Blog by Beebe Cline, PREC*

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8 Homes With Exterior Paint Colors Done Right

There is nothing scarier for some people than choosing paint colors for the exterior of their house. What goes together? What colors work with the style of the home? What will the neighbors think? These are all concerns I've heard over the years.

I like to give people two tips on choosing exterior color. First and most important, pay attention to the color of your roof. Make sure the colors you are considering either complement or blend with the roof. Second, consider the architecture and landscaping as a starting point.

Here are some great examples of paint colors that got both considerations right.

Related: 12 tried and true interior paint colors
This very traditional home with a combination of horizontal siding and shingles is painted in Tomatillo AC115N by Duron. This earthy red is also a great choice for barn-inspired architecture.
Here is a basic cottage-style home with a combination of shingles and vertical siding. The main field color is Copley Gray HC-104 by Benjamin Moore. The trim is Elephant Tusk OC-8, also by Benjamin Moore. Note the garage door is also painted the main field color.
This traditional painted brick home looks regal in Ballet White OC-9 by Benjamin Moore. The shutter color, which blends beautifully with the landscape and roof, is Attitude Gray SW7060 by Sherwin-Williams. Notice the chimney is painted the main field color.
Mediterranean architecture looks great in warm colors that lean toward neutral. I like sandy golds and terra-cotta colors for this style home. Here the paint is Colonial Revival Stone SW 2827 by Sherwin-Williams.
This traditional home, which features stone and siding accents, is painted in Status Bronze 7034, with Relaxed Khaki 6149 for the trim and Caviar 6990 for the shutters, all from Sherwin-Williams. I like to see neutrals with stone accents and lush landscaping.
If you're looking to take your house exterior fun and edgy, try a dark main color with a fun burst of color on the front door. Here is Kendall Charcoal HC-166 for the main field color and Cool Aqua 2056-40 on the front door, both by Benjamin Moore. Dark colors look great with chartreuse and emerald landscape colors.
If you're looking for a beachy palette for your Cape Cod or tropical-style home, try soft blues. Here is Rainwashed SW 6211 by Sherwin-Williams.

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