Your exterior is the first thing neighbors, guests and buyers see. The right colors make a home look cohesive, well kept and inviting; the wrong ones can clash with the roof or brick and make even a beautiful house look off. Unlike interior colors, exterior colors have to work with materials you cannot easily change. Here is how to choose paint colors that match your home’s exterior.
Start with the fixed elements
Roof shingles, brick, stone, concrete driveways and stone accents set the palette. Look closely at their undertones. A roof may be brown, gray, black or slightly red or green. Brick may lean orange, red, pink or brown. Pull one or two colors from these elements, and your paint choices will look intentional instead of random.
Consider your home’s style
Architecture suggests a palette. Traditional and colonial homes look classic in white, cream, gray or muted blue with dark shutters. Ranch homes, common across Dallas–Fort Worth, suit warm neutrals, greige and earthy greens. Modern homes look sharp in white, charcoal and black. Craftsman homes shine in earthy greens, browns and warm creams. Mediterranean and Spanish-style homes look right in warm whites, sand and terracotta.
Use a three-color scheme
Most homes look best with three colors:
- Field color: the main siding color, covering the largest area.
- Trim color: for fascia, window and door trim and corner boards, usually lighter or darker than the field.
- Accent color: for the front door, shutters and small details, where you can be bolder.
Look at the neighborhood
Your home should stand out a little, not clash. Drive around and note which colors look good on homes like yours. Check HOA guidelines too; many DFW neighborhoods require approval for exterior color changes.
Painting brick and stone
Painted brick has become very popular, especially in white and soft gray, and it can modernize an older home. It is a long-term decision, since painted brick is very hard to return to natural. Brick needs a breathable masonry paint and proper cleaning first. If you are keeping brick natural, choose siding and trim colors that complement its undertone.
Test colors in Texas light
Exterior colors look much lighter and brighter in strong sun than on a chip. Paint large samples on several sides of the house and view them morning, noon and evening. Many homeowners pick a shade or two darker than they first think. Our guide on how to test paint colors before committing explains the process.
Think about heat and durability
In North Texas, lighter colors reflect heat and fade less, while dark colors absorb heat and show fading sooner, especially on west-facing walls. Use a premium 100% acrylic exterior paint for color retention. Learn more in how long will your new paint job last?.
Prep before you paint
Even perfect colors fail on poorly prepared surfaces. Exterior painting starts with power washing, scraping, repairs, caulking and priming. Our checklist of things you need to do before painting your exterior covers every step. If you are not sure your home is due, see the signs your home needs a fresh coat of paint.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose exterior colors that go with my roof?
Identify the roof’s undertone and choose siding colors that share or complement it. Gray roofs suit cool tones; brown roofs suit warm tones.
What exterior color makes a house look bigger?
Light colors such as white, cream and light gray make a house look larger, especially with matching trim.
What is the most popular exterior color in Texas?
White, greige and warm grays are among the most popular, often with black or charcoal accents.
Should trim be lighter or darker than siding?
Either works. Light trim on darker siding is classic; dark trim on light siding looks modern.
What color should the front door be?
The front door is the best place for an accent color. Black, navy, deep green and red are classic choices that stand out against light siding.
Get help choosing exterior colors
Ssay Painting and Remodeling offers color consultation and complete exterior painting across Dallas–Fort Worth. Request a free quote or call (214)-317-6275.
Keep reading
- Things You Need to Do Before Painting Your Exterior
- 6 Signs Your Home Needs a Fresh Coat of Paint
- Why Professional Painting Services Are Worth It
- How Long Will Your New Paint Job Last?
