paint

How to choose exterior paint colors using Sherwin Williams paints

Choosing exterior paint color may feel overwhelming because of the size and the cost of the project. The right color palette will create a curb appeal and help in selling the house in the future.

exterior paint color sherwin williams

Published December 15, 2022 · words and photographs by Tatyana

Choosing exterior paint color may feel overwhelming because of the size and the cost of the project.  The right color palette will create a curb appeal and help in selling the house in the future. In this post, we will break down the process and make suggestions based on your region

Exterior paint using Sherwin-Williams paint 

Sherwin-Williams is a good quality paint that holds well under elements and is a go-to paint for professionals.  Sherwin-Williams offers many beautiful color choices, so let’s look at some of the color combinations and how to create a palette that will work for your home. 

exterior paint colors using Sherwin Williams

Factors to consider when choosing exterior paint color palette 

When choosing paint colors for your home, consider the roof color, the window color, the overall style of your home, homeowners association rules as well as the geographical location of your home.

The exterior paint color that works with the roof color

The roof color needs to be considered when choosing a paint color.  If your roof shingles are black or dark, the paint color choices are pretty much limitless, however, if your roof is light brown, light gray, or another unusual color, this will affect the overall exterior paint scheme. 

Window color and exterior paint

Another factor to consider when choosing exterior paint is the window color.  You want your exterior color palette to complement your window color, instead of making them look tired and worn. 

beige home color palette, yellow entry door Sherwin Williams

The style of your home and the exterior paint color

When choosing a paint color for your home consider the style of your home and what colors are used with that style and stay within those guidelines.  For example, a modern farmhouse exterior is known for white paint color and dark accent colors (for example trim).  Knowing that you can design around your favorite white color. 

exterior paint colors using Sherwin Williams

HOA guidelines on exterior paint color

Some HOAs have very strict guidelines, with specific colors that are allowed, while others offer general color guidelines.  Make sure you check with your HOA.

Exterior paint colors based on the geographic location of your home 

Consider the geographic location of your home when choosing the paint color.  The houses located in the desert or beach will look better with toned-down colors, while a rainy pacific northwest and colder climates call for brighter and darker colors.   

For example, below is the color palette I created. It is perfect for coastal beach houses.

coastal exterior home palette, shewin wiliams

Exterior color ideas

After you consider the above factors, you are ready to choose the exterior paint colors for your home.  

You will need to create a paint palette that will include: the main color, trim color, front door and garage door color, and an accent color if applicable.

How to choose exterior paint colors

The house before the remodel, in a phone photograph: grey siding, dark red shutters and white garage doors

Start with the main color: consider do you want your house to be dark or light.  For light main colors, popular color options are beige, blue-gray, white, or gray paint colors.  Once you choose the main color you are ready to choose the trim color and the accent color.  

exterior paint colors sherwin williams, blue entry door

How to choose exterior trim and accent color

The trim can be a few tones darker or lighter or you can go completely opposite, that will depend on the effect you are trying to achieve.   Some of the popular dark accent colors are SW Tricorn Black,  SW Urbane Bronze, and SW Sealskin

How to choose the entry door and garage door color

You can do a bold color on the entry door, but make sure that it works with the rest of your color palette.  Also, don’t forget your garage door and paint it for an elevated look. 

exterior paint colors using Sherwin Williams

This color palette is similar to what’s shown in the picture, with beige main color, dark garage doors, and a dark green front door.

sherwin wiliams exterior paint colors, green door, black garage door

Conclusion

I’ve shared what to consider and how to choose exterior paint colors for your home.  If you still need help,  I can create a custom color palette for your home.  

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