The exterior paint on your home is the first thing visitors see, even before they pull into the driveway or step onto your porch. Take advantage of the warmer weather and put a fresh coat of paint on the house to brighten it up and increase its resale value.
Below are five color suggestions to make your home look its best:
Earth tones
Take a cue from your environment. Trees, lawns and shrubbery suggest earth tones such as khaki, taupe and light olive. If you’re ever looking to sell, neutral earth tones are attractive to homebuyers. According to a Rohm & Haas Paint Quality Institute survey, about 6 percent of American homes are painted green.
Bright colors
Turn your Victorian into a “painted lady” with bright colors. A Southwestern stucco might be a standout in pastels. Shades of blue, turquoise or coral would look great on a beach house. Check first with your homeowner’s association for color restrictions. According to the paint institute’s survey, only about 4 percent of houses in the U.S. are painted bright colors such as red or pink.
Whites
Light colors make buildings look larger, and white is the favorite color for classical architecture, including Georgian and colonial houses. Add a little color by painting the front door and shutters blue or red. The Rohm & Haas survey found that 34 percent of American homes are painted white, making it the most popular color.
Browns and beiges
Light to medium brown and beige cover well and resist UV light, so they don’t fade as quickly as many other hues. Sandstone beige is popular because it’s easy to match with colors on the trim and/or shutters. This makes it easier to add a splash of color to an otherwise neutral house. About 28 percent of houses in the U.S. are painted in browns and beiges, according to the paint institute survey.
Blues
Blue is a traditional color for American homes. A blue house trimmed with white creates a crisp look. Blue, however, isn’t as neutral as white or beige, so make sure the blue you have chosen goes well with the roof and other elements on your house. The Rohm & Haas survey found that 15 percent of American homes are blue.
Sources:
www.architecture.about.com
www.house-painting-info.com
www.jameshardiecolorplus.com
www.glidden.com
www.colorbuzz.com
www.stlouishousepainting.com
www.paintquality.com
Three reasons to paint your home (breakout)
1. A fresh coat of paint adds to the resale value.
2. Paint protects underlying wood, so if the paint on your house is chipping or cracking, repainting is a good idea.
3. Change an outdated or faded color by applying a new, more contemporary color.
author: Laura Knapp