Exterior Paint Colors

Melanie,
If you were going to paint the exterior of your home, what colors would you paint it if it had red brick up half way up.    It also has front shutters.  I have noticed many have a different color on the wall, trim and shutters. It is a one story house with a black roof.  I like a traditional look but an open to something a little more jazzy.....

This lake house has a lot of character to consider when choosing paint colors. The trim work can add a lot of charm to this home when painted with a great combination of colors. You mentioned you like traditional look. This home has a slight Tudor look with the trim work above the windows. Not being a true Tudor home you can add the character  by painting the exterior in a Tudor look. Tudor homes typically have a white or beige background with a darker trim. For example....

Your home being smaller and not having quiet the elaborate trim work, It would be best to use a softer color pallet. This will make the exterior look inviting. Look how inviting the house below looks by using a soft brown/beige background color. For example....

This look can be accomplished by using these Sherwin-Williams colors I selected.





Sherwin-Williams SW6394 Sequin

 



Sherwin-Williams SW6110 Steady Brown



Okay, ready to get Jazzy! The color scheme I selected will really help to pop your house out of its neutral wooded surroundings. These colors will give you fresh look to an older home.

Sherwin-Williams SW6178 Clay Sage



Sherwin-Williams SW6203 Spare White



Here is an idea of what this color sceme will look like.





I hope this helps! (Keep in mind the colors shown here are not an exact of the swatch. You can find these colors at any local Sherwin-Williams and see the true color hues.) Send me pictures once you have selected colors and painted. 

Here are a few tips by Jackie Craven on how to pick exterior paint colors. 

Your house is your canvas. Here's how to choose paint colors that will bring out its beauty and character.

Time Required: At least 2-3 weeks

Here's How:

1. Begin with colors suggested by your roof and masonry.
2. Consider the color schemes used inside your home. Exterior colors should harmonize with the interior.
3. Don't clash with your neighbors! Choose colors that coordinate with the buildings around you.
4. Large surfaces make paint look lighter. Consider selecting darker shades.
5. Remember that very bright or very deep colors will fade.
6. To emphasize architectural details, outline them with an accent color that contrasts with the background.
7. Use darker colors to emphasize shadows and lighter colors to show projections.
8. Avoid extreme contrasts. Choose colors that are related.
9. Study color samples outside, but never in direct sunlight. Bright sun will distort the color.
10. Photocopy a sketch or photograph of your house. Use watercolors or colored pencils to try color combinations.
11. Before buying large quantities of paint, buy quarts of your selected colors and paint one area of your house.
12. Take your time... be creative... and have fun!

Tips:

1. The simpler your house, the fewer colors you'll need. For an elaborate Victorian, plan to use four to six colors.
2. Light colors will make your house seem larger. Dark colors or bands of trim will make your house seem smaller, but will draw more attention to details.
3. For some accents, consider using darker or lighter shades instead of changing color.