Title: Avoid These Paint Colors for Your Home Exterior
Key Points to Remember:
– Avoid using stark white, cold gray, and pastels for your home exterior as they can make your home feel sterile, lifeless, or out of place.
– Be cautious of choosing unnatural shades and excessive color blocking that clash with the surroundings.
– Steer clear of copying a neighbor’s color or opting for overly bold shades that disrupt the neighborhood’s aesthetic.
When painting the exterior of your home, consider the impact on both yourself and your neighbors. While it’s essential to choose a color that resonates with you, be mindful that others may have opinions. Here are the paint colors that interior designers recommend avoiding:
Expert Insights:
– Debbie Mathews LeRoy from Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs in Nashville, Tennessee emphasizes that stark white may appear blinding in sunlight and lacks depth. Opt for a creamier white that complements the landscaping and hides dirt better.
– Cheynne Ely of Cheyenne Paige Interiors in The Woodlands, Texas cautions against using cold gray, suggesting a warmer gray with earthy undertones for a modern yet inviting look.
– Pastel colors like robin’s egg blue or pale mint may work in specific settings but could appear out of place in traditional neighborhoods, according to Ely. Consider soft French blue or dusty blush for a more timeless appeal.
– Jamie Gernert of WYC Designs in Winter Park, Florida discourages copying a neighbor’s color choice to maintain a unique aesthetic within the neighborhood.
Additionally, Debbie Mathews LeRoy advises against using unnatural shades like navy blue, bright yellow, black, and red that may clash with the natural surroundings. Opt for colors that complement the landscape for a harmonious look.
“Colors can become unappealing and out of style over time.” This doesn’t mean you have to completely avoid all shades— for instance, if you have a preference for yellow, Ely suggests opting for a warm ochre or light honey tone.
The issue with color schemes lies not in using a single color, but in incorporating a variety of colors. Gernet advises focusing on a main body color and possibly an accent color for the siding or trim. When each side of the house features a different color, it can create inconsistency and detract from the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood. While there are numerous ways to enhance the exterior with vibrancy and interest—such as through the use of flowers—color blocking is not recommended.
