funhouse.

Keep in mind

• Lighter colors make a house appear larger, while darker colors narrow
• Glossier paints are more likely to show imperfections, but are easy to clean
• Flat paints hide imperfections, but are difficult to clean
• Paint swatches can be deceiving. Test the color on your home and look at it throughout the day for subtle changes in the sunlight before you commit.

This article was written by Erie Construction. For more information on Erie Construction visit our Guild Quality profile.