Every homeowner wants their home to look visually appealing and welcoming to guests. One way to achieve this is by choosing the right exterior paint colors. However, choosing a color scheme can be a daunting task, especially when you want to achieve contrast and visual interest. That’s where trim and accent colors come in. These colors can add depth, dimension, and personality to your home’s exterior. In this article, we’ll explore how to choose trim and accent colors, and how to use them effectively to create a beautiful and functional exterior color scheme. So, let’s dive in!
Choosing Colors
When it comes to exterior painting, choosing the right colors can make all the difference in achieving a polished and cohesive look for your home. The colors you select can also have an impact on your home’s curb appeal and resale value. However, with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this section, we’ll explore some tips and tricks for selecting the perfect trim and accent colors to complement your home’s primary color and architectural features. Whether you’re planning to DIY your painting project or hire a professional, these guidelines will help you achieve beautiful and lasting results.
1. Consider Your Home’s Style
Consider Your Home’s Style
When choosing a trim and accent color palette, it’s important to consider your home’s architectural style. Different styles of homes have their own unique features and characteristics that can be highlighted or complemented with the right trim and accent colors. For example:
| Home Style | Trim and Accent Color Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Cape Cod | Soft, muted colors such as beige, gray, or white for the trim, and a bold accent color like navy blue or forest green. |
| Ranch | A classic white trim for a clean look, but consider adding an accent color to the front door, shutters or garage doors like a bright red, navy blue, or even deep green. |
| Victorian | These elaborate homes typically have intricate details and multiple colors in their design. Choose a neutral trim color and multiple bold accent colors for a cohesive look. For example, you can choose an off-white trim color and incorporate bold shades such as red, blue or green for the trim and accent areas. |
| Craftsman | These homes feature natural materials such as wood and stone. Neutral colors like black, gray, or green shades can serve as a great trim color here. Consider highlighting the front porch with an accent color like a warm yellow or a reddish-brown hue. |
Ultimately, the trim and accent colors should complement the style of the home, whether it’s traditional, modern or something in between. For more ideas on choosing the perfect trim and accent colors for your home exterior, check out our article on perfect trim colors and our guide on home curb appeal and accent colors.
2. Take Cues from the Environment
When choosing trim and accent colors for your home’s exterior, it’s important to take cues from the environment. This means looking at the natural surroundings, neighboring homes, and the overall mood and style of the area.
Here are some tips to help you take cues from the environment:
- Look at the natural surroundings: Take note of the colors in your landscaping, including the trees, bushes, flowers, and even the color of the soil. Consider how different colors will look against these natural elements. For example, if you have a lot of greenery, you may want to choose a color that will stand out, such as a bold red or blue.
- Observe neighboring homes: While you don’t want to copy your neighbors’ color schemes exactly, it’s important to consider them when choosing your own colors. You don’t want your home to clash or look out of place on your street. Look for common threads, such as similar trim or accent colors, and use those as inspiration for your own choices.
- Consider the mood and style of the area: Is your neighborhood full of historic homes with traditional colors, or is it a modern community with more daring choices? Look for patterns in the surrounding homes and take them into consideration when choosing your colors.
Taking cues from the environment can help you choose the right colors for your home’s exterior, creating a cohesive look that fits in with the neighborhood. For more tips on achieving cohesion with trim and accent colors, check out our article on trim and accent colors for cohesion.
3. Complement Your Primary Color
When choosing trim and accent colors for your home’s exterior, it’s important to consider how they will complement the primary color. Whether you have a bold or neutral primary color, there are certain trim and accent colors that will highlight it in the best way possible.
Here are some tips for complementing your primary color:
| If your primary color is… | Consider these trim colors: |
| Neutral (white, beige, gray) | Black, dark gray, navy blue, forest green |
| Blue | White, light gray, tan, cream |
| Green | White, beige, cream, taupe |
| Red or orange | White, beige, tan, light gray |
| Yellow | Gray, black, white, deep brown |
| Brown | Cream, white, tan, deep red |
By choosing a trim color that complements your primary color, you can create a cohesive and polished look for your home’s exterior. However, keep in mind that this is just one aspect of the overall color scheme. It’s important to also consider accent colors and how they can add visual interest and dimension to your home’s exterior.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Go Bold
When it comes to choosing colors for your home’s exterior, it can be tempting to play it safe and stick to traditional and neutral tones. However, don’t be afraid to go bold with your choice of trim and accent colors. Here are some tips to help you achieve a bold and striking look:
- Consider your home’s style: Bold colors can work well with any home style. You can choose bright hues for a modern look or deep tones for a traditional look. If you have a historic home, consider researching the color palettes that were popular during the time period in which it was built.
- Take cues from the environment: Look around your neighborhood or the natural surroundings of your home for inspiration. If you have a lot of greenery around your home, consider a bold shade of green for your accent color. If you live near the beach, bright blue tones might be a great choice.
- Complement your primary color: Adding a bold trim or accent color that complements your primary color can make your home’s exterior pop. For example, if your primary color is a warm terra cotta, a bold shade of green can complement it nicely.
- Use contrasting colors: A bold trim or accent color that contrasts with your primary color can create a dramatic and eye-catching effect. For example, if your primary color is a light gray, a deep navy blue trim can add a striking contrast.
By following these tips and not being afraid to go bold, you can achieve a unique and visually stunning exterior for your home.
Using Trim Color
When it comes to exterior painting, the trim color can make or break the overall look of your house. The right trim color can highlight the architectural features, create a clean look, and frame your home in a way that enhances its style. But choosing the right trim color can be perplexing. There are many factors to consider, such as the primary color, the style of your home, and the surrounding environment. In this section, we will explore how to use trim color to achieve contrast and visual interest in your exterior painting project.
1. Highlight Architectural Features
When using trim colors, one effective way to create contrast and visual interest is to highlight the architectural features of your home. This will not only make your home look more interesting but can also add depth to it. To achieve this, keep the following points in mind:
- Choose a contrasting color: When selecting a trim color, make sure it contrasts with the primary color of your home. For example, if your home is painted in a neutral beige tone, a darker trim color like deep brown or navy blue could be a great choice to create contrast and highlight the details of your home’s architecture.
- Highlight the details: Once you’ve chosen the right color, use it to highlight the details of your home’s architecture. This could include distinctive features like crown molding, window frames, or roof details. Painting the trim in a contrasting color will make these details stand out and be more noticeable.
- Accentuate the depth: Another way to use trim color to highlight architectural features is to emphasize the depth of your home’s exterior. To achieve this, consider using trim in different shades of the same color. For example, if your home is painted in a soft green color, using mint green or sage green for the trim will create an eye-catching and unique look that highlights the home’s dimension.
- Don’t overdo it: While using trim color to highlight architectural features is a great way to add visual interest to your home, it’s important not to overdo it. Too many contrasting colors can make your home look chaotic and detract from its overall appearance. It’s essential to find a balance between highlighting the details and maintaining the overall cohesive look of your home.
By following these simple tips, you can make the architectural features of your home stand out and create a beautiful and eye-catching exterior.
2. Create a Clean Look
To create a clean and polished look, consider using a trim color that contrasts with your home’s primary color. This will help highlight the architectural features of your home and make it stand out in the neighborhood. Here are some tips for achieving a clean look with trim color:
- Opt for a crisp white: White trim against a bold primary color can create a classic and timeless look.
- Choose a color already in your color scheme: Select a trim color that is already present in your home’s exterior color scheme to ensure a cohesive and unified look.
- Consider a contrasting color: A trim color that contrasts with your primary color can create a bold and dramatic effect. However, be sure to choose a color that still complements your home’s overall style.
- Keep it simple: Don’t overdo it with too many trim colors or intricate design patterns. A simple and clean trim color can be just as effective in highlighting your home’s architecture.
By following these tips, you can create a clean and polished look for your home’s exterior with the use of trim color. Additionally, hiring a professional painter can ensure that the job is done correctly, and the finished product looks stunning.
3. Frame the Home
One way to achieve contrast and visual interest with trim and accent colors in exterior painting is by framing the home. By using a bold color for the trim, you can create a border around the house that draws attention to architectural details and creates a cohesive look for the entire home.
Here are some tips to effectively frame the home:
- Choose a color that complements your primary color
- Use a bold color that stands out against the primary color
- Consider using the same color for all trim, including door and window frames
When framing the home, it’s important to consider the style of your home and the overall aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. For example, if you have a traditional-style home, a white or cream-colored trim can give it a classic look. However, if you have a more modern home, a black or dark gray trim can give it a more contemporary feel.
To make the most impact with your trim color, consider using it on all aspects of the house that have trim, such as the door and window frames, as mentioned earlier. This creates a cohesive border around the home that unifies the overall look.
Framing the home with a bold trim color is a great way to achieve contrast and visual interest in exterior painting. Make sure to choose a color that complements your primary color and consider using the same color for all trim to create a cohesive and unified look. By following these steps, you can transform your home’s exterior and give it a fresh and updated feel.
Accent Colors: Shake Things Up
As you consider how to spruce up the exterior of your home with new paint, don’t forget about adding accent colors. These small pops of color can make a big impact on the overall look of your home. But with so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. Here, we’ll explore some creative ideas for using accent colors to shake things up and add personality to your home’s exterior. So grab your paint samples and let’s get started!
1. Draw Attention to Front Entry
One way to bring attention to your home’s front entry is by using an accent color. Here are some ways to incorporate an accent color to draw eyes to your front entry:
- Paint your front door: A bold and vibrant color for the front door can make a great first impression. Choose a color that complements your primary color and stands out from the surrounding trim and walls. Red, blue, and green are popular choices for front doors.
- Add colorful planters: Place colorful planters on either side of the front door in coordinating colors to draw eyes to the entryway. Choose plants with bold and vibrant blooms.
- Highlight architectural details: Adding an accent color to your front entryway can focus attention on the unique architecture of your home. For example, you can add an accented color to your window trim, shutters, or porch railing.
When selecting an accent color for your front entry, consider the style and color scheme of your home’s exterior. A contrasting color that complements the primary color will create a visually striking look. You can also experiment with different shades and tones of the same color for a subtle yet effective result.
2. Add Visual Interest with Shutters
A great way to add depth and visual interest to your home’s exterior is by using shutters. They can become a focal point that draws the eye, while also enhancing your home’s exterior style. Here are a few tips for using shutters as accent colors:
| Tip #1 | Use Contrasting Colors |
|---|---|
| Explanation | Choose a shutter color that contrasts with the main color of your home. For example, if your home is a light color, consider a darker shade for your shutters. This will create a striking contrast that is pleasing to the eye. |
| Tip #2 | Consider Your Home’s Style |
| Explanation | When choosing shutters, think about the architecture of your home. If your home has a traditional style, consider shutters with a classic design. For modern homes, choose a simple and clean shutter style. |
| Tip #3 | Use Them Strategically |
| Explanation | If every window has shutters, it can easily distract from the overall design of the home. Consider using shutters on just the front-facing windows or on the sides of your home that face the street. This will draw attention to the front of your home and make it stand out. |
By using shutters as an accent color, you can add depth and visual interest to your home’s exterior. Just remember to choose colors that complement your primary color, and keep in mind the style of your home. When used strategically, shutters can be a beautiful addition to any home.
3. Make an Impact with Doors
When it comes to achieving visual interest with accent colors in exterior painting, don’t forget about the impact that front doors can have. Choosing a contrasting color for your front door can really make it stand out and create a welcoming focal point for visitors.
Consider using a bold and bright color like red or yellow to draw attention to your entryway. On the other hand, if you want to create a more sophisticated look, opt for a darker, more subdued color like navy or forest green.
Not sure what color to choose for your front door? Take inspiration from your surroundings. Look at the natural colors and textures in your landscaping or the architecture of nearby homes. Choosing a color that complements these elements can create a cohesive and visually pleasing overall look.
Another option for creating visual interest with your front door is adding a fun decorative element, such as a knocker or unique handle. This can really make your home stand out and showcase your personal style.
Remember, your front door is one of the first things people will notice about your home. Make sure it’s making a positive impact with the use of accent colors in your exterior painting project.
4. Focus on the Garage Door
One often overlooked area of a home’s exterior when it comes to adding accents and trim colors is the garage door. However, by focusing on this element, you can really make a statement and add visual interest to your home.
Why the Garage Door Matters
The garage door is usually the largest flat surface on a home’s exterior, so it’s no surprise that it grabs attention. Additionally, it’s typically located at the front of the home, making it one of the first things that people see when they arrive. Given this, it’s important not to underestimate the impact that color choices for the garage door can have on the overall look of the home.
Considerations for Choosing a Color
When it comes to choosing a color for your garage door, you have a few options to consider. One option is to match the door to the main color of your home. This can create a cohesive look that ties everything together. Another option is to choose a contrasting color that makes the garage door stand out. This can create a focal point that draws the eye and adds interest to an otherwise plain surface.
Other Ways to Accent the Garage Door
Beyond color, there are other ways to add interest to your garage door. One idea is to add decorative hardware, such as handles and hinges, to create the look of a carriage-style door. This can add a traditional or rustic element to the home’s exterior.
Another option is to add trim around the garage door to create a frame-like effect. This can help to highlight the door and make it stand out, while also adding depth and dimension to the overall look of the home.
Sample Your Colors
As with any accent or trim color, it’s important to sample your choices before making a final decision. This is especially true for the garage door, as it is such a large and prominent element of the home’s exterior. Take the time to paint a small section of the door with your intended colors to see how they look in different lighting conditions.
Professional Help
Finally, if you’re unsure about how to approach accenting your garage door, or any other aspect of exterior painting, consider hiring a professional. An expert can help you choose the right colors and finishes to achieve the look you want, while also ensuring that the job is done right and will last for years to come.
Don’t overlook the garage door when it comes to adding contrast and visual interest to your home’s exterior. Take time to consider color choices and other accents to make this large surface area stand out and create a welcoming entrance to your home.
Putting It All Together
With so many color options available, choosing the perfect trim and accent colors for your exterior paint job can be overwhelming. However, by following the previous steps for choosing colors and using trim and accent colors strategically, you can achieve a visually stunning and cohesive look for your home. Now it’s time to put it all together and create a harmonious color scheme that will make your home stand out from the rest. Let’s explore some tips for balancing your colors, sampling them beforehand, and when to consider hiring a professional.
1. Balance Your Colors
Achieving the perfect balance of colors is essential to creating a cohesive and visually appealing exterior paint scheme. Here are some tips to help you balance your colors:
- Consider proportions: When choosing your accent and trim colors, consider the size and style of your home. Using too many bold accent colors on a smaller home can overwhelm the space, while using too few on a larger home can make the accents look insignificant.
- Use the 60-30-10 rule: Designers often follow the 60-30-10 rule, where the primary color makes up 60% of the paint, the secondary color (usually the trim) makes up 30%, and the accent color makes up 10%.
- Choose colors that complement each other: The color wheel can be a useful tool in determining complementary colors. For example, if your primary color is blue, consider using orange or yellow as your accent colors.
- Pay attention to undertones: Undertones can make a big difference in how your colors appear. For example, a white with a cool undertone can clash with a warm beige trim. Make sure to test your colors in different lighting to see how they interact.
- Balance warm and cool colors: Using too many warm or cool colors can make your home feel unbalanced. Make sure to include a mix of both in your color scheme.
By following these tips, you can create a harmonious color scheme for your home that is both visually appealing and balanced.
2. Sample Your Colors
When choosing colors for your home’s exterior, it’s important to sample them first to see how they will look in different lighting conditions. Here are some tips for sampling your colors:
- Sample outside: Colors can look very different indoors versus outdoors. Be sure to sample your colors in natural light by painting swatches on the exterior of your home.
- View at different times of day: The way a color looks in the morning may be different from how it looks at dusk. Look at your color samples throughout the day to get a better idea of how they will look in different lighting conditions.
- Consider adjacent colors: Look at your color samples next to existing colors on your home, such as your roof or brick, to see how they will complement or contrast with each other.
- Different finishes: Be aware that the finish of your paint can also affect the way colors appear. A high gloss finish can make colors appear brighter and more vibrant, while a flat finish can make colors appear more muted and subdued.
By sampling your colors in different lighting conditions and finishes, you’ll have a better understanding of how your exterior painting project will look once it’s complete.
3. Hire a Professional
When it comes to achieving the perfect balance of contrast and visual interest with trim and accent colors in exterior painting, hiring a professional can make a world of difference. Here are a few reasons why:
- Experience: Professionals have years of experience and training in selecting and applying exterior paint colors. They understand the nuances of different color palettes and finishes and can help you achieve the look you want.
- Knowledge: A professional painter can offer valuable insights on the best colors and techniques to use, based on factors like your home’s architecture and the local climate.
- Efficiency: Painting the exterior of your home can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. A professional painter can work quickly and efficiently, ensuring that the job is completed to a high standard in a timely manner.
- Equipment: Professional painters have access to high-quality equipment and materials, which can result in a more polished and professional-looking finish.
- Satisfaction: Hiring a professional can give you peace of mind, knowing that your home’s exterior is in good hands. Additionally, a professional painter may offer a warranty or guarantee on their work, ensuring your satisfaction and providing added value for your investment.
While hiring a professional painter may require an additional investment, it can be well worth it in the long run. Not only can a professional help you achieve the aesthetic you’re looking for, but they can also ensure that the job is done correctly and efficiently, saving you time and money in the long run.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right colors for your home’s exterior can greatly enhance its curb appeal and overall aesthetic. When selecting colors, it’s important to consider your home’s style, the environment it’s in, and how to complement the primary color.
Using trim and accent colors can add depth and interest to your home’s exterior. Trim colors can highlight architectural features, create a clean look, and frame the home. Accent colors can draw attention to the front entry, add visual interest with shutters or doors, and focus on the garage door.
It’s important to balance your colors and sample them before committing to a final decision. If you’re unsure about your color choices or just want to ensure a professional-looking finish, it’s best to hire a professional painter.
By following these steps for achieving contrast and visual interest with trim and accent colors in exterior painting, you can transform your home’s exterior into a truly stunning work of art. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold colors and have fun with the process!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of choosing the right color for exterior painting?
Choosing the right color for exterior painting is crucial as it can enhance the curb appeal and value of your home.
What are the primary factors to consider when choosing colors for the exterior of homes?
The primary factors to consider when choosing colors for the exterior of homes are the home’s style, the surroundings, and the primary color.
How can I choose the right accent color for my home?
You can choose the right accent color for your home by drawing attention to important architectural features, adding visual interest with shutters, and focusing on the front door or garage door.
Why is trim color important in exterior painting?
Trim color is important in exterior painting as it can highlight architectural features, create a clean look, and frame your house.
What should I do to achieve balance in my colors?
To achieve balance in your colors, you should use a color wheel to choose complementary colors, and try to match the undertones in your primary color.
Can I sample my colors before painting my home?
Yes, you can sample your colors before painting your home to ensure that the actual color looks good on your home’s exterior.
Is it necessary to hire a professional painter for exterior painting?
It is not necessary to hire a professional painter for exterior painting, but it is recommended to ensure that your painting project is done correctly and efficiently.
What color palette should I choose for a modern-style home?
For a modern-style home, consider using a monochromatic color palette with dark neutrals or bright, bold colors.
How can I choose the right accent color for my front door?
You can choose the right accent color for your front door by selecting a color that contrasts with your primary color and best complements the surrounding environment.
What are cool and warm colors and how can I use them in exterior painting?
Cool colors are colors such as blues and greens, while warm colors are colors such as yellows, reds, and oranges. You can use these colors to create a mood or make a statement in your exterior painting project.