What color should i paint my house exterior
20 Exterior House Colors Trending in 2021
Painting your home is a big investment and there are a lot of exterior house colors to choose from. Because of this, it can be hard to choose what color to paint your home. But we’re here to help. We’ve compiled this list to not only get you excited about painting your home’s exterior, but to also help guide your thinking process.
Though we can’t tell you what color to paint your home, we can give you the tools you need to make the right decision. Good luck!
Exterior house colors that will make you want to paint in 2022
This year, nature is the word in exterior home color schemes, according to design blog Brick and Batten. Think muted forest greens, olives, and calm neutrals in gray, blue, and tan.
For more inspiration, check out Benjamin Moore’s Color by Region feature. It offers you ideas for exterior home paint by what U.S. region you live in.
To get you started, we picked a few of the trendiest house paint colors in 2022 to inspire you to move ahead with your painting project.
You’ll notice we also included a Pinterest link so you can get an idea of what these best exterior house paint colors look like in real life.
Soft green/gray
James Brey/Getty ImagesPaint experts Sherwin-Williams picked Evergreen Fog as their 2022 Color of the Year. This mix of muted forest green and gray pairs well with neutral tans and off-white accents.
- Pinspiration
- Our color suggestion: Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog
Taupe
Dana Hoff / Getty ImagesTaupe paint comes in a range of tints, like green or grey, making it easy to totally customize your home’s exterior.
- Pinspiration
- Our color suggestion: Benjamin Moore Vintage Taupe
Light gray
UC Page / Getty ImagesOne of the most on-trend colors, a light gray exterior gives your home an ultra modern look.
- Pinspiration
- Our color suggestion: Sherwin Williams Modern Gray
Gray-blue
Artazum / ShutterstockPicking a gray-blue gives your home more warmth and whimsy than a typical gray.
- Pinspiration
- Our color suggestion: Sherwin Williams Misty
Sage green
Artazum / ShutterstockA sage green home presents an earthy tone that lets you accentuate other things like trim and landscaping.
- Pinspiration
- Our color suggestion: Valspar Sparkling Sage
Gray-green
Ursula Page / ShutterstockA gray-green hue fits any style of home, making it a safe choice that still lets you feel like you’re stepping outside of your comfort zone.
- Pinspiration
- Our color suggestion: Benjamin Moore Nantucket Gray
Butter yellow
Jon Lovette / Getty ImagesA pale yellow offers warmth without being overbearing or marking you as the odd house out on your block.
- Pinspiration
- Our color suggestion: Valspar Saffron Ivory
Pale blue
David Papazian / ShutterstockFor a light and airy effect, choose a pale blue for your siding. You don’t have to worry about fading and can enjoy both a traditional vibe and a whimsical one.
- Pinspiration
- Our color suggestion: BEHR Helium
Deep blue
Breadmaker / ShutterstockA dark blue exterior paired with the warm glow of lights inside makes the perfect setting to come home to.
- Pinspiration
- Our color suggestion: Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
Burgundy
Lindasj22 / ShutterstockA deep red on your home’s exterior siding gives a traditional look while still having a pop of personality.
- Pinspiration
- Our color suggestion: Benjamin Moore New London Burgundy
Warm brown
Artazum / ShutterstockA rich color that reminds you of your favorite cinnamon latte all year long, using a warm brown for your home’s exterior is a unique choice.
- Pinspiration
- Our color suggestion: Glidden Cinnamon Spice
Black
James Brittain / ShutterstockFor a minimal look inspired by Scandinavia, a matte black gives a dramatic impact.
- Pinspiration
- Our color suggestion: Benjamin Moore Onyx
Things to consider when choosing exterior paint colors
Keep these seven considerations in mind when settling on your exterior house paint ideas.
1. Landscaping
If you are active in your yard and have a variety of decorative plants, consider how your house’s color will look with the yard. If you like bright, bold colors, will they contrast with your yard in the spring and summer months?
2. Neighbors
Though your immediate neighbors shouldn’t dictate what color you choose for your home, you should keep them in mind. If you plan to sell your home one day, you don’t want your home to stand out for all of the wrong reasons. A color that stands out, but that also complements the homes beside yours, will make your home seem more harmonious with your neighborhood. It’s also a good idea to check with your Homeowners Association as they could have rules about which colors you can paint your house.
3. Your home’s materials
If your home has either brick or stone anywhere on the exterior, you’ll want to choose colors that don’t conflict with your home’s natural exterior color schemes. Both brick and stone can have colors that stand out all by themselves, so any color you choose to go beside them needs to complement those materials.
4. Your roof
Whether you have a tin roof or a shingled roof, your home’s exterior color needs to be harmonious with your roof’s color. You don’t need to match the roof color with whatever color you’re choosing to paint your exterior – but they do need to complement one another. A good rule of thumb is to pair warm siding colors with warm roof colors and cool siding colors with cool roof colors.
5. The size of your home
If you want your home to appear bigger, a lighter, pastel color will ‘trick’ the eye and make it appear bigger. If you’re worried homebuyers will discount your home because of its size, go with a lighter shade.
6. Paint longevity
If it’s not in your budget to paint your home every five years then you’ll want to steer away from brighter colors, as these colors are known to fade quickly over time.
7. Resale value
If the plan is to sell in a few years, you don’t want to pick a color that will scare away potential buyers. Your bright purple may seem perfect to you, but to other people it might seem like a giant headache.
Frequently asked questions
What are the trending exterior house colors?
The following colors are sweeping across the nation right now:
- Gray/green
- Taupe
- Light gray
- Gray/blue
- Sage green
- Shades of blue
- Brown
- Burgundy
How do I choose an exterior paint color?
You should always choose a color that excites you and comforts you. Not only should your home feel welcoming to friends and family, but it should feel the same for you. Choose a color that embodies what a home should be to you.
However, if you plan on selling your home in the near future, go with a more neutral color. Though you may find the perfect buyer if you go with a bright color, the selling process will likely be more difficult.
What colors fade the fastest?
Bright colors are more susceptible to fading because of the effect UV radiation has on them. Bright yellows, blues, or reds will fade more quickly compared to muted colors.
What colors make a home appear bigger?
If your home is on the smaller side, a lighter color will make it appear bigger. Think impressionist, pastel colors such as off-gray, milky white, and beige.
10 ideas and advice |
(Image credit: Getty Images)
When it comes to paint colors for the exterior of a house, there is a plethora of options to choose from. Ranging from classic whites through to more vibrant tones, there is a color for every home and every home owner.
Choosing paint ideas for your home's exterior is a big task. It will define your home's character and create an instant impression. Painting your home is a fairly complex task and not one you'll want to repeat on a regular basis – therefore choosing the right house paint colors first time around is vital.
‘A great tip for choosing a house paint color is to make sure you view some realistic samples first. I always advise clients to paint the samples on posterboard in order to have large visuals of the color that can be seen in many different lighting positions. It is all too common to see sellers paint an entire house based off of a small sample, and then regret the color they chose,' advises Donald Olhausen Jr, real estate agent, house flipper and owner of We Buy Houses in San Diego.
Below, we showcase the best paint colors for the exterior of a house.
Paint colors for the exterior of a house
As well as considering paint colors for the exterior of a house, it is also important to think about how to paint a house exterior.
'Painting an exterior is not just about choosing the right colors, it’s also about choosing the right paint finishes, after all, this finish needs to protect the building as well as decorate it!’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene .
‘Exterior paint is essentially your home’s protection from the elements, so it’s vital to select paints that not only look fantastic and have a superb finish, but that are also durable, practical and formulated to withstand the test of time, harsh weather conditions in winter and the baking UV light of mid-summer. ’
‘For brick, stone or rendered walls, a masonry paint is required, extremely durable and water-resistant, it offers effective protection from the elements, and benefits from being highly dirt-resistant, with its anti-fungal and anti-ageing properties ensuring it looks good for longer,’ continues Ruth. ‘If you’re unsure about choosing the right paint finishes for your home, consider an all surface primer.'
1. Opt for white on colonial style homes
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Classic and timeless, you can't go wrong with white for colonial style houses. One of the most popular paint colors for the exterior of a house, it suits almost all house styles from colonial homes through to new builds.
‘Refreshing the exterior of the house can instantly transform your property and add value to it. External features such as window ledges, door surrounds and gate posts can all be painted with the same formulation and color to create a uniform look,’ says Matthew Brown, technical consultant at Sadolin & Sandtex .
2. Select red for farmhouse vibes
(Image credit: Getty Images)
If you have a farmhouse or even farm-style barns on your property, then red is a classic house paint color. While it would make a bold statement in the city, in the countryside, red is a timeless choice.
Red is the traditional color for farmhouses. Before paint was readily available, farmers would seal their barns with linseed oil which was often mixed with red iron oxide to seal the barn's exterior and kill any fungi. This addition turned the barn a rich red color. Today's red house paint color is an attractive nod to the tradition.
'Throughout New England, the Midwest, and other dairy farming regions, the farmhouse trend of weathered red as an exterior color (with white trim) still earns powerful nostalgic reactions from homeowners and especially their guests,' adds Baron Christopher Hanson, luxury South Florida Realtor at EchoFineProperties .
3.
Brighten a timeless gray exterior with white accents(Image credit: Getty Images)
Gray is one of the most elegant and durable paint colors for the exterior of a house. However, if you select the wrong shade it can look dark and unappealing. Therefore, if deciding on gray for the exterior of your home, also factor in ways to brighten the look. Select a gray with warmer, silvery undertones and pair with a clean white gloss for the trim, porches, window frames and door frames to catch the eye and brighten your home's exterior.
‘In the same way you would look at paint colors alongside curtain fabrics and furnishings, consider the architectural elements of your exterior too: do you have red or yellow tone bricks, limestone or granite walls, what color are your roof tiles? Build these into your design scheme to ensure your paint choices are complementary,’ says Ruth Mottershead.
‘Don’t let decorating the exterior be an afterthought, as well as weatherproofing and protecting your home, it’s a fantastic way to add design personality and curb appeal. ’
4. Select a color to help your house sell faster
(Image credit: Getty Images)
If you are looking to sell your home, then when it comes to picking paint colors for the exterior of a house, the advice is the same as that for painting the interior of a house.
Painting your house white inside and out is always the best way to sell any property faster. White is also a neutral color that reflects light, allowing landscaping and trim colors to stand out whilst making every room of your house look bigger and reflect even more light indoors.
'White is also a tabula rasa color that allows buyers to envision their own color palette, skin tones, artwork, and furnishings. If buyers wish to paint a room or wall or door or shutter any different color, white as a base coat is always best,' says Baron Christopher Hanson. 'The advice we give to every seller in any market is simple: paint it all white, inside and out, with one pop of color, and your home will appeal to far more buyers.
5. Select a sunny shade to bring year-round cheer
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Yellow is a cheery shade that will brighten any home. A favorite shade for interiors – you can't beat yellow room ideas – it also looks great on the exterior of your home.
However, if considering yellow paint colors for the exterior of a house, it is important to carefully consider tone. There is a lot of color variation with regards to decorating with yellow, from a creamy off-white through to vibrant lemon. When choosing paint colors for the exterior of a house, opt for a lighter shade, with mustardy undertones and avoid anything garish – temper the look with a clean white trim.
'With its bold nature, yellow is a fantastic shade to couple with soft greys as it adds class and intrigue to any outside space. Mixing these shades together through exterior paint can create an immediate, contemporary and on trend exterior space with minimal effort,' adds Matthew Brown.
6.
Add color to your home's exterior with blue paint(Image credit: Getty Images)
Blue is one of our favorite paint colors for the exterior of a house. While it is still a fairly neutral shade, drawing on the same tones and whites and grays, it will still stand out on your street.
'The rule of thumb is typically to paint your house with colors of your surrounding environment. For instance, you’ll see many beach houses painted a light blue, whereas in the mountains you’ll see a lot more brown,' says Matt Woods, co-founder and CEO of SOLD.com .
'In fact, many Homeowner Associations have rules that their homes must be painted to match their surroundings. This goes for aspects of the exterior such as the trim and the shutters, and is meant to help your home look more natural in its environment.'
7. Opt for on trend griege
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Greige, a mix of gray and beige, is having a real moment. The beige-gray color trend is taking interiors by storm and is also one of the best paint colors for the exterior of a house. Greige works well with many different styles and is an interesting, yet neutral shade.
An added benefit of selecting greige paint colors for the exterior of a house is that it leaves you free to be more creative with your front door color ideas. Every color from warm reds, pinks and oranges through to cooler greens and blues will look great set against a greige house.
If you are thinking of selling your home, greige is also a great choice. 'Neutral colors, like grey, white, beige and greige, are widely accepted by most potential buyers as something they can easily move into and not deal with when they take possession,' says Geoff Sharp, president and owner of Sharper Impressions Painting .
8. Opt for a dark color for a modern look in cooler climates
(Image credit: Getty Images)
For a modern look, consider dark paint colors for the exterior of a house. However, you need to be careful when opting for darker shades, especially if you live in a warm part of the country.
Dark colors absorb both light and heat, and as such will make your home feel warmer. While this is a great choice if you live in a cooler place where you are actively trying to increase the insulation of your home, dark colors should be avoided if you want to keep your home cool. For these houses, light colors are better for as they help to reflect light and keep your home cool.
If opting for dark paints colors for the exterior of a house, then be sure to lighten the look with a bright white shade for the trim and opt for colorful front door ideas too.
9. Go bold with your roof color
(Image credit: Getty Images)
If you're feeling a little apprehensive about selecting bold paint colors for the exterior of a house but still want a pop of color, consider opting for a colorful roof. White walls will bring all the benefits of painting your home white, however topping with a bright roof will add a little bit of personality to your home. This red and white combo is classic and eye-catching in equal measure.
10. Consider your region when choosing colors
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Color will always catch the eye but it is important that it fits in with your region and the colors of your neighbors' homes. Avoiding clashes is key and one of the easiest ways to do this is to opt for white paint colors for the exterior of a house, but then pair with colored trim.
'The exterior of any home should always consist of white and one other accent color for doors and trim, depending on your region, climate, flora and fauna, and style. In South Florida, tropical colors can produce a delightfully elegant trim effect: Cantelope, mango, seafoam, pink ground, or orange blossom. In New England, fire engine red, navy blue, or black can be as rustic as they are traditional. In Charleston, South Carolina, Hale navy, Repose gray, caramel, or Dishy Coral (works in South Florida as well),' says Baron Christopher Hanson.
How many colors should a house exterior have?
The house exterior should have at least two colors, one for the trim and one for the body. However, don't go over board. ‘Excluding the roof, the exterior of a house should have no more than three colors,’ recommends Melanie Hartmann, owner of Creo Home Buyers .
What exterior colors make a house look bigger?
Bright, neutral colors like whites and pale colors will help to make a house look bigger. Just as when it is used for interiors, bright, light colors such as whites, light grays and even pale yellows will reflect light and help to make your property appear larger.
Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature four years ago, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title. Working on Period Living brought with it insight into the complexities of owning and caring for period homes, from interior decorating through to choosing the right windows and the challenges of extending. This has led to a passion for traditional interiors, particularly the country-look. Writing for the Homes & Gardens website as a content editor, alongside regular features for Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors magazines, has enabled her to broaden her writing to incorporate her interests in gardening, wildlife and nature.
What color to paint the house: choosing the right shade
Before the summer season, it's time to update the facade of a country house. We suggest what color to paint the house outside and show photos of beautiful examples. The choice is influenced by practical and aesthetic factors.
What color to choose for exterior decoration:
Things to consider
- Features of the site and house
- Roof
- Lining material
Color options
Color types
Let's talk about aesthetics first. The rules come down to the covering ability of the material and its durability. Dark colors have less consumption, which reduces the cost of work. In addition, they attract heat, so they are best used in cloudy, cold areas.
If it is important that the wall fade more slowly, choose a light color. On the surface painted with it, dust is less noticeable, it will retain saturation longer. Red and all its shades fade the fastest. The maximum brightness period is 5-7 years. Next, let's talk about successful combinations for different areas.
Pexels
At the first stage, you can use various online services to select a palette. Download special applications or look for sites. You can use official Pantone services. It is also important to take into account several factors, which we will now discuss.
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Country house
From roof to basement: how and with what to paint a house
Site location
- In the southern regions, black tone and a dark palette are usually not used. In the north, in the mountains, brown, gray, bright walls look good. Proximity to the sea is played with pink, blue, turquoise, beige shades.
- Rural and country houses provide more room for creativity. Cottages located within the city are usually painted in something neutral to match neighboring buildings.
- A building of a simple form without elegant details adorns a bright facade. It will help divert attention from construction flaws.
- On the contrary, if the building has bas-reliefs or other decorative details, a neutral background would be appropriate.
- The building must stand out on your lot. The green cladding is lost against the background of tall shrubs and trees.
- Interior. Some styles (for example, Victorian, classic, hi-tech, modern) are logical to apply on the outside in order to maintain a coherent picture.
- It happens that in the design of rooms there is no certain style, but there is panoramic glazing. In this case, you can also build on the internal design of walls and floors.
- Sauna, outbuildings, gates and everything on the site plays a role in the choice of paint. The task is to create a single project.
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Walls
3 design ideas for decorating the house and garden outside
Roof color
Usually this part of the house is different from the facade. It is desirable that they are combined with each other. For example, what color to paint the house if the roof is brown? In this case, it is recommended to use white, beige, shades of brown, blue. Gray tiles or slate can be combined with orange, blue, darker gray, burgundy, white, green, blue walls. Red roof - with gray, brown, black, yellow. Black - with light colors.
There is one more rule: the brighter the building, the more inconspicuous the roof should be. And vice versa.
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Other elements of the building are sometimes distinguished from the general background. For example, platbands, drainpipes, cornices, doors. Another option is to combine several variations of the same color. In this case, use the combination rule: a dark plinth, a slightly lighter roof, and a medium-density paint for the walls.
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Country house
Beautiful two-story houses: planning ideas and examples of projects (121 photos)
Front material
Wooden private cottages and dachas are usually coated with antiseptic translucent or topcoat impregnations. The former retain the pattern of timber or logs, the latter only its relief. If the facade is made of stone, brick or unpainted wood, you need to select decorative elements, a roof, a pediment.
To find a harmonious combination, look for it in the texture of these materials. Inclusions in stone or knots in wood are the best source of inspiration in this case. Brick is beautifully combined with brown, white, red, green and their derivative shades.
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These are general points to consider when choosing an outdoor design. After you find your color, paint a large sheet of paper or drywall with it and attach it to the building. Step back a long distance and evaluate how this option looks. Even better is to do it directly on the wall, as the paint manifests itself differently on different surfaces. During the day, you will be able to understand how the building will look with different lighting.
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Apartment
What are colorings and why should they not be neglected when decorating walls?
We list the most popular finishes.
Brown
A classic country house finish. Associated with warmth, comfort, closeness to nature.
Instagram @ cottage_a_day
Instagram @ cottage_a_day
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Country house
Beautiful one-story houses: 10 projects with layouts
White
White, like yellow, is perceived as elegant, joyful. In addition, it harmonizes perfectly with greenery. Deciduous trees next to such a structure look openwork, and for bright plants this is one of the best backgrounds. True, in winter it will merge with snow. Therefore, it is better to combine it with black, brown, red, blue, pink, blue. All of the above applies to beige facades.
Instagram @ cottage_a_day
Instagram @ cottage_a_day
Gray
A discreet palette might seem boring, but it's not. Together with snow-white or brown accents, it creates a cozy, elegant picture. This painting option is very practical - dust and dirt are the least noticeable on the surface. If you are thinking about what color to paint the outside of a wooden house, and you don’t like the option with a transparent stain, pay attention to the gray scale.
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Instagram @ cottage_a_day
Green
Use it only if there are few trees nearby. Suitable for both cottages and cottages in the city. It is both bright and calm color.
Instagram @ cottage_a_day
Instagram @ cottage_a_day
A light gray-green hue that is trending this year. It is neutral, but at the same time unbeaten. It is combined with dark blue, gray, red-orange, coffee, swamp green, white. In each of the combinations, sage will look different.
Instagram @ cottage_a_day
Instagram @ cottage_a_day
Yellow
Bright canary or pale yellow are associated with freshness, sun, warmth. Paint a house with it and even in the off-season the site will not be gloomy. Against such a background, white platbands and a brown roof look good.
Pexels
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Red
A deep ruby red that is not often used in home decoration and is completely in vain. This color emphasizes the beauty of landscape design on the site, stands out from other buildings, looks great in any season. The only downside is that it burns out fairly quickly. Combines beautifully with wood.
Instagram @ cottage_a_day
Instagram @ cottage_a_day
Check out our selection of beautiful exterior painting examples.
tenphotos
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Instagram @newlifeluxury
Instagram @cottage_a_day
Instagram @cottage_a_day
Instagram @cottage_a_day
Instagram @cottage_a_day
Instagram @cottage_a_day
Instagram @cottage_a_day
Instagram @tatertotsandjello
Instagram @ourfifthhouse
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Finishing materials
Wood paint selection guide
By type of finish
For exterior walls, facade paints are usually used that are resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations. They are matte, semi-matte, glossy. If the house is located in the sun, choose a matte option.
Invoice
Also on sale there are textured compositions resembling decorative plaster. They include fine granulate, which makes the wall grainy. This mixture is suitable for cases where you need to hide the defects of the cladding. It is applied in a thick layer and therefore careful leveling of the surface is not required.
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Instagram @kvezal_decor
By way of action
Frame and other wooden structures are often covered with transparent and tinted antiseptics, alkyd, oil or acrylic paints. The latter are preferred for a number of reasons.
- They are easier to work with. Can be diluted with water, tinted in any color (you just need to buy a white base and pigments).
- No unpleasant odour.
- Fast drying.
- Vapor permeability.
- Elasticity. The layer does not crack when the facade is deformed.
Oil formulations are very weather resistant, strong but take a long time to dry and do not ductility. Alkyd mixtures withstand low temperatures, but are quickly erased. Antiseptic impregnations are the most suitable option, as they preserve the beauty of wood and protect it from moisture and insects.
Pexels
Builders recommend covering plastered walls with water-dispersion paints - acrylic and silicone. They are eco-friendly, non-flammable, waterproof and retain their color for a long time. They are applied with rollers, brushes or spray guns. If the wall has already been painted, the old finish is removed from it, the defects that have appeared are puttied, the surface is primed and then repainted.
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Colors in the interior
What colors to paint the walls: 5 tips and 9 best options
Prepared by
Nelli Kirgintseva
What color should the house be painted on the outside? Secret professionals
Author: Marina K.
Do you or your friends have a private house? Then here is an amazing article for you! We asked a designer, builder, low-rise house specialist and paint technologist about what color to paint the house, and heard even more practical advice than we expected!
The first impression that will be formed about our home, about ourselves depends on what the appearance of our house will be. But if everything is more or less clear with the style of the rooms, and even a person who understands nothing in design will find a lot of materials and ready-made ideas for decorating the interior, then what to do with the facade of a private house?
We will not convince you to paint your house outside red or light yellow, but we will tell you the secrets of professionals that will definitely influence your choice!
What can affect the color
Ideally, the appearance of the house, both inside and out, should match your personality, preferences and tastes. But it turns out that this is not the only thing that determines the color of the facade.
“The appearance of the facade of a house most often determines the style solution of its interior, for example, a Victorian-style interior suggests the same design outside. Another thing is when a house or townhouse is located in a cottage village, in which case the developer sets the exterior style, and the house owners have no choice but to adhere to it.
When it comes to color choice, designers have concepts of "feminine", "masculine" or "neutral" interiors, and the same goes for exteriors. So, a young married couple will rather try to choose something light, light. Very often, the choice is influenced by memories associated with a joint vacation: they stop at the colors blue, white, sand. Women prefer red and pink, velvety surfaces, elegant decorative elements. Men traditionally choose brown and dark colors, a brutal look of the facade of the house. A familiar designer recently built a house out of timber: all the wood is light, with black window frames, a black floor inside, red and black pieces of furniture. If there is a choice, the color of the house will definitely reflect the character, preferences and even the gender of the people living in it,” says Alisa Semenova, designer of the LOFT&HOME interior studio.
Color selection algorithm
So how do you choose the color of the front? “At the initial stage of choosing the exterior of a house, it is very convenient to use special programs or online services that allow you to choose the color of the walls, windows, doors, roof, basement of the house and decide whether you like the combination of colors or not. At the next stage, we advise you to visit the exhibition of houses [open-air exhibitions, where samples of finished houses are collected, are popular in large cities - approx. author], where you can see the selected color and texture of the material live on the samples provided by the manufacturers.
For the final decision, it is desirable to paint a piece of wall approximately 0. 5 × 1 meter in size and observe the sample during the day in different lighting conditions, and also, preferably, in different weather - sunny and cloudy. In this case, the selection error will be reduced as much as possible.
When it comes to practicality, light colors tend to fade the least. White fades the slowest. However, it should be remembered that white color can become yellow over time. Thus, the most practical in this case can be a dull gray color. It does not turn yellow over time and dust is practically invisible on it.
Dark colors look very impressive on facades, especially those with simple architectural forms. However, be aware that they fade quickly. The leader in fading is black. If there is a need to use dark colors on the facade of the house, then you should pay attention to the warranty card for the paint, which indicates the limits on the fading period. Usually it is 5-7 years for dark colors,” shared Roman Konyakhin, manager of the exhibition of houses “Low-Rise Country”.
How to paint a stucco facade
When choosing paints for brick and concrete stucco facades, the same principles for choosing colors apply. But besides this, it should be remembered that our walls need paint not only for beauty. Yes, of course, the facade, and the whole street, where the walls of houses are painted in bright colors, pleases the eye, but it's not just about color. The paint should protect the surface of the facade from destruction: the sun, frost, strong winds and unclean air can damage even the most durable materials.
How to paint a wooden house
Of course, you can paint a wooden house "tightly" with the help of top coats, for example, enamels for wood. But most often in wooden construction, translucent paints are used - azure, popularly called either impregnations or stains (we wrote about the accuracy of the terms earlier).
“For wooden houses, it is better to use materials that emphasize the structure of the tree. After all, in the end, for this we choose a house made of wood: for its color and texture.
The color option will depend on the chosen color and texture of the roof, the proposed architraves, the color of the gutter system, the finish of the plinth, the color of the window lamination, the log / beam exits (cuts at the corners and in the wall joints), as well as on the design of already built buildings on area, for example, baths. In our practice, we offer customers a choice of 3-4 standard options for painting a wooden house.
For a house, it is better to use 2-3 colors: the first for the facade, the second for architraves, frontal roof laths and pillars, the third color for the plinth and balusters.
You also need to understand that wood requires special protection: during operation, it is able to both gain moisture from rains and other precipitation, and give it away under the influence of sunlight.
The most affected by environmental factors are the facades located on the sunny side, so they are required for protective treatment in the first place after erection, it is also very important to immediately treat the exits of a beam or log, as they are the main places where moisture enters the material. We advise clients to use light colors. The fact is that dark surfaces are able to heat up more, and compared to them, light ones are less affected by deformation from the heating-cooling process,” said Anton Shagiev, director of the company for the construction of wooden houses IZHS-STROY.
So, the choice of color, as well as the choice between paint and azure, is yours, the main thing is to use high-quality materials. The owners of wooden houses are more concerned with the question of how to update the facade, painted with azure after a while: we have already talked about this (here is the link).
We asked Valery Ermakov, Chief Technological Consultant of TM Belinka, to cover the technical side of the issue.
1. So is it worth painting the facade in a dark color?
“According to other experts, a clarification should be made: facades painted in dark colors better protect the wood itself (or other material from which the house is built) from destruction, but at the same time they really burn out more.
We paint the façade to protect it from the damaging effects of UV radiation. To do this, it is necessary to paint the surface with coatings with high light fastness, and inorganic iron oxide pigments have the highest light fastness. But the pigments, in turn, must be well "located" in the binder and have very small dimensions (several microns). All pigments, both light and dark, have high light fastness. Only on dark surfaces is the process of color change over time more noticeable than on light ones. At the same time, it is believed (according to the laws of physics) that dark colors protect better from UV radiation.
2. Not all white paints turn yellow over time
If you take into account high-quality white paints and glazes from reliable manufacturers, then you should understand the following. The effect of a certain yellowing applies only to alkyd coatings, but acrylic ones do not turn yellow in principle. But even alkyd coatings lose their degree of whiteness only after a few years - due to the thinning of the film and the manifestation of the wood base.