How To Choose Exterior Trim Colors For The House?

The color of your exterior trim can significantly impact the overall look of your house. For a bold, high-contrast look, choose colors that stand out, such as Benjamin Moore’s Creamy White. For a more subtle monochromatic look, choose a trim color just a few shades lighter than the main body color. To create balance and harmony with your home’s exterior, select a fresh paint shade, add a bright pop of color as an unexpected highlight, and consider how the home’s exterior can be both a disguise and a stand-out feature.

The hue you choose for your trim will depend on the vibe you want to create. Choose a slightly lighter or darker color similar and at least two steps away from the primary color. Avoid using body and trim colors too close in value (lightness or darkness). There are exceptions, such as white houses with white trim or historic homes painted in one color. To create a more subdued contrast, choose an exterior trim color a few shades lighter or darker than your siding color. Combining shades from different colors can help create a more inviting look.

Exterior house trim color combinations include light house-dark trim, bold pops of color, tone-on-tone, subtle design, white on brick, and deep color. In addition to switching up the color, it is important to have the trim painted as a chance to repair crackled and weathered paint. Unexpected color trim combinations and design ideas include teal and white, light green with white trim and red accents, red and white, and gray and black with gray. The best way to figure out what works for a white trim is to sample them on your house.

Should exterior house trim be lighter or darker?

Trim color can significantly impact a house’s design scheme. Painting the trim the same color as the field can create an unfinished or “wedding cake” look, while darker trim can create a “frame” effect. It’s best to keep the trim lighter than the field. Trim elements like gutters and downspouts should be painted to help them disappear into the background. The accent color adds excitement to the muted color scheme, giving life to the house and highlighting its important features.

How do I choose the right exterior trim color for my house?

To create a harmonious trim for your home, choose a slightly lighter or darker color that is at least two steps away from the primary color. Avoid using colors too close in value, as this can lead to a lack of contrast. For low contrast, use a color that stands out enough to highlight the details of your home.

To contrast the trim, use a light or dark neutral, such as white, off-white, beige, brown, gray, or black. It’s essential to find a color that harmonizes with your house’s body color, even if you choose a neutral one. For example, a creamy light gold trim will blend with a deep golden tan or an off-white toned down with yellow.

Additionally, some painters suggest adding 10-20 of your body color into a white base to create the trim paint, but this is not recommended as it’s difficult to mix up the same color a second time. Instead, have the paint store adapt the color to ensure a formula they can recreate if needed.

What color trim is in style in 2024?

Moody blues are a popular color choice for setting off natural wood trims and doors, such as maple, oak, or white oak. They provide a beautiful backdrop that allows woodwork to shine. Introducing blues in millwork details can complement warm tones in flooring and furniture, creating a stunning compliment to the space. A basement in an Activa model home in Kitchener, Ontario, features a navy basement with a contrasting white contemporary baseboard and casing.

Rich browns like Behr’s Wild Mustang are perfect for metallic hardware, such as brass or brushed gold knobs and handles. Benjamin Moore’s Bleeker Beige is a great neutral for kitchen or bathroom cabinets, with warm gray undertones giving them a sleek, modern appeal without stealing the spotlight.

What color trim is in style?

White or off-white paint is ideal for classic or traditional interiors, as it can highlight the historical or intricate qualities of the trim. White trim lightens and brightens the room, making the wall color “pop”. Pure white, also known as cool or blue white, is ideal for rooms with great natural light and pairs well with cool-toned walls. In northern climates or rooms with limited natural light, creamy whites with warm undertones are recommended.

A trend has grown in selecting dark colors for trim, even black, as it gives a room more depth and effectively frames views when used on window casings. Dark trim contrasts well with some of today’s trendiest room colors, such as soft aquas, powder blues, greens, and grays. Dark trim doesn’t have to be just dark brown or black; consider selecting a color several shades deeper than the wall color.

In addition to wall color, trim can affect the size, shape, appearance, and mood of a room. Homes built in the late 19th century and earlier typically featured intricate woodwork stained or varnished in colors ranging from mahogany to honey.

How to pick exterior trim color?

To create a harmonious trim for your home, choose a slightly lighter or darker color that is at least two steps away from the primary color. Avoid using colors too close in value, as this can lead to a lack of contrast. For low contrast, use a color that stands out enough to highlight the details of your home.

To contrast the trim, use a light or dark neutral, such as white, off-white, beige, brown, gray, or black. It’s essential to find a color that harmonizes with your house’s body color, even if you choose a neutral one. For example, a creamy light gold trim will blend with a deep golden tan or an off-white toned down with yellow.

Additionally, some painters suggest adding 10-20 of your body color into a white base to create the trim paint, but this is not recommended as it’s difficult to mix up the same color a second time. Instead, have the paint store adapt the color to ensure a formula they can recreate if needed.

Should exterior house trim be flat or satin?

Satin paint is a durable exterior finish that is resistant to mildew and mold, making it ideal for areas with damp climates. It is easier to clean than flat paint and can withstand light scrubbing without losing its sheen. Although not as effective in masking flaws as flat paint, satin paint still effectively hides minor surface imperfections on exterior walls. Proper surface preparation is crucial as satin paint highlights surface irregularities more than flat paint, and even application is essential to avoid noticeable lap marks.

How to pick a trim color for your house exterior?

To create a harmonious trim for your home, choose a slightly lighter or darker color that is at least two steps away from the primary color. Avoid using colors too close in value, as this can lead to a lack of contrast. For low contrast, use a color that stands out enough to highlight the details of your home.

To contrast the trim, use a light or dark neutral, such as white, off-white, beige, brown, gray, or black. It’s essential to find a color that harmonizes with your house’s body color, even if you choose a neutral one. For example, a creamy light gold trim will blend with a deep golden tan or an off-white toned down with yellow.

Additionally, some painters suggest adding 10-20 of your body color into a white base to create the trim paint, but this is not recommended as it’s difficult to mix up the same color a second time. Instead, have the paint store adapt the color to ensure a formula they can recreate if needed.

What is the popular exterior house color for 2024?

Choosing the right exterior paint color for your home involves considering factors such as the architectural style of your home, its surroundings, natural light sources, and personal preferences. It is also essential to consider any existing exterior features or elements that may influence the overall aesthetic. Some colors tend to complement certain architectural styles better than others, such as classic neutrals like Amazing Gray and Pure White, which are versatile and work well with traditional or modern homes, while bolder hues like Cyberspace can make a statement on contemporary or minimalist architecture.

To ensure the longevity of your chosen exterior paint color, use high-quality paints and follow proper application techniques. Regular maintenance and touch-ups of areas exposed to harsh weather conditions or wear and tear can help ensure the longevity of your exterior paint job. Natural light significantly impacts the appearance of exterior paint colors, so it is crucial to test it out in different lighting conditions before making a final decision.

The most popular colors for exterior house painting in 2024 are expected to be neutral and nature-inspired tones such as Amazing Gray, Pure White, Olympic Range, and Fawn Brindle. However, bold and vibrant hues like Cyberspace are also gaining popularity and may be a top choice for homeowners looking to make a statement with their exterior color.

These colors can also be used for interior painting, but it is essential to consider the lighting and overall aesthetic of your home when choosing a color. For example, a bold hue like Cyberspace may work well as an accent wall in a modern living room but may not be suitable for a traditional bedroom. It is always best to test out a color in different lighting conditions and consult with a professional for the best results.

The choice of exterior paint color depends on personal preference and the condition of your home. While following trends can provide an updated look, it is essential to choose a color that you love and feel comfortable living with for years to come. Test a paint color before making a final decision by purchasing small sample sizes, applying them to different areas, using online visualization tools, or consulting with a professional designer.

The best paint finish for exterior house painting depends on personal preference and the condition of your home’s exterior. Flat or matte finishes can hide imperfections but may be more susceptible to staining and require touch-ups. Gloss or semi-gloss finishes are more durable and easy to clean but can highlight surface imperfections. It is crucial to consider the pros and cons of each finish and consult with a professional for the best recommendation for your specific home.

When choosing exterior paint colors, consider incorporating different textures and materials, such as stone accents or wood detailing, to add depth and visual interest to your exterior. A cohesive color palette that ties everything together and creates a cohesive look is key. Navy blue or light blue can be excellent choices for a bold exterior color, especially when paired with white trim and accents.

These colors are versatile and can work well on various styles of homes, from traditional to modern. However, it is essential to test out different shades of these colors before making a final decision.

Ultimately, it is about finding the right balance and choosing a color that reflects your personal style and style. Don’t be afraid to take a risk and go for a bold exterior color like navy or light blue!

Should I paint the trim around my front door the same color as the door?

Painting exterior doors and trim the same color is common, especially with white doors. However, contrasting colors can add visual interest to the entry point, making the door appear more distinct. This can also create depth and dimension when the door and trim are two different colors. Matching exterior door trim with window trim can create color consistency and tie the outward facade together. While there is no universal rule for exterior trim matching, matching can make a design sense and appear well-thought-out.

For example, a charcoal gray trim around a white door can create a consistent, attractive look. The colors chosen for the trim surrounding doors and windows highlight home features and can create a more appealing finish. While there are no hard-and-fast rules for color options or whether trim around windows and doors should match, matching colors can create a more appealing look.

Should exterior trim be the same color as house?

Trim in exterior home design offers a protective barrier and design opportunity. It can be painted the same color as the house or a different one to create contrast. Fascia, the board covering the edge of an overhang, includes the roof’s eaves and connects to the soffit, an angled covering that connects the fascia to the home’s facade. Fascia presents a design opportunity by allowing it to stand out and become a focal point.

Painting the fascia a different color than the siding allows it to stand out and become more noticeable. This is an excellent choice for decorative fascia that you want people to notice. Alternatively, you can have the fascia the same color as your house and trim for a seamless look.