Your home’s exterior is the first thing people see, and while its main job is to protect what’s inside your home and withstand harsh weather conditions, shouldn’t it also look beautiful? We want you to feel a sense of pride as your approach your home, so if your exterior could use a little touch-up or you’re feeling tired of the current color, it might be time to change it up! A fresh coat of paint is one of the most dramatic ways you can level up your curb appeal.
As summer draws to a close, we’re heading into the perfect time of year to tackle an exterior painting project. Early fall is whenwe recommend you paint your exterior because of the consistent temperatures and low humidity. These factors mean that your paint will dry consistently and won’t clump. Plus, you won’t suffer from heat exhaustion or need to wear your puffy winter coat (we should remind you that we don’t advise painting outside when the temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit).
If you’re a skilled DIYer and want to take on this exterior painting project on your own (kudos to you!), then you might want to check outBenjamin Moore’s blog for all the tips you’ll need along with step-by-step instructions.
But first, you’ll need to find the perfect colors that complement your home and showcase your personality. That’s where these exterior color recommendations from our color consultants will come in handy!
This Year’s Hottest Exterior Paint Colors
Contrast is all the rage right now in exterior color selections. Whether you’re aiming for the classic white farmhouse chic look or want something darker like a deep charcoal gray, homeowners are finding themselves on opposing ends of the color spectrum.
From light and bright to dark and bold, you can bet there’s a Benjamin Moore paint color that will strike your taste and step up your curb appeal. Here are some of the colors that are flying off the shelves right now.
If white is your obsession,White Dove OC-17 will give you a classic white body color, and it’s also great for trim.Simply White OC-117 is one of the top colors this year for a bit of warmth that is still light and bright. For something softer and creamier, considerSwiss Coffee OC-45 as your exterior paint color.
If you’re looking for something darker,Kendall Charcoal HC-166 is a classically rich charcoal with earth tones that work well with stone or brick.Wrought Iron 2124-10 is almost black, and we see this used for trim, windows, and front doors for a bold elegance or a little pop of contrast on an already light home.
Light, dark, and everything in between, yourlocal JC Licht store has custom color combinations available in thousands of Benjamin Moore colors. If you can dream it, we can make it happen.
Exterior Color Trends and Combinations We Love
Whatever you choose for your home’s exterior color, what you pair it with can draw attention to elements you want to emphasize or minimize elements you’re not such a fan of. There are so many color combinations out there, but here’s what we love right now.
Soft blues and greens are trending as accent colors on both the interior and exterior this year. This little pop of color can make a big impact from doors to shutters, especially with a white or off-white home. Check out theBenjamin Moore Color Trends 2021 Palette for some of the top blues and greens we see this year (and inspiration for other trendy colors). Deep blue-grays or slate colors are all very “in” right now. Look atGray Shower 2125-30 orAshland Slate 1608 for an elegant yet bold accent color.
The new kid on the block is that sleek black look on the exterior, and for those daring enough to do it, it can pay off big! It’s certainly eye-catching and can turn an outdated home into one that looks like the latest contemporary in the neighborhood. TryBlack 2132-10 for a deep hue orBlack Beauty 2128-10 for a softer black. Adding elements of wood tones or staining shutters, posts and porch railings, can help to give black some added warmth and character.
When you’re thinking about color combinations for your siding, doors, trim, or shutters, consider those high-contrast color combinations that are popular and stylish right now. Colors like white and black are timeless trends that are here to stay a while. Whether you choose light or dark for the body of your home’s exterior, look to pair it with colors that will create contrast from the light and dark spectrum on doors, trim, and shutters to create that striking curb appeal that will turn heads throughout the neighborhood.
If you want some advice on color trends and contrasting color combos for your home’s exterior, stop into yourlocal JC Licht. You can also schedule anat-home color consultation where our experts will help guide you towards that stunning curb appeal you’ve always wanted.
Choosing the Right Color for Your Home
You need to consider so many factors when you’re thinking about exterior colors for your home. The sun exposure, existing elements, and architectural style of your home will affect how your color looks once applied to the exterior.
Existing elements like brick or stone can determine what colors will look best because you’ll need to find options that match. If you want to eliminate or minimize those tricky colors or undertones, you can limewash or paint over them.Check out our blog on painting brick to see what we’re talking about.
If there are other homes in your neighborhood with a similar style, check them out to see what you like and don’t like. You can get so much information from a little drive around your area.
Remember that colors appear differently based on the amount of direct sunlight or shade the home is exposed to each day. Always test your colors before you commit to one, and it’s very important that you try them outside!
Pro Tip: Indoor light is very different than natural light outside. If you’re painting your exterior, take the color outside and test it to see how it will appear on your home.
Paint That Will Withstand the Elements
When you’re starting an exterior painting project, the quality of your paint matters. The paint you choose needs to stand up to elements like heavy rain, snow, and hail throughout the year, without molding or fading from the sun exposure. That’s why UV resistance, which prevents fade, is one of the main benefits that separate the quality of one paint from another.
Most acrylic or latex paints will work whether your home has wood siding, brick, fiber cement, stucco, or EIFS (Engineered Insulation Finishing System). Benjamin Moore carries high-quality paint options that are perfect for your exterior painting project.Benjamin Moore Aura® Exterior Paint andBenjamin Moore Regal® Select Hi-Build are acrylic (or latex) paints that resist the sun’s rays and are highly compatible with the siding types mentioned above. They also carry great expansion and contraction characteristics so that they won’t change based on the weather.
Visit one of JC Licht’s 47 locations to get all the high-quality paint you need that will stand up for years to come. Along with superior products and supplies, you’ll also get expert advice and all the support you need to get the exterior color combinations your home has been begging for.
If you’re not ready to take on a painting project of this magnitude, consider some smaller projects that can instantly upgrade your curb appeal…likepainting your front door orstaining your deck.
We love to see Benjamin Moore paint in action! Share your exterior with us onsocial media by tagging @JCLicht.
